The visit to this Sri Chandrasekhara Swamy Temple at Thiruchendurai, in Tiruchirappalli District, was a part of “திருச்சி மரபு நடை - Tiruchirappalli Heritage Walk”, from 18th to 19th July 2026, organised by “எண்திசை வரலாற்று மரபுநடைக்குழு”.
It is claimed that this Sri Chandrasekhara Swamy Temple at Thiruchendurai is a Thevara Vaippu Sthalam. In Periya Puranam, Sekkizhar mentioned that after worshipping Shiva of Thiruparaithurai, Thirugnanasambandar went to Thirukarkudi (Uyyakondan Thirumalai Sri Ujjeevanatha Swamy Temple). On the way, he worshipped many Shiva temples, including Alanthurai and Thiruchenthurai. But we couldn’t get Thirugnanasambandar’s thevara hymns and didn’t mention Thiruchenthurai or any other temple’s hymns. Hence this temple is not a vaippu sthalam, as claimed.
2239
நீடும் பராயத்துறை நெற்றித் தனிக் கண்ணர் கோயில் நண்ணிக்
கூடும் கருத்தொடு கும்பிட்டுக் கோதில் தமிழ்ச் சொல் மாலை
பாடும் கவுணியர் கண்பனி மாரி பரந்து இழியச்
சூடும் கர தலத்து அஞ்சலி கோலித் தொழுது நின்றார் 6.1.341
2240
தொழுது புறம்பு அணைந்து அங்கு நின்று ஏகிச் சுரர் பணிவு உற்று
எழு திரு ஆலந்துறை திருச் செந்துறையே முதலா
வழுவில் பல் கோயில்கள் சென்று வணங்கி மகிழ்ந்து அணைவார்
செழு மலர்ச் சோலைத் திருக் கற்குடி மலை சேர வந்தார் 6.1.342
Moolavar : Sri Chandrasekhara Swamy
Consort : Sri Manenthiya Valli
Some of the salient features of this temple are….
The temple faces east with a 5-tier Rajagopuram. The second-level Rajagopuram is of a single tier. Rishabam and balipeedam are between the first-level and second-level Rajagopurams. Dwarapalakas are on either side of the antarala. Moolavar is on a round avudaiyar. In the koshtam, Dakshinamurthy, Rishabanthigar, Ardhanareeswarar, and Vishnu Durgai.
In the inner praharam, Bairavar and Suryan.
In the outer praharam, Sri Chandrasekarar, Uchista Ganapati, Chandikeswarar, Nagars, Sri Viswanathar & Visalakshi, A Shiva Lingam, Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Vishnu Durgai, Sthala Vruksham with Murugan and Rishabam.
Ambal is in a separate sannidhi and faces south. Ambal is in a standing posture; Man and Mazhu in the upper hands and lower hands are in abhaya varada hastam (Hence called Manenthiya Valli). A Rishabam is in front of the sanctum sanctorum.
See the ornamentsSee the ornaments
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam. The temple was built with laterite stone from adhistanam to greevam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a pratibandha adhistanam with Padma jagathy, vrudha kumudam, and vyyala vari. The pilasters on the bhitti are Brahma kantha pilasters with kalasam with kodi karukku, kudam, plain mandi, palakai, veera kandam, and taranga pothyal. The prastaram consists of valapi with bhuta ganas, prastaram with nasi kudus, Chandra maandalam, and vyyalavari. The vimanam above the bhumidesam is with one tier, greevam and nagara sigaram.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
This place was called Eesanamangalathu Thiruchchenduri; Shiva was called Thiruchchendurai KaRRali Mahadevar. This temple may be a brick temple from the Pallava period; the same was reconstructed as a stone temple during the Chozha period. The reconstruction into a stone temple was by Kodumbalur Boothi Vikrama Kesari’s daughter and the Queen of Arinjaya Chozha, Adicha Pidari.
As per the inscriptions, this place was called Uraiyur Kootrathu Brahmadeyam Eesanamangalam. Shiva was called KaRRali Parameswar, Thiruchenthurai KaRRali Perumanadigal, Thiruchenthurai Mahadevar, Thiruchenthurai Udaiya Mahadevar, Thiruchenthurai Udaiyar, Thiruchenthurai Devar, etc.
