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Thirukadaiyur Temple is a revered Hindu temple of Tamil Nadu. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Amritaghateswarar, and Goddess Abirami. Shastiapthapoorthi is celebrated with great vibrance at the temple. It is a 60th birthday celebration, considered a milestone in Tamil culture in India. This place has a deep connection with Hindu mythology. This place guarantees a great spiritual trip with your loved ones. One can participate in the ceremonies and rituals at the temple to pray and seek blessings for long life, health and good fortune.
Thirukadaiyur Temple Location
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Thirukadaiyur Temple address lies in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, India. This place is just 21 kilometres from the town of Mayiladuthurai and around 300 kilometres south of Chennai, making it a popular temple for a spiritual trip to the region. It is a revered temple in the region which is also popular for its stunning landscape. This place has numerous attractions close to it, making it a great place for visitors.
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How To Reach Thirukadaiyur Temple
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The Thirukadaiyur Temple, Tamil Nadu can be reached by road, train, and air.
By Road: You can start from Chennai and proceed towards NH36 via Cuddalore and Chidambaram towards Mayiladuthurai. After a short drive through the local road, you will reach Thirukadaiyur. Regular buses and shared taxis are available too.
By Train: The nearest train station is Mayiladuthurai Junction which is about 21 km away from the temple. Once you arrive, you can hire a taxi or a local bus to Thirukadaiyur. It will take about 30 to 40 minutes. From here, you can follow the local directions to reach the temple.
By Air: To reach the temple via air, you will have to reach Tiruchirappalli International Airport. It is about 150 km away and can be reached with all major airlines like Air India, and Vistara, and further help you reach the temple.
Places To Visit Near Thirukadaiyur Temple
After exploring the temple, discover some of the best places to visit near Thirukadaiyur Temple and appreciate the beauty of the place.
1. Vaitheeswaran Koil
Vaitheeswaran Koil is one of the popular Thirukadaiyur tourist places. About 27 km from Thirukadaiyur, it is a mesmerising temple to visit and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is dedicated to Vaitheeswaran, a deity known to cure ailments upon visit. It is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu with family, especially for devotees who are seeking health and wellness. You can visit this place, offer prayers, and absorb the natural landscape offering serenity around it.
Things To Do: Seek blessings, nature walk, Interact with locals, pray and meditate
Distance From The Temple: 27 km
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2. Mayiladuthurai
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This is an important cultural and religious hub in Tamil Nadu, India. This place has several ancient temples to visit, making it an attractive place for pilgrims. It has immense scenic beauty around it. This town has a rich historical background with renowned dynasties like Chola and Pandyas. It is located on the bank of Kaveri River with great opportunities for leisure activities. It is well-connected by road and rail and has a spiritual ambience for those interested in exploration.
Things To Do: Boat ride, photography, sample local food
Distance From The Temple: 21 km
3. Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
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This is a popular Hindu temple and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is dedicated to the Lord of Dance, Nataraja. It has Dravidian architectural elements with intricate carvings. The golden roof is a distinctive feature of this temple adorned with beautiful design. There are five Sabas, halls which represent varied aspects of the Divine dance. Festivals like Mahashivratri are celebrated with great vibrance in this temple. This has been a site of worship for centuries and is well-connected to the major cities of Tamil Nadu.
Things To Do: Pray and meditate, nature walk
Distance From The Temple: 52 km
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4. Sirkazhi
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Sirkazhi is a town located in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India. It has spiritual importance along with great culture and history. It has several ancient temples like Shri Divyanka Perumal Temple and Brahmapureeswarar Temple. The town has great connection with Tamil literature as it is Home to Tamil poet and Saint Manikkavacakar. It is a place with spiritual importance as festivals and religious observances are celebrated with great vigour. There are annual festivals organised which draw massive crowds of devotees and visitors to this place.
Things To Do: Explore scenic surroundings, photography
Distance From The Temple: 40 km
5. Nagore Dargah
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This is a famous Dargah which is dedicated to famous saint Hazrat Shahul Hameed. He was a holy man and miracle worker with great contributions. This place has a beautiful structure with large courtyards and intricate carvings. The tomb which is the main centre of the Dargah attracts several visitors. The visitors pray and perform daily rituals at this place. The Dargah hosts an annual festival which is celebrated for several days. This is a place which is about 10 km away from Nagapattinam and has nearby attractions like Kuthanur.
Things To Do: Pray, participate in rituals, exploration
Distance From The Temple: 50 km
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Things To Do Near Thirukadaiyur Temple
Step out of the temple and indulge in some of the local experiences. Explore some of the best things to do in and around Thirukadaiyur Temple.
1. Walk Along The Temple Tank
Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikipedia
The temple tank in Thirukadaiyur offers a pocket of calm beside the busy shrine. As gopurams ripple across the still surface, the steps become a breezy perch to sit, breathe, and watch daily life glide by. Lamps flicker at dusk, priests chant in the distance, and children feed fish near the ghats. Walking slowly around the tank is one of the best things to do in Thirukadaiyur for relaxation. It’s a simple, grounding experience that balances devotion with quiet, restorative moments. Wake early to catch the first light on water; after sunset, diyas drift like stars, turning the tank into a quiet theatre.
