Early medieval · Hindu · India

Kabartheeswarar Temple

Thiruvalanchuzhi, Tamil Nadu · 10.9447°, 79.3285°

Shiva (Kapardeeswarar), consort BrihannayagiCholaDravidianPaadal Petra Sthalam

Sacred since

850 CE

first attestation / structure

Standing structure

Chola era; 16th c. Nayak additions

Chola

History & significance

One of the largest temple complexes in Tamil Nadu, with a seven-tiered gopuram and three precincts, built up from Chola-era masonry with Thanjavur Nayak expansions. It is a Paadal Petra Sthalam glorified in the 7th-century Tevaram.

Sthala katha — the legend

The sage Herandar is said to have travelled underground to bring the Kaveri to earth, making the river swirl around this place - hence the name Thiruvalanchuzhi.

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