A Scale, used for measuring land is inscribed on the wall. This measurement scale is referred in the Anthanallur Vadatheertha Nathar Temple inscription as …‘திருச்செந்துறை ஸ்ரீ் விமானத்து வெட்டிக்கிளடக்கும் பெருங்கோலால் நிலம்…”.
Chembian Irungovelan alias Bhuthi Adithan Pidaran arranged for the Pancha Maha Sabtham worship, playing the Karadigai, Sanghu, Madhalam, Kalam, and Vaipattu.
Parantaka Chozha I’s 20th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp in sanctum sanctorum / unnazhigai, by Baarathayan Narayananakkan. The details of the periphery limits of the lands are also recorded.
Koparakesari’s 20th reign year inscription records a gift 2 veli land after sale (ஆதித்த பிடாரியார் ஈசான மங்கலத்து விலை கொண்டு குடுத்த) and receipt of money by Chembian IlangoVelayina Bhuthi Adhipidaran. The same was handed over by the Aditha Pidariyar.
Koparakasari Barmar’s 16th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Kodumbalur ThiruputheSvarathu Devanar’s son Nakkanokkiyen. For the same, a land was gifted to this temple after purchase for 30 kalanju gold.
Koparakesari Barmar’s 28th reign year damaged inscription records some endowment by Barathayana Nakkan Kandan. For the same, a land was gifted. The periphery limits mentioned are found damaged.
Koparakesari Barmar’s 24th reign year inscription records the sale of land to Nangai Bhuthi Adichapidariyar.
Koparakesari Barmar’s 4th reign year inscription records the sale of land to this temple for 28 kalanju pon.
Vikrama Chozha’s 3rd reign year inscription records that Siva Brahmanars Mohiliyan Uyyavanthan Uyya Nintraduvan Olokavidanga Bhattan and Kashaban Devan Porkariyan Thillainayaka Bhattan could not do the required poojas, borrowed 10 kasu received from Vahurudaiyan Chotrunai Gangaisadaikaranthan. The interest for the 10 kasus, they agreed to supply oil to burn a lamp. The last part of the inscription is given in the form of a poem, which is reproduced as given below.
23 திருச்சிற்றம்பலநம்பி எழுத்து [1*] இது பந்மர்ஹெ-
24 ஸ்வர ரக்ஷை உ உண்ணலாம் நெய்யொடு சொ[று] ஒ-
25 வாதெ எப்பொழுதும் பண்ணெலாம் பாடிஇருக்கலா -
26 ம் மண்ணெலா ம(க)ல்மாட நிடுர் கூர்
கங்கைசடைக்கரதொந் பொந்மாடத் தெப்பொழுதும் புக்கு (!!)
In this inscription, which is dated in the 3rd year of Parakésarivarman, we have a reference to the construction of the Siva temple at Tiruchchendurai, which was a brahmadèya suburb of Îsânamangala, by Pûdi Adichchapidarıyâr (Adityapidari). This lady is here distinctly called the daughter of Tennavan Ilangôvêlâr (another name of Maravan Pûdiyâr) and the queen of Arikula-kesariyar, the son of Sôla-Perumânadigal (ie., Parântaka I.). Consequently, Parakésarivarman, to whose reign the record belongs, is Parântaka I. It may be noted that the 60 kalañju of gold granted by Pûdi Adichchapidari for sacred offerings to the god was weighed by a stone called after Vèdêlvidugu, which was the surname of the Pallava king Tellârrerinda Nandippôttaraiyar.
Koparakesari Barmar’s 22nd year reign inscription records the endowment of a sacred bath on her birth nakshatra day with ghee and naivedyam, and pancha maha sabtham (playing of musical instruments with vaipattu), by Madurantaka Irukkuvelayin Adithamboothi. For the same, land and ghee were gifted to the temple.
One of the interesting inscriptions records that the Annaprasanam was done for Madurantaka Irukkuvelayina Adithan Bhuthi’s son Bhuthi Parantakan at this temple.
