Papanasam Temple, also known as Papanasanathar Temple, is a sacred Shiva shrine located in Papanasam village Tirunelveli dist on the banks of the Thamirabarani River in Tamil Nadu. Lord Shiva here is worshipped as Papanasanathar, the destroyer of sins (Papa-nasham = removal of sins), and Goddess Parvati as Ulagammai Amman. Devotees believe that a holy dip in the river and darshan of the Lord grant liberation from past karmic impurities.
Papanasam Temple History and Architecture
❀ This 1000+ year old temple is associated with
Maharishi Agastya and ancient mythology.
❀ The temple was originally built by the Chandrakula Pandyas. Later, the Cholas and Nayaks also made significant contributions to the temple's expansion, gopurams, and mandapas.
❀ Stunning Dravidian-style gopuram, peaceful temple surroundings, and sacred Thamirabarani riverbank.
❀ According to Bhakti Bharat, the temple also has shrines for Vinayaka, Murugan, Dakshinamurthy, Chandikesvara and the Navagrahas.
❀ The Papanasanathar Lingam has a naturally rough, uneven texture. This is typical of swayambhu lingams, which are not carved by humans.
❀ Devotees and priests traditionally note that the lingam contains three faint natural lines, considered the “Tripundra”.
❀ It is considered one of the most powerful temples in Tamil Nadu for dosha nivarthi, especially related to past karma and ancestral issues.
❀ The temple is part of the 108 Shiva temples revered in local tradition.
❀ The temple is next to Papanasam Dam and the lush Kalakkad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, blending devotion with nature.
Papanasam Temple Darshan Timing
The temple is open for the whole week and the darshan timing is 6 AM to 9 PM.
Prime Festivals at Papanasam Temple
The Papanasam Temple celebrates all Tamil festivals with great pomp and show, including the Kodai Festival, Chittirai Festival, Navratri and Shivaratri.
How to Reach Papanasam Temple
The temple located at Papanasam Tirunelveli dist. Tamil Nadu. The place is very well-connected to roadways and the nearest railway station is Ambasamudram.
Popular Name: Papanasaswamy, Papanasanathar Temple