Shri Kadambavananathar Temple at Papakovil

This is a Shiva temple and is one of the seven sapta sthana shiva temples of Nagapattinam. It is at a distance of 3 kms from Nagapattinam railway station on East Coast Road. Though the place finds a mention in the puran, the details about the temples are available from early 7th century. It is believed to have been constructed by Chola kings. The temple was in bad shape but was renovated in 1928. The village took care of the neglected temple from 2013. 

Mulavar: Shri Kadambavanathar

Devi: Shri Balabhoojambal

Kshetra vruksha: Kadamba tree

Sacred teertha: Panchakrosha teertha

Puranic name: Kadamba vana

Present name: Papakovil

District: Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu

This is an east facing temple with 5 tiered rajagopuram. The Shiva linga is a swayambhoo linga. Shri Baalabhoojambal Devi is housed in a separate shrine to the left of central shrine. Behind Bhagwan Shiva sanctum we have the shrine of Shri Subramanya with his consorts. Inside the temple we find the shrine of Kadamb rishi. The rays of the Sun fall on the Shiva linga in the month of Panguni on the day of Uttaram nakshtra. On the southern side, we come across the shrine of Shri Siddhivinayaka and Shri Gajalaxmi Devi. 

Kshetra puran:

This place is connected with Shri Muruga and Pancha-kadamba-vana-kshetra namely Aadi-kadambnur, Agaraka-kadambnur, Elam-kadambnur, Perum-kadambnur, Kadambar-vazhkai. Shri Muruga was afflicted with bramha hatya dosha after he slayed demon Surapadman and other asuras. He was advised by Shri Parvati Devi to worship at Pancha-kadamba-kshetra on the southern bank of Kaveri. 

Rishi and munis came along with Him to worship at Pancha-kadamba-vana-kshetra. He first came to a place known as Manjavadi near Thevur. He made an idol of Shri Ganesha and worshiped him at that place. Then he worshiped Shri Shiva at this Pancha-kadamba-vana-kshetra. Finally he came to Kadambavana, he sought the blessings of Kadamba Maharshi at this place. He then worshiped the Shiva linga and got rid of the dosha. As this place was abundant with Kadamb trees, the place is praised as Kadambavana. 

Those who worshiped at this place: 

Shri Muruga, 33 crores of Devas, Kadamba Maharshi, other sages and munis. 

Special feature: 

This Shiva linga is a swayambhu linga. Suns rays fall on the Shiva linga on Panguni Utrram day. Panguni Utrram is not only auspicious for Bhagwan Shiva but also for Shri Muruga and Shri Aaiyappa as their birth stars are (Uttaram in Tamil) Uttarfalguni. 

Prayer: 

There is a belief that the marriage obstacles will be removed if one takes bath in the sacred teertha on 3 successive full moon days and worship Bhagwan Shiva and Shri Parvati Devi at this place. Devotees offer vastra and light ghee lamps for fulfillment of their boons. 

Festivals: 

Aadi (July-August): 108 samayi pooja 

Aipassi (October-November): Annabahishek and Skandhashasthi

Maasi (February-March): Magam festival & Shivaratri 

Panguni (March-April): Uttaram festival starts with Surya puja from 6 - 6.15 am

Pujas:

Daily pujas, Pradosh puja, Weekly pujas, Somvaar and Sankasti chatruthi are observed.

Note: As very few people visit this temple, the temple is open only for short time

Timing: 7 - 10 am, 5 - 7 pm. 

It is advisable to contact the priest before visiting the temple.

Address:

Shri Kadambavananathar temple, Papakovil, ECR (East Coast road), Nagapattinam district, TN

Phone number: 9787588363