Spiritual PlaceHindu temple

Podhu Aavudayar Temple, Parakkalakkottai

Shiva temple near Pattukkottai that opens only at midnight on Mondays, and on Thai Pongal for morning visits

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01 — The story

Podhu Aavudayar Temple, also called Madhyapureeswara Temple, is a Shiva temple at Parakkalakkottai near Pattukkottai in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. Its unusual hours set it apart: it opens only on Monday nights at midnight each week and closes at 3–4 am, with morning visits allowed only on Thai Pongal.

Hindu legend says the sages Vankobar and Mahakobar debated the virtues of brahmacharya and married life. Unable to settle the matter, they prayed to Shiva to judge, and he appeared to them here and gave his verdict. The temple has shrines to Shiva, Ganapathi, Vankobar and Mahakobar.

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02 — About

Coming soon

We’re still writing about Podhu Aavudayar Temple, Parakkalakkottai: its history, what’s there and why it’s worth the trip.