Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple /லக்ஷ்மி நாராயண பெருமாள் கோயில், Chinnamannur, Theni District, Tamil Nadu.

This visit to the Shri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple at Chinnamanur, in Theni District, was a part of Varusanadu Payanam, a Heritage walk to the temples and Heritage Sites, organised by Aatrupadai, on 20^th – 21^st September 2025. Thanks to திருச்சி பார்த்தி, Prabaharan, and Bala Bharathi.

Moolavar  : Sri Lakshmi Narayana

Thayar     : Sri Maha Lakshmi

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple faces east with an entrance arch. Stucco image of Sri Lakshmi Narayana with Sridevi and Bhudevi is in the arch. Thiruman, shankha, and Chakra are on the compound wall of the temple entrance. Garudan faces moolavar in front of the mukha mandapam. Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum. Sri Lakshmi Narayana is in a standing posture with Sridevi and Bhudevi. Maha Lakshmi is on his chest. Shankha and Chakra are in the upper hand, and the lower left hand is in kadi hastam, and the right hand is tharai varkum – தாரை வார்க்கும், hastam. Anjaneyar is also in the sanctum sanctorum.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam, and mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a upanam and pada bandha adhistanam with jagathy, threepatta kumudam, and pattikai. The bhitti starts with vedikai. The pilasters are of Brahmakantha, kalasam, kudam, lotus petals mandi, palakai, veera kandam, and pothyal. The prastaram consists of valapi and kapotam. One tala brick vimanam with greevam and vesara sigaram is on the bhumi desam. Maha Vishnu’s various forms are on the tala and greeva koshtams.

A new mandapam and the renovated mukha mandapam look like Kerala architecture.

PC - website

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The temple belongs to the 7^th century, the early Pandya period. The Chozha king Rajaraja and Kulothunga Chozha’s vattezhuthu inscriptions are found on the adhistanam. This place was called Arikesarinallur. Maha Vishnu was called as Vandyvarapathi Pillai, Thirunaduvur Devar, Naduvirkoyil Perumal, Thirunaduvu Bhadarar, etc.

Parakrama Pandya’s 15^th reign year 1315 CE, inscription on the south side of the sanctum sanctorum records the endowment of burning a lamp, by Thiruputhuvur (Cumbam) Kizhar’s son Mochcharayan Anantha Narayanan. For the same 120 Kasu was received by Periyazhvan, his brother Kari Manickam, and Narayanan Srililango.

The inscription above records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Thiruvathavur Pandanaichaththi’s wife Velanakkan’s mother.

Rajendra Chozha-I’s 5^th reign year 1016 – 17 CE, inscription on the west wall of the sanctum sanctorum, records the gift of land and a Perpetual lamp to Sri Durga Parameswari Temple, by Perumangalathu Cholai Appi. The endowment of burning the perpetual lamp was arranged for selling a makani land for 15 kasus.

Sadaiyan Maran’s 46^th reign year inscription on the west wall of the sanctum sanctorum records that the Srikandan Chanel’s water is to be used for the temple lands. If anybody obstructs or uses the water unlawfully will be levied 10 kasu as a penalty.

Sadaiyan Maran’s 10^th reign (2+8) year inscription on the west wall of the sanctum sanctorum records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Avichanoor Kavisiyan Nakkan Thuvethi. For the same 10, Kalanju was gifted.  

Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan-I’s 9^th reign year 1277 CE inscription on the west wall of the sanctum sanctorum records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Thiruputhuvur (Cumbam), Arugan Aaramosilaiyavanthal’s daughter Nangai. For the same, 50 ewes are gifted to this temple.

Parakesari Varman Parantaka Chozha-I’s 36^th reign year 943 CE inscription on the north side of the sanctum sanctorum records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp, by Thiruchethi Rasadi, on behalf of his son Rasadi Cholai. For the same reason, Ghee was gifted to this temple.

The inscription on the north side wall of the sanctum sanctorum records a king’s 2^nd reign year inscription records the gift of land as thiruvidaiyattam to this temple by a person called Irandakattar.

Sadaiya Varman Kulasekara Pandya-I’s 4^th (3 +1) reign year 1194 CE inscription on the sanctum sanctorum north wall records some gift to the sabha for some expenses by Sivallavan Thiruneelakandan Thondaiman alias Nadalwan.

Kulasekara Pandya’s 11^th reign year 1279 CE inscription on the north side of the sanctum sanctorum records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Aniyan Appan.

Sadaiyan Maran (Since with the same name there is more than one Pandya King, and this 6-line inscription refers to which Pandya King is not known), 9^th (2+7) reign year inscription on the sanctum sanctorum north wall records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Nagan Vikramathichan. For the same 50 Saavaa moova, ewes are gifted to this temple.

