About Sattainathar Temple
Sattainathar Temple is a Hindu Shiva temple located in Sirkazhi, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Sattainathar and Goddess Periyanayaki, it is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams praised in Tevaram hymns. The temple features three-tiered shrines representing different manifestations of Shiva and Dravidian architecture with gopurams, mandapas and temple tanks. It is closely associated with the child saint Thirugnana Sambandar.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a large Dravidian temple complex in the centre of Sirkazhi with towering gopurams, pillared mandapas, and three levels of shrines dedicated to Shiva as Brahmapureeswarar at the lower level, Thoniappar in the middle, and Sattainathar at the top. The complex includes shrines for Goddess Periyanayaki, shrines for Sambandar, a temple tank, and sculpted corridors. Visitors can observe daily pujas, view stone inscriptions and architecture, and explore the spacious courtyards.
Key highlights
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One of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams revered in Tevaram hymns by Thirugnana Sambandar and Appar
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Unique three-tier temple architecture with shrines at different levels representing Shiva as Brahmapureeswarar, Thoniappar and Sattainathar
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Association with child saint Thirugnana Sambandar who is believed to have been fed with divine milk here
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Dravidian architecture with gopurams, pillared halls, sculptures and inscriptions from the Chola period
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Separate shrine for Goddess Periyanayaki and sacred temple tank within the complex
History of Sattainathar Temple
The temple is an ancient Shiva temple with origins linked to the Chola period and later contributions from subsequent dynasties. It is mentioned in 7th-century Tevaram hymns and is associated with the legend of Shiva as Thoniappar carrying the Vedas as a boat during the deluge. The three-level structure symbolizes different cosmic levels and preserves Chola-era inscriptions, sculptures and architectural elements.
Culture & Context
The temple is the 14th Paadal Petra Sthalam in Chola Nadu and is highly revered in Shaivism. It is the birthplace of Thirugnana Sambandar, one of the four Tamil Saivite saints (Nayanmars), and is one of the few temples where Shiva is worshipped in three forms within the same complex. The annual Brahmmotsavam and Sambandar Guru Puja are major religious observances attracting devotees.