The inscription reads as…
ஸ்வத்திஸ்ரீ கோப்பரகேசரிபன்மர்க்கி யாண்டு ௨௩ நாள் ௩௨௫ மதுராந்தக இருக்குவேளாயின ஆதித்தம்பூதியென் என் மகன் பூதிபராந்தகன் அந்நப்பிரயாஞ் செய்கின்ற இடத்து தக்ஷிணையாக ப்ரஹ்மதெயம்……
The balance inscriptions are written at the end of this article
Ref:
1. South Indian Inscriptions Volume – 8.
2. South Indian Inscriptions Volume – 3.
LEGENDS
As per the legend, this place was identified as full of jackfruit trees by the Parantaka Chozha-I. When he was trying to catch the thieves who hid in the forest, a Deer ran into the forest and disappeared into the tree’s hollow. At the same time, the king heard a divine voice of Shiva, saying that he was under a tree in the form of swaymbhu and asked to construct a temple. This legend is recorded in the copper plate and kept in Thanjavur Saraswati Mahal. Later, the present temple was constructed by Kundavai Nachiyar, and Shiva was called Chandrasekarar. To give importance to the Mayaman, Ambal is called Manenthiyavalli. Thirugnanasambandar also mentioned Shiva as “Balasavanathan”.
In Pavishya Purana, Yama sent Thirupainjili to get back his lost position. Shiva Linga’s surface is very rough due to the jackfruit tree’s roots. And there is a natural formation of Trishul in Agni and Eesanya moola of the temple.
Shiva in the temple is in a calm posture without rudram. It is believed that burning a lamp in this temple on 8 Mondays will get rid of all sorts of skin diseases. Since Ambal is in the form of Ardhanari, worshipping Ambal and Shiva, all the wishes will be fulfilled. It is believed that paring Ardhanari will get rid of marriage obstacles and child boon.
There are Pancha bhuta pillars in front of Shiva and Ambal sannidhis. Praying to Shiva and Ambal by keeping the right hand on the Pancha Bhuta pillar will fulfil the wishes within 48 days. This is mentioned in Vaitheeswarankoil Vasishtar Nadi Jothidam. And this is a parihara sthalam also, due to the presence of Sathuska Devi, Sarabar, and Narasimhar stucco images on the Rajagopuram.
The tortoise and the care story sculptures are in the bhuta vari of valapi. There is also a petroglyph playing mark in the temple.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on pradosham, Maha Shivaratri days, etc.
TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept open from 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.
CONTACT DETAILS
The mobile number of M S Sundaram Gurukkal, +919940872022, may be contacted for poojas and further details.
HOW TO REACH
This place is on Coimbatore – Trichy Road; the temple is 5.5 km from Thiruparaithurai, 15 km from Srirangam, 16 km from Trichy, and 22 km from Kulithalai.
The nearest Railway Junction is Trichy.
Sathuska Devi
The Pancha thandra story of Tortoise and Cranes in the valapi
The inscriptions continued……
Koparakesari Barmar’s 8th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Bhuthi Adibhattai. For the same, she had purchased …. Land… for 34 kalanju pon from Eesanamangalathu Vachiyanthitha Narayanan.
Madurai Konda koparakesari Barmar’s (Parantaka I) 16th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Baarathayan Kakkan Kandan. For the same, a land was gifted to this temple after purchasing land from the Eesanamangalathu sabha.
Thiribhuvana Chakravarthikal Rajaraja II’s 6th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning 3 perpetual lamps. For the same Cow 30, buffalos 12 and ewes 100 were handed over to the temple.
Korajakesari Barmar’s 2nd reign year inscription records Ilango Velayina Otri Madirantakan had gifted 100 vedel vidugu kallatrulai pon. For the same land of half in Oorpaththi and the half of Neernila pathi was given.
Kovirajakesari Barmar’s 6th year reign inscription records the endowment of paying to the Brahmin who brings water, feeding to Brahmins, cleaning the temple, supply of oil to burn the lamps; for the same, a land was purchased from Achi vettuvan Aachcha pidari, Baarathayan Kandan Veera Naranan.
Rajendra Chozha I’s 21st year reign inscription starts with his full meikeerthi. The inscription records that the sabha had received 15 kalanju pon from the treasury. For the same, a land was gifted... The inscription is incomplete… The other three inscriptions are also fragmentary inscriptions.
Koparakesari Barmar’s 3rd year reign inscription is incomplete...
Koparakesari Barmar’s 2nd year reign inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for the 20 kalanju pon (விடேவிடுகு துளையிட்டது - Videl Vidugu thulaiyittathu) received from Kodumbalur Nakkan Vikrama Kesari, by Thennavanilango Velayina. Boothiyar Deviyar (Wife).
