Nedungadu Tantondreeswarar Temple

Nedungadu, a village near Karaikal town in the Puducherry Union Territory of India, is home to a little-known yet architecturally captivating temple known as the Tantondreeswarar Temple. Let's delve into the details of this temple in this article.

The Tantondreeswarar Temple boasts a striking three-tiered Raja Gopuram (tower) facing east. Notably, the tower is unadorned with stucco images, and the entire temple is constructed using red-colored stone, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

Within the sanctum, you'll find the imposing Shiva Linga, known as Tantondreeswarar.

As you enter the sanctum, you'll come across the icons of Ganesha and Subramanya.

While there is no flag staff or bali peetha, the Nandi Mandapa, positioned to face the sanctum, features a small Ganesha image behind it.

Near the Nandi Mandapa, there is the shrine of Goddess Nedunthuyar Theertha Nayaki, which faces south.

The temple's sanctum walls are adorned with niche images of Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Lingodbhava, Brahma, and Vishnu Durga. Chandikeshwara's sub-shrine occupies its customary location, and you can also find the sub-shrines of Ganesha and Subramanya-Valli-Devasena within the temple prakara.

All these sub-shrines are adorned with attractive Vimanas.

The temple was originally constructed during the Chola period and later underwent renovation by the Thanjavur Nayakas.

In 1948 CE, a significant discovery was made in the vicinity of the temple, unearthing 14 bronze idols dating back to the 14th century.

Happy travelling.