Pazhayarai Vadathali Temple

Pazhaiyur: The song 'Pazhaiyur Vadathalai' was composed in a sacred place known as Pattiswaram, and from there, one can reach Pazhaiyur by passing through the route of Thirumalairayan Tank. After crossing the Aattrupalam, which is situated before the Aattrupalam tank, about 2 km further, one can reach Pazhaiyur. During the Chola period, this temple served as a training ground for military operations, evident by the images of weaponry carved on the entrance door and on the interior walls. Similar to Vadathalai temple, this temple is also in a serene state. Upon entering through the first unfinished tower, there are the inner sanctum and Nandi mandapam. Facing towards the east, there is the Ambal Lokambigai shrine on the right side. Among the sculptures here, there are historical and mythological stories depicted. The second tower has three levels. On entering through this tower, the first mandapam is encountered. Beyond this, there is the ardha mandapam, followed by the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Someswarar.In the courtyard of the ardha mandapam, there is the shrine of Veeradurga, which is considered auspicious to visit. This Veeradurga, carved from a single stone, when illuminated during Tuesdays and Fridays, is believed to bring prosperity and success to the family during the era of Sevvaag Kalam. Adjacent to the shrine of Veeradurga, there is the Kailasanathar Lingam, which is worshiped for the removal of debts. Illuminating this Kailasanathar Lingam for 11 months, 11 weeks, or 11 Saturdays is considered beneficial for debt relief and mental peace. Besides the main deity's shrine, there are shrines dedicated to Valli Devasena Sametha Muruga and the Navagrahas within the temple. Outside the temple, there is the Soma Theertham.Currently, the temple premises are undergoing renovation works. You can contribute to the maintenance of the Someswarar temple as part of the temple's renovation efforts.During the period when the Thevaram hymns were composed, Pazhaiyur had four distinct sections: Vadathalai, Merattali, Keelthali, and Thendthali. Among these, only two Shiva temples remain today: the Dharmapuriswarar temple in Vadathalai and the Someswarar temple in Keelthali. Pazhaiyur got its name from being completed at one time during the Sangam period, hence it was called Pazhaiyur. The village located on its northern shore was called Pazhaiyur Vadathalai.

Pazhaiyur Vadathalai is a name for a site called the North Valley. It's a short distance from Pattiswaram, which is where the song 'Pazhaiyur Vadathalai' was composed. It's located near Thirumazhapadi (the place of worship for the Thevaram hymns), a short distance away from Kumbakonam. The village, as the name suggests, doesn't have many houses. The Vadathalai temple dedicated to Lord Bateeswarar, built by Chola king Kochchenga Cholan, is found here. The temple is in a serene state of disrepair. Thirunavukkarasar visited this Vadathalai. When he arrived, Jain ascetics had hidden their temple before him, concealing their deity and leaving it covered with a single piece of cloth. Thirunavukkarasar, rejecting the plea to pray to Shiva without reverence, chose instead to remain fasting there. The Lord, knowing about the ascetics' hidden plot, revealed it to Thirunavukkarasar. The next day, the ascetics had to flee to save themselves. The temple here, dedicated to Lord Dharmapuriswarar, except for the temple of Ambal Vimalanayaki, is an important place to visit. The Dharmapuriswarar temple in Vadathalai is the seat of worship blessed by Saint Appar.