Sudarkozhundeeswarar Temple, Pennadam

Shiva as Sudarkozhundeeswarar (Pralayakaleswarar) temple · Pennadam, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, India

The Sudarkozhundeeswarar Temple, also called the Pralayakaleswarar Temple, is a Shiva temple in Pennadam, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. Wikipedia describes it as a Dravidian-style temple whose main shrine dates to the Early Chola period.

Dinamalar's temple listing names the consort as Azhagia Kadhali and records that the town was the birthplace of the saints Kalikamba Nayanar and Meikandar, both of whom are also noted in Wikipedia's article on Pennadam.

By the HinduTone Editorial Team · Last reviewed 1 November 2026. Editorial policy & corrections

Faith & Tradition

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Religious Significance of Sudarkozhundeeswarar Temple, Pennadam

The temple is best known for the story of its Nandi. Dinamalar records that when Shiva once flooded the world, this place was spared; at the request of the devas, Shiva told Nandi to hold back the water, and Nandi turned to face the place. This is why the Lord is called Pralaya Kaleswarar, 'protector at the time of deluge', and why Nandi still faces the temple entrance. Wikipedia likewise notes that Nandi faces east with its back to the shrine.

Wikipedia lists the temple among the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams and says the saint Appar is believed to have visited, but marks that claim as lacking a citation, and Dinamalar says the temple is praised in the Tevaram hymns. Treat the Tevaram connection as reported rather than independently confirmed.

Heritage

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History of Sudarkozhundeeswarar Temple, Pennadam

Wikipedia dates the main shrine to the Early Cholas. Dinamalar gives a much wider age estimate of 1,000 to 2,000 years and records an older name, Pannagadam, which it traces to three worshippers in the legend: penn (maidens), aa (the divine cow Kamadhenu) and gadam (the elephant Airavata). That story says Indra needed earthly flowers for a Shiva puja and the two maidens he sent stayed to worship a lingam here.

Dinamalar also preserves devotional stories about the Nayanar Kalikamba, and about the saint Tirunavukkarasar (Appar), who is said to have asked to be marked with the trident and Nandi emblems. These are traditional narratives, not documented history.

Architecture and sacred features

According to Wikipedia, the main shrine is shaped like the back of an elephant (Gajaprishta), and a subsidiary shrine on an artificial hill is dedicated to Shiva as Javanteeswarar. Dinamalar adds that three windows around the sanctum allow darshan of the deity from all sides, and mentions shrines to Murugan, Nataraja and the Amman. Its sacred tree is the champak (shenbagam), and its tanks include Kayilai Theertham and Indira Theertham.

Plan Your Visit

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Darshan and Visitor Information

The temple is an active place of worship. Dress modestly, follow the priests' instructions and confirm opening times and festival dates locally, since the sources consulted differ in detail and no timings are reproduced here.

Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.

Sacred Calendar

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Festivals at Sudarkozhundeeswarar Temple, Pennadam

Chithirai (April-May)

Chithirai Brahmotsavam

Location

How to Reach Sudarkozhundeeswarar Temple, Pennadam

Dinamalar places Pennadam about 18 km from Vriddhachalam and 12 km from Thittakudi, with bus service from both, and names Cuddalore as the nearest railway station and Chennai and Tiruchirappalli as the nearest airports. Wikipedia gives the temple's position as about 11.4025 N, 79.2567 E.

Location: Pennadam, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, India

Nearest airport: Chennai / Tiruchirappalli (per Dinamalar)

Nearest railway station: Cuddalore (per Dinamalar)

More in Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu · Shiva as Sudarkozhundeeswarar (Pralayakaleswarar) temples · Temples in Pennadam · Temples in Tittakudi Taluk · Temples in Cuddalore District

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Questions

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