Hello Friends,
On route to Villupuram, in the city of Pannayapuram on the Mundiyampakkam Road there lies an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is easily 2000 years old and Lord Shiva in this temple is a swamyambu lingam. The place is filled with palm trees and hence the name, as panangaadu translates to palm forest. The beauty of the temple and one of the most important aspects is that, in the month of April (Chithirai) the sun’s rays fall on the swayambu lingam and moves to the godesses’ sanctum.
The temple is fairly large and peaceful. History has it that this is the temple where the Sun God worshipped Lord Shiva, the king Sibi gave a part of his flesh as a compensation to the pigeon who was hurt. And also the king Rajendra Chozha has had a significant part to play in the establishment of the temple. This temple is known to cure many eye-related diseases and has been a go-to place for many patients suffering from vision problems.
Sathyabigai is the name of presiding deity and there is nothing fancy about the temple. But it is so steeped in tradition and exudes a spiritual atmosphere. Except for a few locals, there was not much of a crowd. The pujari of the temple was warm and welcoming and gave us all the information related to the temple.
An outside view of the temple
A view of the gopuram of the temple
Archaic statues adorn the temple
Interesting facts about the temple
Sunlight pouring into the temple
With the Nandhi statue
Timings:
6:00 am to 11:00 am
4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Address:
Arulmigu Panangaateeswarar Thirukoil,
Panayapuram, 605603
Phone: 99420 56781
Useful Links
http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=968
Cheers
Bhuvana Rajaram
