10 Sirkazhi Temples: Divine Heritages And Their Legends

A distant view of a South Indian temple whose outer structure has intricate carvings.

Sirkazhi temples are renowned for their ancient roots and spiritual significance.
They stand as a significant pilgrimage site embodying the rich cultural and religious heritage of Tamil Nadu. One of the most famous temples here is the Sattainathar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his various forms. The temples in Sirkazhi are admired for their stunning Dravidian-style architecture and legendary stories, along with their intricate designs and historical prominence. It attracts devotees from all corners of the country, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers.

10 Sirkazhi Temples And Around

Here is a list of 10 Sirkazhi temples in its nearby region, where you can offer prayers and seek blessings from numerous deities.

1. Sattainathar Temple

Offer prayers at the quaint Sattainathar Tempe which houses three shrines of Lord Shiva.

Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Sattainathar Temple is known by various names, such as Thoniappar and Brahmmapureeshwarar. It is one of the most prominent among the temples in Sirkazhi . The temple complex houses three shrines of Lord Shiva in different forms, which are placed on three different stories or floors. On the first level, Lord Shiva is presented in his Brahmapureeswarar form, and on the second level, he is placed in his Periyanakar form on a Thoni, due to which the shrine is known as Thoniappar. The Sattainathar Temple is among the Paadal Petra Sthalams, which are dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM

2. Sapthapureeswarar Temple

A vibrantly coloured temple with stone carvings around which other structures are present.

Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Sapthapureeswarar Temple is also known as Oosai Nayaki Amman Udanurai Thalapuriswarar Temple. Among the several temples in Sirkazhi, this temple is located near the Sai Bhabha Temple. It is believed that the Sapthapureeswarar Temple was constructed around the 7th century CE and is considered one of the Tevara Sthalams. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Sapthapureeswarar (a form of Lord Shiva) and his consort Goddess Oosai Kodutha Nayaki. It is believed that the famous poet and saint of the 7th century CE, Saint Sambandar, obtained a musical instrument here, which was a golden cymbal.

Timings: 7:30 AM – 11 PM and 4:30 PM – 8 PM

3. Sayavaneswarar Temple

A temple that has stunning architecture and there are a few people present around it.

Photo: Chandan Parihar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

The Chaayaavaneswarar Temple, also known as Sayavaneswarar Temple, is located in a village, Thirusaikkadu. The temple was constructed by the Chola rulers and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said that there is a description of the Sayavaneswarar Temple in the songs sung by Saivite Nayanmars, who were worshippers of Lord Shiva. The Saivite Nayanmars were known to be influential due to their work and devotion during the 6th to 8th centuries CE. It is said that if you visit the Sayavaneswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu, it will be equivalent to visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.

Timings: 7 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 7:30 PM

4. Sai Bhabha Temple

A distant view of a white-coloured temple is showcased located on the side of a road.

Photo: B.K.Viswanadh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Sai Bhabha Temple of Sirkazhi, or Sirkali, is dedicated to Sai Baba. He is known for teaching self-realisation and was deeply admired by his devotees during and after his life cycle’s completion. He taught devotees about negligence towards the love of perishable things and taught them lessons about forgiveness, love, and contentment. The Sai Bhabha Temple contains an idol of Sai Baba, which is made up of white marble and is in sitting form. Devotees believe that by seeking the blessing of the Sai Baba, one finds inner peace and his or her problems get resolved.

Timings: A9 M – 9:25 PM

5. Thadalan Temple

 An outside view of a temple showcasing the carved sculptures on its outer surface.

Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons

The Thadalan Temple is among the 108 Divya Desam Temples and is constructed in Dravidian style. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Trivikrama form alongside his consort, Goddess Loganayagi. There is a legend related to this temple that Lord Brahma started to praise himself extravagantly because he had an everlasting life. Due to this, Sage Romas performed penance to ask Lord Trivikrama to reduce the life span of Lord Brahma. Lord Vishnu, in his Trivikrama form, showed up and blessed the sage with a boon.

Timings: 7:30 AM – 11:30 PM and 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM

6. Pallavaneswarar Temple

An outside view of one of the Sirkazhi temples which is painted with various colours.

