The Temple is in Thirupathiripuliyur or Thirupapuliyur close to Cuddalore Town. The Presiding Deity is Sri Padaleeswarar who is an incarnation of Sri Shiva. This Temple is one of the famous Paadal Petra Sthalam and is located on the River bank of Kedilam. Thirupapuliyur was formerly known as Kannivanam or Paadalapuram or Kadaignazhal. Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar and Manickavasagar have all sung in praise of this Temple. Vyakrapathar Munivar or Sri Pulikaal Munivar had come here and Worshipped  Sri Padaleeswarar. The Temple is more than 2000 years old and is considered as one of the ancient Temples of Tamil Nadu. The Presiding Deity is known as Sri Padaleeswarar or Sri Thondrathunai Nathar. His Copnsort here is Sri Brhannayagi or Sri Periya Nayagi or Sri Arunthava Nayagi. This temple is an East facing Temple with a 5 tiered Rajagopuram which stands majestically with all its coloured Divine Idols.  Facing the Moolasthanam is a Dwajasthambam or Kodi Maram, a Neivedhya Peedam or a Bali Peedam and a huge Nandhi Vaahanam. At the entry point there are two huge Dwara Baalaka Idols who stand guard before the Moolasthanam. Apart from this there is an Idol of Sri Dwara Vinayagar and Sri Dwara Subramanyar  on either side. In the Moolasthanam the Presiding Deity of Sri Paadaleeswarar is seen East facing and in the form of a Swayambu Siva Lingam. He looks magnificent when seen in the backdrop of the naturally lit Oil Lamps of the Sanctum Sanctorum. He is considered as Omnipotent who would look into the woes of all His Devotees who Pray before Him. Around the Koshtam of the Moolasthanam are the Idols of Sri Sri Vinayagar, Sri Lingothbavar, Sri Dhakshnamoorthy, Sri Durgai and Sri Chandikeshwarar. His Consort here is Sri Brihannayaki who is seen in Her Shrine in a multi pillared Mandapam. She looks resplendent and is seen East facing and in a standing posture Blessing Her Devotees.

The Temple comprises of Sub Shrines of Sri Vinayakar, Sri Arumugham, Sri Chandran, Sri Vyakrapathar, Sage Agasthiyar, 63vargal, Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar, Sri Gajalakshmi, Sri Natarajar, Sri Bhairavar etc.  The Idol of  Sri Arunthavanayagi is placed just beneath the Sthala Viruksham which is a Pathiri Maram. A few Naga devathas Idols are also seen here.  An illuminated exhibition finds a place in the Prahaaram which is a highlight of this Temple. Likewise there is a splendid Library within the Temple premises containing various books and publications about Sri Padaleeswarar Temple. A huge Ghoshala or Pasumadam is also seen here functioning well. The Temple's Sacred Tank or Pushkarani is located just outside the Temple premises and is known as  Sivakara Theertham.  

It is said the the original temple was built in the 7th Century by the Pallava Rulers. Later the Cholas, Pandiyas,Viajayanagar Kings had a big hand in contributing to the Temple's well being. Particularly King Raja Raja Cholan, his son Rajendra Cholan and Kulothunga Cholan had gifted lands and welth to this Temple. Considering the magnificence of this Temple there is no vehicular Parking facilities and Devotees coming to this Temple may find it cumbersome to park their vehicles.

Contact Details: 94433 04978 or 98949 27573 or 04142 236728, & 94428 32181 

Temple Timings: 5.30 AM to 12 Noon and 3 PM to 9 PM

Distance from Cuddalore to Thirupathripuliur is 4 Kms

Distance from Neyveli to Thirupathripuliur is 43 Kms

Distance from Chidambaram to Thirupathripuliur is 41 Kms

Distance from Panruti to Thirupathripuliur is 22 Kms

Distance from Sirkali to Thirupathripuliur is 66 Kms

Distance from Kumbakonam to Thirupathripuliur is 114 Kms

Distance from Thirunageswaram to Thirupathripuliur is 117 Kms

Distance from Thanjavur to Thirupathripuliur is 151 Kms

Distance from Vaitheeswaran Koil, Mayavaram to Thirupathripuliur is 71 Kms

Distance from Thirupungur to Thirupapuliyur is 76 Kms

Distance from Thirukadaiyur to Thirupapuliyur is 89 Kms

Distance from Valikandapuram to Thirupapuliyur is 119 Kms

Distance from Virudhachalam to Thirupapuliyur is 60 Kms

Distance from Thiruvannamalai or Tiruvannamalai to Thirupapuliyur is 120 Kms

Distance from Rasipuram to Thirupapuliyur is 218 Kms

Distance from Salem to Thirupapuliyur is 199 Kms

Distance from Nedungunam to Thirupapuliyur is 127 Kms

Distance from Injimedu to Thirupapuliyur is 140 Kms

Distance from Arani to Thirupapuliyur is 149 Kms

Distance from Vellore to Thirupapuliyur is 187 Kms

Distance from Virinjipuram or Virinchipuram to Thirupapuliyur is 202 Kms

Distance from Thirunavalur to Thirupapuliyur is 43 Kms

Distance from Rishivandiyam to Thirupapuliyur is 95 Kms

Distance from Kalpakkam to Thirupapuliyur is 109 Kms

Distance from Pondicherry or Puducherry to Thirupapuliyur is 25 Kms

Distance from Chennai to Thirupathripuliur is 190 Kms

Nearest Railway Station is Cuddalore R.S.

For any Suggestions Call T.Ragavachari 9841140126