Maravarman Kulasekara Pandya-I’s 9^th reign year 1277 CE inscription on the sanctum sanctorum north wall records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Athiraiyan  Nakkapiran  Udhayanan of Thiruputhuvur Vangimangalam. For the same, 50 ewes are gifted to this temple. 

Maravarman Sundara Pandyan-I’s 11^th reign year 1226- 27 CE damaged fragment inscription on the sanctum sanctorum north wall records some gift by Sivallavan Thiruneelakanda Thondaiman alias Nadalvan.

Maravarman Kulasekara Pandya-I’s 2^nd reign year 1191 CE damaged inscription on the sanctum sanctorum north wall starts with his meikeerthi. The inscription records the gift of land to the maha sabha by Sivallavan Thiruneelakandan for the cultivating people and those who guard those fields.

Sadayavarman Kulasekara Pandya-I’s 19^th (13 + 6) reign year 1208 – 09 CE damaged inscription on the sanctum sanctorum north wall starts with his meikeerthi. The inscription records the gift of land after exempting taxes to the Maha Sabha by Thiruneelakandan alias Thondaiman. The land was measured by a measurement scale called Pathinettadi.   

The Chozha king Rajendra Chozha-I’s 4^th reign year 1016 – 17 CE damaged inscription on the Madapalli wall records the gift for the temple expenses by the 3 sons of Thiruputhur Mangala Kizhan, Athiththirayan Sankaran,  Thirumalirunjolai Narayanan, and Narayanan Sankara Battar. This was handed over when the three sabhas, Arikesarinallur Sabha, Maandragaurava Mangala Sabha, and Arapathasekara Mangala Sabha assembled at Mukha mandapam of this temple.

The fragment vattezhuthu highly damaged inscription on the pillar, records the gift of this pillar by Arugan Bharatwaji Narayanan Nakkan. 

Ref:

Theni Mavatta kalvettukkal by Dr Si. Manickaraj, published by Pandyanadu Panpattu Maiyam.

South Indian inscriptions Volume XXIII, and XIV 

LEGENDS

Mahalakshmi sannidhi is not in this temple, but it is believed that Maha Lakshmi is in the chest of Maha Vishnu, hence Moolavar is called as Lakshmi Narayana Perumal.

 

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Vaikunta Ekadasi, Amavasya, Pournami, Anjaneyar Jayanthi, etc.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open from 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and from 17.00 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

HOW TO REACH

The Lakshmi Narayana Temple at Chinnamanur is about 9 km from Uthamapalayam, 17 km from Cumbum, 23 km from Theni, and 102 km from Madurai.

The nearest Railway Station is Theni.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Jyeshta Devi, Chinnamamur, Chinnamanur Bypass Road, Theni District, Tamil Nadu.

This visit to the Jyeshta Devi, at Chinnamanur, in Theni District, was a part of Varusanadu Payanam, a Heritage walk to the temples and Heritage Sites, organised by Aatrupadai, on 20^th – 21^st September 2025. Thanks to திருச்சி பார்த்தி, Prabaharan, and Bala Bharathi. 

This Jyehta Devi, also called Thavvai, is found on the Chinnamanur byepass road, before Sri Lakshmi Narayana Swamy Temple. This Jyeshtadevi sculpture is found damaged, and her head is missing. The right hand holds a lotus flower (?), and the left hand is on her thigh. The Manthan and Manthi are sitting on both sides.

A Trishul is installed in front of Jyeshta Devi. This indicates that Jyeshta Devi is worshipped occasionally.

LOCATION OF THE JYESHTA DEVI: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Shri Sivagami Amman Temple /பூலா நந்தீஸ்வரர் சிவகாமி அம்மன் திருக்கோவில், Chinnamanur, Theni District, Tamil Nadu.

This visit to the Shri Sivagami Amman Temple /பூலா நந்தீஸ்வரர் சிவகாமி அம்மன் திருக்கோவில், at Chinnamanur, in Theni District was a part of Varusanadu Payanam, a Heritage walk to the temples and Heritage Sites, organised by Aatrupadai, on 20^th – 21^st September 2025. Thanks to திருச்சி பார்த்தி, Prabaharan, and Bala Bharathi.  

Moolavar  : Sri Poolanatheeswarar

Consort    : Sri Sivakami

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple faces east with a 7-tier Rajagopuram. The temple tank and a mandapam are in front of the temple. Dwajasthambam, balipeedam, and rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. Vinayagar and Dhandapani are on both sides of the entrance to the ardha mandapam. A Rishabam and a balipeedam are in the ardha mandapam. Moolavar is on a square avudayar. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, and Thillaikali.

