Moolavar: Sri Thinthirineesvarar
Amman: Sri Maragathavalli Ambal
In ancient times, the town now known as Tindivanam was called Tinthrivanam, meaning the forest of tamarind trees—“Tinthiri” signifying tamarind and “Vanam” meaning forest in Sanskrit. It was beneath one such sacred tamarind tree that a Shiva Linga was discovered. From this divine revelation, the Lord of the temple came to be known as Thindrivaneshwarar, the presiding deity of Tinthrivanam.
This holy shrine holds a revered place as a Thevara Vaippu Sthalam, as it finds mention in the sacred Devaram hymns sung by Thirunavukkarasar (Appar). References to this temple appear in the 6th Thirumurai, specifically in the 7th Pathigam (8th song) and the 70th Pathigam (9th song), affirming its antiquity and spiritual importance.
The temple is believed to have been constructed during the Chola period. According to local tradition, it was sanctified by the visits of the Nalvars—Appar, Sundarar, Thirugnana Sambandar, and Manikkavasagar—as well as Saint
Arunagirinathar. Inscriptions found within the temple refer to this sacred place as Oyma Nattu Thindeeswaram, reflecting its historical identity.
Legend further holds that Sage Veda Vyasa himself built the majestic Rajagopuram of this temple. It is also believed that the great sages Valmiki and Vyasa, along with the divine Dwarapalakas of Lord Shiva—Thindi and Mundi, and devotees such as Killi and Killali, worshipped Lord Shiva here. The place where Thindi offered his worship came to be known as Thindeeswaram (Tindivanam), while the place sanctified by Mundi’s devotion is called Mundeeswaram.
Facing east, the temple features a six-tiered Rajagopuram. The lower structure is built of sturdy granite, while the upper portions are constructed with bricks. Directly aligned with the sanctum are the Dhwajastambha and Nandi, standing in reverent attendance. The temple comprises two prakarams, enclosing the sacred space.
The presiding deity, Sri Thindrivaneshwarar, is a Swayambhu Lingam, enshrined in the east-facing sanctum. Adorning the koshta walls are the idols of Selva Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, and Durga, with Chandikeswarar occupying his customary position. The Divine Mother, known as Maragathavalli or Maragathambal, resides in a separate east-facing shrine located to the left of the main sanctum.
At the inner entrance of the gopuram, Bhairavar and Surya stand guard. The temple walls are embellished with murals depicting Prahalada and the Surutapalli Temple, adding artistic and devotional depth to the sacred space. The outer prakaram houses shrines dedicated to Vinayaka, Murugan, Anjaneya, and the Navagrahas.
A unique feature of this temple is the presence of Pancha Lingams (Five Lingams)—Baktha Prahaladeswarar, Gyanapureeswarar, Karakandeswarar, Swayambhu Moolanathar, and the presiding Thindrivaneshwarar. The sacred Sthala Vriksham of the temple is the Tamarind tree, under which the divine presence was first revealed, eternally linking the Lord to the land.
Contact: The temple kurukal Sri Balaji can be reached at 9843983463
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