Tirtha Atlas

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Late medieval · Hindu · India

Papanasanathar Temple, Papanasam

Papanasam, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu · 8.7133°, 77.4058°

Shiva as Papanasanathar, with Parvati as UlagammaiPandya; Vijayanagara and NayakDravidian
Sacred since
1500 CE
first attestation / structure
Standing structure
Pandya foundation; 16th c. additions (Vijayanagara–Nayak)
Pandya; Vijayanagara and Nayak

History & significance

A three-precinct Shiva temple at the foot of the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli district, founded by the Pandya king Chandrakula and enlarged by Vijayanagara and Nayak rulers in the 16th century, with a seven-tiered gateway tower within granite walls; it is run by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Endowment Board.

Sthala katha — the legend

Sage Agastya, unable to reach Kailash for Shiva's wedding, is said to have been granted the sight here, Shiva appearing before him and Lopamudra in the marriage posture.

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Sources

coordinates: wikipedia-2026-08-27 · sources retrieved 2026-08-26 · dynasty page: Pandya; Vijayanagara and Nayak