Best Time To Visit: Sunrise or after sunset
2. Evening Street Exploration
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When evening arrives, the streets around the Thirukadaiyur temple bloom with colour and chatter. Florists thread jasmine, brassware glints under warm bulbs, and skillets hiss with bajjis, vadas, and sweet tea. Wander without hurry: sample snacks, pick small souvenirs, and trade smiles with shopkeepers. Watch devotees assemble pooja trays and families bargaining, while incense and spice mingle in the air. It’s an easy, human way to understand the town’s rhythm and the devotion that powers it.
Best For: Souvenirs and street snacks
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3. Photography Of Gopurams And Carvings
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For photographers, Thirukadaiyur’s gopurams are layered stories told in stone and paint. Sculpted deities, guardians, and floral borders stack into graphic patterns that reward patient framing. Use corridors as leading lines, crouch for low angles, and silhouette figures against the morning sky. Golden hour warms the palette; overcast days soften shadows to reveal detail. Even a phone camera works with steady hands and thoughtful composition. Pack a microfiber cloth, step aside for processions, and thank attendants—courtesy opens doors, and often, better angles. Explore temple courtyards slowly, noting repeating motifs that make satisfying, symmetrical frames.
Best Time To Visit: Golden hour (sunrise/sunset)
4. Attend The Shashtiabdapoorthi
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Thirukadaiyur Temple is renowned for hosting the sacred 60th birthday ceremony, known as Shashtiabdapoorthi, where couples or individuals celebrate longevity and seek divine blessings. This ritual is deeply rooted in Tamil traditions, symbolising the completion of 60 years and the beginning of a new life phase with renewed health and prosperity. Witnessing or participating in this ceremony at the temple is one of the best things to do in Thirukadaiyur, adding a spiritual dimension to your visit.
Best Time To Visit: October to March (for pleasant weather)
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5. Enjoy A Traditional Meal At A Local Dhaba
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After darshan at the Thirukadaiyur Temple, settle into a no-frills local mess for a banana-leaf feast. Servers parade past with ladles of sambar, rasam, kootu, poriyal, pachadi, and steaming rice; crisp appalams add joyful crunch. Ask for a dab of ghee, end with cool curd, and stroll to a nearby stall for strong filter coffee. Flavours are homely and generous, prices are gentle, and refills are common. Good food and kind hospitality are part of the blessing here.
Best Time To Visit: Lunch hours (before 2:30 PM)
Where To Stay
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There are several hotel and accommodation options available for staying near the temple. You can stay at the Hotel Sri Akshardham for easy access to the temple and nearby attractions. Abirami Residency is a well-maintained place to stay where all the basic amenities are present, at a great cost. Other than this, you can stay at the Hotel Chella Residency, Vijay Lodge and Hotel Sadhabishegam, for a peaceful stay and great services. All of these places are comfortable stay options where you can meet with your family and friends for a great time.
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Where To Eat
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Tamil Nadu is known for its rich culinary landscape and hospitality. During your visit to the temple, you must try the local dishes and snacks. Visit Amirtham, Krishna Bhavan, Hotel Mani Iyer to enjoy a wholesome south Indian thali having rasam, rice, poriyal, papad, curd and other delicacies. South Indian filter coffee which is known for its aroma must be tried by the visitors as well. Sweet dishes like ladoo and Kesari are popular. Try banana chips, and murukku at local stalls and carry them back home to make your friends and family try the authentic taste.
Best Time To Visit
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The best time to visit the Thirukadaiyur Temple is during the winter season, from November to February. The weather is pleasant to visit. You can try outdoor activities like sightseeing with your friends and family. The stunning sight of the temple with its immense beauty improves the exploration of the nearby region. The surrounding atmosphere is vibrant, making it a picture-perfect place.
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Other Factors To Consider
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Here are other important factors to consider while you’re planning your trip to the Thirukadaiyur Temple.
Average Cost Of The Trip
There is no entry fee to visit the temple. This temple is extremely popular among devotees and is said to be an ideal place to reach in Tamil Nadu for a spiritual trip. A budget 2-day trip may cost around ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 based on your choices. It is advisable to make your bookings in advance as doing so will not dig a hole in your pocket.
Tips For Travellers
- Try to wear traditional clothing during your visit to this place.
- It’s best to visit during the early morning or late evening for a peaceful darshan.
- Book your stay in advance, especially during festive seasons and auspicious days.
- Carry snacks, stay hydrated and pack mindfully to keep up with the weather conditions.
- Seek permission before clicking Thirukadaiyur Temple photos from inside.
Thirukadaiyur Temple provides a great chance to immerse in divinity as you reach Tamil Nadu on your next vacation. The peaceful atmosphere of this region will provide you with a great opportunity to spend time with yourself. It is a great chance for community engagement as you learn the rituals and ceremonies of the local people in this region. Book a trip with TripXL for a great vacation in Tamil Nadu.
Cover Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / Wikimedia Commons