In praharam Suryan, 63 var, Saptamatrikas, Santhanakuravars (Meikanda Devar, Arunandhi Sivachariyar, Marai Gananasambandar, and Umapathy Sivachariyar), Shiva with Uma, Chitragupta, Veerabhadra, Jwaradevar, Vinayagar, Kanneeswaramudayar, Vinayagar, Chandikeswarar, Navagrahas, Natarajar with Sivakami in stone, Maha Lakshmi, Bairavar, and Chandran.

Ambal, Sri Sivakami, is in a separate temple on the left side of the Moolavar temple with a salakara Vimanam, Rishabam, and a small 2-tier Rajagopuram.  

 Dakshinamurthy

Chandikeswarar

Jwaradevar

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum, antarala, and ardha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a upanam and pada bandha adhistanam with jagathy, threepatta kumudam, and pattikai. The bhitti starts with vedikai. The pilasters are of Vishnukantha pilasters, with a square base, nagabandham, kalasam, kudam, lotus petals mandi, palakai, veera kandam, and poomottu pothyal. The prastaram consists of valapi, kapotam with nasikudu, and vyyalavari. One tala brick vimanam with greevam and nagara sigaram is on the bhumi desam. Murugan, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, and Brahma are in the greeva and tala koshtams.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The temple belongs to the early 8^th century early Pandya period, and is believed to have been built during Rajasimhan-I (740 – 768 CE). But 9^th 9th-century Rajasimhan-II period inscriptions are the earliest. Based on the inscriptions, the temple was built during the 9^th century by Rajasimha Pandyan. As per the inscription, this place was called Alanattu Arikesarinallur, A Brahmadeya Village, and the temple was called Rajasimmeswaram Udaiyar. Shiva of this temple was called as Poolavanesar, Palundanathar, Alavukku Alavanavar, Thazhuva Kuzinthavar, and Ramasimheswaramudaiyar, etc.

 

ஸ்ரீ பூலாந்துறை உடைய நாயனார்

This place was called Gauravamangalam during Rajasimha Pandya-II’s period, was converted into a Brahmadeya Village. During 1100 CE, this place was also called “Arapathaseekaramangalam”. Chinnamanur's south side was called Aravarmangalam and Thirupoolanthurai.  

Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan-I’s 3 reign (1270 – 1271 CE) inscription records the gift of land to Azha Nattu Arikesarinallur Rajasimmeswaramudaiyar temple’s Devaradaiyar Mangali’s daughter Nalla Thaya alas Vazhuthi Narayana Manickam, by Chembi Nattu Malgudi village Periya Nayanaanan Vazhuthi Narayana Devan. The periphery limits, and witness names are given.

Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan-I’s 41 reign (1308 – 1309 CE) damaged inscription records, the expenses for the Rajasimmeswaramudaiyar temple’s Aani month 15^th day festival, donated something (what donation is not known) by the Merchant group of Chernattu Chittis and Kala Chettis. 

Sadaiya Varman Veera Pandya-I’s, 26^th reign year (1309 CE), damaged inscription on the sanctum sanctorum south wall records some donations to Azha Nattu Arikesarinallur Thirupoonthurai Udaiya Nayanar temple by the 4 Nagara Envishayathar Tharagar, Nattu Chettis, and Thana Chettis.   

Sadaiya Varman Veera Pandya-I’s, 26^th reign year (1278 - 79 CE) inscription on the sanctum sanctorum south wall records the donation of Tax money received for Pakku / betel nut, Rice, Pepper, etc, for the Margazhi function by the Four Nagara Pathinen Vishayathar Seevallavan. 

Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan-I’s 41 reign (1309 CE) damaged inscription on the sanctum sanctorum north side wall records, some donations to Azha Nattu Arikesarinallur Thirupoonthurai Udaiya Nayanar temple by the 4 Nagara Envishayathar Tharagar, Nattu Chettis, and Thana Chettis.   

Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan-I’s 26^th reign year (1293 - 1294 CE) damaged inscription on the sanctum sanctorum north side wall records, the gift of 21 ma land to the people cultivating in the field, and to the people who guard the cultivated field by the Village Sabha.

Sadaiya Varman Sundara Pandya’s 6^th reign year inscription on the sanctum sanctorum north wall records the Tax on Betelnut, Pepper, turmeric, etc,  given to this temple to meet the expenses for Saththupadi, Thiruparivattam, by the Nalu Nagarathar and Pathinen Vishayatahar, assembled at Thiruvolakka mandapam. 

Sadaiya Varman Sundara Pandya’s 7^th reign year inscription on the sanctum sanctorum north wall records the Tax on Betelnut, Pepper, turmeric, etc,  given to this temple to meet the expenses for maintaining Nandhavanam, by the Pakanur Vallavapurathu Chitrambur  Kizhavan Thirumukkoodalandan Koothan, as requested by the Pathinen Vishayathar. 

Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan-I’s 3^rd reign year (1270 -71CE) damaged 4 fragment inscriptions on the Sivakami Amman’s sanctum sanctorum south side wall records, an endowment of Naivedyam and other expenses to the Periya Nachiyar (Ambal Sivakami), by Thirukkaivel Ammaidevan and his brother Tirunelveli Udaiyan. For the same 5 ma, land was gifted.

Sadaiya Varman Sundara Pandya’s reign inscription on the mandapam records his meikeerthi in 3 lines and the 10^th reign year and the expenses for Nachiar (Ambal) thirukalyana utsavam by Pandya Mandalathu Mudhukudinattu Velan Rajasomman. For the same a land was gifted to this temple. The land periphery limits are also given.

The fragment inscriptions, inscribed on a flat stone without the King’s name and reign year, record the gift of land by Nalliyanai Vadapuliventhar Manickan.

Ref:

1. Theni Mavatta kalvettukkal by Dr Si. Manickaraj, published by Pandyanadu Panpattu Maiyam.

2. South Indian inscriptions Volume XXIII, and XIV 

Kumbhabhishekam was conducted in 1963, 1972, and 2007.  

LEGENDS

The Kalpatharu tree had become a Poola tree with thorns due to the curse of Veerabhadra. A shepherd who carries milk to the palace on this way, crossing the tree. He was toppled due to the obstruction of the Poola Tree root, and the milk was spilt on one particular place daily. This was brought to the notice of the King. As per his instruction, the tree was cut, and a Shiva Lingam was found. The poola tree got relieved from the curse and returned to Devaloka.    

Once, the Pandya King came to this temple and found that the Shiva Linga was more than his height. So he requested Shiva to reduce his height. Since Shiva shortens himself to the height of the King, Shiva is called “Alavukku Alavaanavar- அளவுக்கு அளவானவர்”. Satisfied with Shiva’s grace, the Pandya King embraced the Shiva Linga. The impression of his face and the chest guard on the Shiva Lingam can be seen. Hence, Shiva is called “Thazhuva Kuzhainthavar – தழுவக் குழைந்தவர்”. It is believed that the Shiva Linga shortens its height to the height of the devotees who worship it.

Since Rajasimha Pandya worshipped Shiva of this temple, and Shiva was called Rajasimeswaramudaiyar.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on pradosham, Amavasya, Pournami, Maha Shivaratri, etc.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open from 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and from 17.00 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

HOW TO REACH

The Shiva Temple at Chinnamanur is about 9 km from Uthamapalayam, 17 km from Cumbum, 23 km from Theni, and 102 km from Madurai.

The nearest Railway Station is Theni.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

Ambal Temple

Ambal Temple

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Hero Stone/Sati Stones, Yanaikuthi Pattan Kal, Sengulam, Thangamalpuram, Theni District, Tamil Nadu.

This visit to the Hero Stone/Sati Stones, Yanaikuthi Pattan Kal, at Sengulam, Thangamalpuram, in Theni District was a part of Varusanadu Payanam, a Heritage walk to the temples and Heritage Sites, organised by Aatrupadai, on 20^th – 21^st September 2025. Thanks to திருச்சி பார்த்தி, Prabaharan, and Bala Bharathi. 

HERO STONE / SATI STONE

TITLE              : Yanaikuthi Pattan Kal

LOCATION       : Sengulam, Thangamalpuram.

PERIOD           : 16^th to 17^th Century

DETAILS         :

This Yanaikuthi Pattan Kal may also be called as Sati Stone. This Hero Stone is buried up to half of the second tier from the top. This is a unique Sati stone. Usually, the reasons for erecting the hero stone will be at the bottom. In this Hero stone, Hero and the elephant are shown in the top tier. The hero is holding a weapon in his right hand, and his left hand is on his thigh. The elephant’s trunk is shown above the Hero’s head. The hero might have been fought with an elephant and died.

In the half-buried 2^nd tier, only the heads of the hero and his wife are seen. Since this tier is completely invisible, I couldn’t obtain the full details.    

SATI STONE, POTTIAMMAN TEMPLE

TITLE              : Sati stone

LOCATION       : Sengulam, Thangamalpuram

PERIOD           : 16^th to 17^th Century

DETAILS         :

This is a two-tier sati stone, in which the Hero and his wives are sitting in a sukasana posture, with one hand raised, on the top tier. What they are holding in their hands is not known.

In the bottom tier, A man holding an umbrella, a Horse, a snake, a kumbh, and a Shiva Linga(?) are shown.

The torana on the top of the sati stone, a man holding an umbrella, indicates that the hero must be a King or a Chieftain and died in a war.

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---