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The temple is located at about 3 km from Thirukkovilur towards Villupuram. The temple is located in a beautiful location on a hillock adjacent to the South Pennai river and is visible from a distance across the river. There are two entrances, one through the main road and the other through the river which is very scenic.

The 160 feet high Gopuram in this shrine (dating back to the 7th century) with three prakarams Rich in inscriptions, it received Royal patronage from local chieftains, the later Cholas and the later Pandyas.

This is the south most rock-cut cave temple of Pallavas, with the solitary exception of Tiruchirapalli. Thiruvannamalai is visible from this hill. There is an idol of Ramanar as a young boy in a meditative posture and the temple is visited by many Ramana Maharsishi's followers.


Moolavar                :    Atulya Nadeswarar 
Thayar                    :    Azhagia Ponnazhagi
Thala Virutcham     :    Vilwa
Theertham              :  Thenpennai
Agamam / Pooja     :    Shivgama
Old year                   :   1000-2000 years old
Historical Name       :  Araiani Nallur

Athulya Nadheswara Temple is located in Arakandanallur ,Tirukoilur . This is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva . This Holy temple is one among 275 Shiva Sthalams and is one among Naadu Nadu Shiva Temple.

It is believed that the Pandavas visited Arankandanallur and that the temple tank close to the cave in which they stayed was created with Bhima's mace. There are two sunais (water streams) on the hillock which are said to have been used by Pandavas and Draupadi.There is an imprint of Thirugnana Sambandars feet here.

 Sambandar is said to have miraculously moved a huge rock that had been placed to block the shrine. Thirugnana Sambandhar worshipped Thiruvannamalai from this hillock top. Also It is worshipped by Prasanda rishi. Ramanar has meditated in this temple when he was a young boy.


Lord as a Swayambu Linga is seated under a Rudraksha pandal (roof) facing west. When saint Tirugnanasambandar came to this place, he found the temple locked by people of other faith stopping all pujas and functions. Sambandar sang in praise of Lord, opened the doors and restored the rituals.

Both Pradosha Nandhi and Adhikara Nandhi leaned to right and left sides respectively to facilitate easy darshan of the Lord to the saint. Even now both Nandhis are seen looking at opposite directions to each other.

Do:

  • Do pray your Ishta Devata before pilgrimage to Temple.
  • Do contact Temple Devasthanam information centre for enquiry, temple information and for Pooja details etc.
  • Do reserve your travel and accommodation at Temple well in advance.
  • Do bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
  • Do concentrate on God and Goddess inside the temple.
  • Do maintain silence and recite your Istamantram to yourself inside the temple.
  • Do observe ancient custom and traditions while in Temple.
  • Do respect religious sentiments at Temple.
  • Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only.

Don't s:

  • Do not come to Temple for any purpose other than worshipping of God and Goddess.
  • Do not smoke at Temple.
  • Do not consume alcoholic drinks at Temple.
  • Do not eat non-vegetarian food in the Kshetram.
  • Do not approach mediators for quick Darshanam. It may cause inconvenient to others.
  • Do not carry any weapon inside the temple.
  • Do not wear any head guards like helmets, caps, turbans and hats inside the temple premises.
  • Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  • Do not take much time while performing Sparsa Darshanam to God in Garbhagriha.
  • Do not buy spurious prasadams from street vendors.
  • Do not encourage beggars at Temple.
  • Do not spit or create nuisance in the premises of the temple.