Papanasar Temple, located in Papanasam village in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district, is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated 60 km from Tirunelveli, it exemplifies Dravidian architecture with three precincts. Shiva is worshipped as Papanasanathar, while Parvathi is revered as Ulagammai. Surrounded by a granite wall and featuring a seven-tiered tower, the temple was originally constructed by Chandrakula Pandya, with additions by the Vijayanagar and Nayak rulers in the 16th century.
The temple is open daily, with hours from 5:30 am - 12 pm and 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm, with extended hours during festivals. Rituals are held six times daily, while annual festivals like Brahmotsavam in Chittirai (April-May) and Thaipoosam in Thai (January-February) draw large crowds. Maintained by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board, the temple features intricate sculptures reflecting Nayak art and stands as a significant religious site for devotees.
According to legend, Sage Agasthya, unable to witness the divine wedding of Shiva and Parvathi in Kailash, prayed here and received a vision of the divine couple in Kalyana posture. This sacred moment inspired the name Agasthiyar Falls for the nearby waterfall. Another legend speaks of Sage Urosamar, who floated flowers down the Tamiraparani River, marking the location where he later established the temple to honor Shiva.
Papanasanathar Temple is considered the first of nine Navagraha temples along the Tamiraparani River, dedicated to the planetary deities. The lingam in this temple represents Surya, the Sun deity, and is known as Mukkala Nathar, symbolizing Shiva's divine form emanating from the kala tree. Other nearby idols, including those of Somaskanda, Rishabaroodar, and Agastya, showcase unique sculptures. The temple's name, Papanasam, reflects Indra’s expiation of sin here after seeking atonement for slaying the demon Dwastha.