Koparakesari Barmar’s 23rd year reign inscription records the gift of land as irayili thevadhanam by Madurantaka Irukkuvelayina Adithamboothi
Koparakesari Barmar’s 3rd year reign inscription records the sale of land, received as Srithanam / seethanam by Aarithan Naranan Soman’s Bramani (wife) Neelan Nagai. 15 kalanju - விடேவிடுகு துளையிட்டது - videl vidugu thulaiyitta pon 15 was received after sale.
Koparakesari Barmar’s 10th year reign inscription records the sale of land to Aditha Batariyar, by Nangai Boothi. விடேவிடுகு துளையிட்டது - Videl vidugu thulaiyitta pon 7 kalanju was received after sale.
Koparakesari Barmar’s 2nd year reign inscription records the purchase of land by Boothi Adithapidari, for the temple’s thiruvizha puram and the people who serve in the temple.
Koparakesari Barmar’s 10th year reign inscription records that Nangai Boothi Adithabadariyar received விடேல்விடுகு துளையிட்டது - videlvidugu thulaiyitta pon 15 kalanju and paid 850 poththi, as iraikaval to the temple (The total accumulated tax) for feeding the persons working in the temple (Echcoru).
Koparakesari Barmar’s 4th year reign inscription records that Nangai Boothi Adithabadariyar purchased 2000 pathi land and paid 37 kalanju pon. The income from the land has been utilized as iraikaval to the temple (The total accumulated tax) and for feeding the persons working in the temple (Echcoru).
Korajakesarivarmar Thirubhuvana Chakravarthikal Kulothunga Chozha’s 46th year reign inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp inside the Thiruanukkan entrance of the temple; for the same, the Temple’s Kaniyar Sivabrahmans received 4 kasus from Karuppurudaiyan Thiruvekamban. Further, to feed one Chatti Choru to the devotee who attends after noon pooja /Uchchi sandhi, received 45 kalam paddy as capital (from the interest feeding has to be done)
Koparakesari Barmar’s 10th year reign inscription records that Nangai Boothi Adithabadariyar gifted 28 kalanju pon. The income from the land has been utilized as iraikaval to the temple and (The total accumulated tax) feeding the persons working in the temple (Echcoru).
The King’s name lost, 30th year reign inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp in the unnazhigai/ sanctum sanctorum, burning of 4 Thiruvilakku, Naivedyam, playing musical instrument during poojas, by Chembiyanilango Velayina Boothi Adiththapidarar. For the same lands, paddy was gifted to this temple. The inscription records the details of the naivedyam, banana fruit, and the quantity given to the music player.
This inscription, without the king’s name and year, records that the Thirukatrali for Perumanadigal / Shiva was constructed by Boothu Adiththitha Pidari. For the same land, a Thottam was purchased by her from Velkovan.
Kovirajakesari Barmar’s 23rd year reign records the sale of land for 5 kalanju pon to Nangai Bhuthi Adhitha Pidari, and gifted to the temple to meet irai (The total accumulated tax) feeding the persons working in the temple (Echcoru), from Senthavi Narayanan, brother of Vachiyan Senthanjsuvaran.
Koparakesari Barmar’s 3rd year reign incomplete inscription records the gift of land to this temple.
The inscription without the King’s name and damaged inscription records that Nangai Bhuthi Adiththa Badariyar’s gift of land after purchase.
Koparakesari Barmar’s 23rd year reign inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp and burning 12 thiruvilakku / lamps, by Veera Chozha Ilangovelayina Adiththam Thruvotriyuradigal. For the same, a land was purchased and gifted to this temple.
The inscription without the King’s name and damaged records the construction of Puzhaliya Vinnagar vimana with stone.
The Korajakesari Barmar’s 20th year reign inscription records the sale of land in the Pazhaliya Vinnagar to meet taxes and providing echchoru.
Sri Rajathiraja Devar’s 12th year reign inscription records the endowment of burning a lamp by Thiruvenkadamudaiyan Venkadavan. For the same land was gifted after purchase, from Vellalan Adhichan Udaiya Pillai.
Kesari Barmar’s 8th year reign damaged and incomplete inscription records the sale and gift of land to the Pazhaliya Vinnagar by Karunataka Puzhalayan, who constructed the temple.
Rajendra Chozha’s period inscription records the endowment of feeding Brahmas, who are experts in the Vedas, from the income from the land gifted by Vachiyan Kandan Sivagnana Sambanda Adigal and his mother.
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
