Naganathaswami Temple is situated at
Peraiyur in
Pudukkottai District of
Tamil Nadu. It is around 15 km
Pudukkottai. The temple is dedicated to
Lord Shiva.
The temple, which dates back to the Chola period, contains various artistic and sculptural works in its premises. At the entrance to the main shrine, there is a tall stone of Nataraja. The sculpture of Shiva and Parvati seated on their bull are noteworthy. The western gopuram behind the sanctum is the oldest one, which is of the 10th century and is depicts Chola style of architecture.
The inscriptions in the temple reveal that this temple was renovated in the 12th or 13th century. Other images in the temple are that of Lord Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhava and Lord Brahma. Goddess Brahadambal is also enshrined in the temple, which is said to belong to the end of the 15th or early 16th century, and is in the Vijayanagara architectural style. There are other Chola and Pandya inscriptions belonging to the 13th century.
Well known for Naga worship, Naganathaswami Temple attracts a large number of devotees. For more than a century, barren women has been visiting the temple and installing idols of Nagas. The stone idols of Nagas, which have been accumulating over a long period, offer a breathtaking view.
The temple can be approached from Peraiyur, which is about 3 km off the Pudukkottai-Kuzhipirai-
Ponnamaravathi bus route. Nearest railway station is Pudukkottai Railway Station.
