Chandramouleeswar temple, Thiruvakkarai

The Chandramouleeswar Temple is a Hindu shrine in Thiruvakkarai built in the Dravidian style with a seven-tiered gateway tower marking its entrance. Inside the granite walls, multiple shrines hold statues and prayer spaces dedicated to different deities across the complex.

The temple began construction during the reign of Chola king Aditya I in the late 9th century as part of the expanding temple network of that era. Later kings, including Raja Raja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I, added structures and enlarged the site significantly over time.

This temple appears in the Tevaram, a 7th-century Tamil religious text, making it a place of continuous spiritual importance for people in the region. Daily prayers and seasonal festivals remain central to how the community experiences and values this space.

The temple welcomes visitors throughout the day, with morning and late afternoon being the most active times for prayers and crowds. Special extended hours occur on new moon days, making these occasions different from regular visiting patterns.

A three-faced stone form inside the temple stays cool even during hot weather and develops water droplets on its surface during monsoon season. This unusual natural property has made the spot memorable and significant to visitors over many generations.

Location: Viluppuram district

Architectural style: Dravidian architecture

GPS coordinates: 12.02778,79.65222

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:00