Tirtha Atlas

The sacred geography of the Indic world — every site mapped, dated, storied, and cited.

3031 sites15 countries4 traditions30 centuries
Early medieval · Hindu · India

Abhaya Varadeeswarar Temple

Adirampattinam, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu · 10.3348°, 79.3799°

Shiva as Abhaya Varadeeswarar, with Parvati as Kadal Partha NayakiCholaDravidian
Sacred since
850 CE
first attestation / structure
Standing structure
Chola origin, later masonry
Chola

History & significance

A coastal Shiva temple near Point Calimere whose original complex is attributed to the Cholas, with the standing masonry structure raised by later ruling powers. It is maintained by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.

Sthala katha — the traditional account

What follows is the temple’s own traditional account, transmitted through liturgy and local memory. It is recorded here as tradition, not as attested history.

Devas beaten in war by the asuras are said to have worshipped Shiva here on the thirteenth lunar day under the star Adhira, and because he sheltered them he is called Abhaya Varadha, the giver of refuge.

Open in Google Maps ↗Wikipedia ↗View on the atlas map

Sources

coordinates: wikipedia-2026-08-28 · sources retrieved 2026-08-26 · dynasty page: Chola