Soundareswararswamy Temple, Thiruppanaiyur

Soundareswararswamy Temple
Soundareswararswamy Temple Location in Tamil Nadu
Geography
Coordinates	10°51′47″N 79°39′24″E / 10.86306°N 79.65667°ECoordinates: 10°51′47″N 79°39′24″E / 10.86306°N 79.65667°E
Country	India
State/province	Tamil Nadu
District	Tiruvarur
Locale	Thiruppanaiyur, Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India
Culture
Primary deity	Soundareswararswamy Swamy(Shiva)
Architecture
Architectural styles	Dravidian architecture

The Soundareswararswamy Temple or Sountharyanathar temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva. It is situated in the village of Thiruppanaiyur, three and a half kilometres from Nannilam. The temple is centred on a palmyra tree which is the sthalavriksha. The palmyra tree gives its name to the village itself ("Thiru" (holy) + "Panai" (palm) + "Ur" (city) or the "city of the holy palm")

The temple is popular due to its association with the Early Chola king Karikala. It is believed that Karikala was standing under the palmyra tree when the royal elephant of the Cholas identified him as the king. Karikala was then taken to the capital on elephant back to be crowned Emperor.

References

• "Sountharyanathar Temple" (in Tamil).
• Tourist Guide to Tamil Nadu. Sura Books. p. 66. ISBN 81-7478-177-3, ISBN 978-81-7478-177-2.