Photo: Rajsuchi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Pallavaneswarar Temple is a famous Hindu temple that is located in the district of Mayiladuthurai. The temple is situated at the birthplace of Saint Pattinathar, who was known as Saivite around the 10th century CE. The Pallavaneswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the form of Lord Pallavaneswarar and his consort goddess Soundaryanayaki. The temple is among the two hundred and seventy-five Paadal Petra Sthalams, which were glorified in Tevaram poems. The structure of the temple is stunning and contains a raja gopura, in front of which there is the temple’s tank.

Timings: 6:30 AM – 12 PM and 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM

7. Nagannathaswamy Temple

Behind the palm tree leaves, one of the Sirkazhi temples with an astonishing outer structure.

Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Nagannathaswamy Temple is also known as Kethu Sthalam and is located in Keelaperumpallam village. This Hindu temple is dedicated to God Ketu, a shadow planet, along with the Naganatha Swamy, a form of Lord Shiva. There are four daily rituals that take place in the temple at different times, between 6 AM and 8:30 PM. It has two prakarams that surround the temple’s rajagopuram, which is flat in shape. The temple is known to have been built by the joint contribution of the Cholas and the Nayaks over the centuries.

Timings: 6 AM – 12:45 PM and 3:30 PM – 8:30 PM

8. Thiruppaarththanpalli Temple

Inside view of one of the Sirkazhi temples that has tranquil surroundings and vibrant colours.

Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Thiruppaarththanpalli Temple is also called Taamaraiyaal Kelvan Perumal Temple and is located in Thirunangur village. The temple’s presiding deity is Hindu Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here in his Taamariyaal Kelvan form alongside his consort goddess Lakshmi in her Shegamalavalli form. The Thiruppaarththanpalli Temple is known to be built in Dravidian style and was mentioned in the scriptures written by Alvar saints around the 6th to 9th centuries CE. The temple is known to be one of the one hundred and eight Divya Desams. It is believed that Arjuna from the Hindu mythology of Mahabharatha dug the temple’s tank.

Timings: 8 AM – 10 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM

9. Swetharanyeswarar Temple

An outside view of one of the Sirkazhi temples that has Dravidian-style architecture.

Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Swetharanyeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Swetharanyeswarar and is located in Thiruvenkadu. He is worshipped alongside his consort goddess, Parvati, in her Brahmavidyambigai form. There is a legend that the temple was constructed at the same place where Lord Shiva killed Maruthuvasuran in his Agora murthi form. It is believed that Maruthuvasuran had special powers and was blessed by the Lord Brahma. However, as soon as he got powers, he started misusing them for torturing innocent people. To stop him from continuing these sins, Lord Shiva incarnated as Agora Murthi.

Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM

10. Thiruthetriyambalam Temple

A distant view of one of the Sirkazhi temples that has intricate carvings and sculptures.

Photo: Thamizhpparithi Maari / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Thiruthetriyambalam Temple is located in a small village, Tirunangur, and is among the one hundred and eight Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Here, the presiding deity is Palli Konda Perumal, a form of Lord Vishnu, along with his consort goddess Sengamalavalli. There is a legend that when Lord Shiva started performing tandav, all deities went to Lord Vishnu to ask for help. When Lord Shiva saw Lord Vishnu, his anger reduced, and he asked him to present himself in eleven forms just like him. At the request of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu presented himself in eleven forms.

Timings: 6 AM – 11:30 PM and 5 PM – 8:30 PM

Sirkazhi temples are a testament to the region’s rich spiritual and architectural legacy, making them a must-see for anyone interested in Tamil Nadu’s religious landmarks. From the historic Bhramapureeswarar Temple to the Sapthapureeswarar Temple, each one of them offers a unique experience and showcases its stunning architecture. Plan a trip with TripXL to immerse yourself in the sacred beauty of these ancient temples.

Cover Photo: Krishna Kumar / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

October to June are known to be the best months to visit the temples in Sirkazhi. Around this time, many festivals were held at the temples, and the humidity is low.
Many festivals are held at the temples in Sarkazhi, one of which is the Chithirai Tiruvadhirai festival, which is celebrated between April and May at the Sattainathar temple.
Some of the hotels that are located near the temples in Sirkazhi are Clarks Inn Express, Rajamselva Hotel, and Chola Inn.
Yes, almost near each of the temples in Sirkazhi, there are parking spaces available for visitors.
Puducherry Airport is the nearest airport to the temples Sirkazhi. It is located at a distance of around 90 kilometres.

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