Pavanasar Temple (Suriyan Temple) — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

Papanasanathar Temple a 1000 year old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is called as “Nava Kailasa” temples. The name of temple Papanasam refers to “Papa” which means Sin while “Nasam” means destruction or destroying sins. Papanasanathar Temple is located in Papanasam, Thirunelveli district. Devotees who visits Papanasanathar temple, can wash their sins away. Tamraparni River flows beside this temple. Devotees can take bath in this river stream and will have the darshan of God.Papanasar temple is first among the Nava Kailayams where the Navagraha known for this temple is Surya (The Sun). Papanasar is known primarily for his healing powers in which he appears to be the cure for any disease in the world.

The legend sage Agasthiyar, during the wedding of the Lord Shiva with Godess Parvathy devi, there was uncontrollable crowd of the sages, devas in Mount kailash, due to this Earth lost its balance. To solve this Lord Shiva commanded Sage Agasthya to go to Pothigai Hills in the south to balance the Earth level. On the first day of Chithirai month, Lord Shiva and Goddess Paravathy granted the Wedding Darshan to Sage Agasthya. Sage Agasthya and his wife Lopamudra are in the shrine worshipping the Lord.

Historical belief is that Sage Romasa liked to set up the Shivalingas on Tambiraparani’s banks. He found this out to his guru Agasthya, instructed him to throw into the river flowers used for Shiva puja and to do the installations where the flowers hit the shores. Based on his advice, Sage Ramosa threw lotus flower into the water, nine of it hit the bank, and Papanasam was the first. Papanasam is known as Surya kailash as the first sun on the planets.

Indira had Brahmma hatidosha by killing Dwashta. In order to get relief from the Dosha, God Indira worshiped Lord Shiva. When God Indira entered the borders of this place, he got relieved from his sin. Hence this place is known as Papanasam – Papa means Sin, Nasam means destroying sins.

The body of Lord Papanasar is wholly and naturally made of Rudraksha who is also known as Rudraksha nathar. The old name of Papanasar is Vairaja Lingam.

In this temple, there is a pounding stone in front of the shrine of Godess Sri Ulgammai. Women use to take turmeric and make the turmeric water for abishek to the Mother. Married women believe that this holy abishekha water consumption would also increase the longevity of their Mangal Sutras. There are intrinsic sculptures of many Rishis, Kali, Urthuvath andavam, Bitchadanar, Nirtha Ganapathy, Thiripura Samharam, Perumal, Ekapathamoorthy, Brahmma, Subramanyar and Devi.

The temple is famous for its Chittirai Peruvila – festival where the celebrations – Urchavam used to happen for 13 days. This is in memory of Saint Agasthiyar where he got the Kalyana Dharshan of Lord Shiva and Parvathy in RishabaVahana along with his wife.

Entry Fee: Free Dharshan Timings: 6 am to 12 pm and...

Papanasam (Podhigaimalai) - Papanasam Podhigaimalai.

Lord's name: Bhavanasara, Babavinasagar.

Divine name: Lokanayaki, Ulagamai. Thala tree: Kala tree

Theertha: Tamira Parani, Veda Theertha, Kalyana Theertha, Bhairava Theertha.

Devotees: Agathiyar

Sthala Puranam

Both Papanasam and Pothihai malai Papanasam are the same.

People also offer 'Pavanasam'.

This place of deposit is called Papanasam in Potiya Hill Saral.

The place where Agathiyar Temple is located is called Old Bhavanasam. The descent to the Tamiraparani plateau, which is produced at the top of the hill, is the old Bhavanasa.

In Vikramasinghapuram lived a man called "Namasivayak Kavirayar" (Srimat Sivajnana Swami's younger father).

He lived with great devotion to Ambal - Ulagamai. He used to go to Bhavanasad temple every day in Arthasam and come back after praying Ambigai. Then he would sing devotional songs in ecstasy. One night when he was returning home while he was singing, Ambal unknowingly followed him hearing his songs. The saliva of the tambulam worn by Kavirayar fell on Ambika when he was singing. Ambika also got up to the temple along with Kolam. The next morning, the priest saw the stains of saliva on Ambal's clothes and repented. Ambika appeared in the king's dream that night and told him what had happened. The awakened King sent for the Kavirayar the next morning and, intending to gauge his devotion, placed a bouquet of flowers in Ambal's hand, tied it with gold wire, and ordered the Padak Kavirayar to bring the bouquet. He also composed and sang an anthadi in Kalithura. The golden cords tied around Ambigai's arm were cut around the poet and expressed the...

Papanasam, nestled in the Western Ghats near Tirunelveli, is a blend of spirituality and natural beauty. The word Papanasam literally means “Destruction of Sins,” and locals believe a visit here purifies one’s soul.

Papanasam Temple (Papavinashanathar Temple)

Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Papavinashanathar and Goddess Lokanayaki.

Devotees believe that worshipping here helps in washing away sins (papa).

Agasthiyar Falls & Papanasam Lake/Dam

A few kilometers uphill from the temple lies the scenic Agasthiyar Falls, believed to be the place where Sage Agasthya meditated.

The Thamirabarani River originates from this region and is considered sacred.

The lake area is calm and offers panoramic views – a perfect blend of spirituality and nature.

How to Reach

By Train: Nearest station is Tirunelveli Junction (Papnasam is ~45 km). From there, buses and taxis are available

Nearby Attractions

Courtallam Falls – Just an hour away, famous for herbal waterfalls.

Kalakkadu Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve – Close by for nature and wildlife lovers.

Tirunelveli – Visit the grand Nellaiappar Temple and taste the legendary Iruttu Kadai Halwa.

Tips for Visitors

Carry extra clothes if you plan to bathe in the falls.

Be careful at the falls as rocks can be slippery.

The area gets dark quickly, so plan your return...