Early medieval · Hindu · India

Tharukavaneswarar (Paraithurainathar) Temple

Thirupparaithurai, Tamil Nadu · 10.8838°, 78.5643°

Shiva (Tharukavaneswarar / Paraithurainathar)Chola—Paadal Petra Sthalam

Sacred since

900 CE

first attestation / structure

Standing structure

Chola period

Chola

History & significance

A Chola-period Paadal Petra Sthalam on the Kaveri west of Tiruchirappalli, honoured in the Tevaram of the Nayanmars; the temple has a seven-tiered gateway tower, two precincts and numerous Chola inscriptions.

Sthala katha — the legend

Shiva as the mendicant Bhikshatana and Vishnu as the enchantress Mohini are said to have humbled the proud sages of the Tharuka forest at this spot.

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