Introduction

Situated in Gramam (Thirumundeeswaram) village of Villupuram district, the Sri Sivalokanathar Temple—also known as Thirumundeeswaram—is a revered Paadal Petra Sthalam dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Sivalokanathar alongside his consort Soundaranayagi. A significant Dravidian-style shrine praised in the 7th-century Tevaram hymns :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

Why Visit Sri Sivalokanathar Temple?

• Paadal Petra Sthalam: One of the 276 Tevaram‑hymned Shiva temples, sung by Nayanars such as Appar :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
• Self‑manifested Lingam: The main deity is a swayambhu (self‑manifested) Shiva lingam, giving this shrine profound spiritual power :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Rich Legends: Dwarapalaka Mundi’s devotion gave rise to the name “Mundeeswaram,” and the lingam is said to bear a scar from an arrow that struck it, visible today :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Divine Beliefs: Worship here is believed to aid aspirants in music and dance, and fulfill serious prayers with authenticity :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

Architecture & Layout

• Dravidian Design: East‑facing five‑tiered rajagopuram, enclosed by concentric granite walls, featuring flagstaff, mandapams, and sanctum :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Shrine Layout: Includes garbhagriha, ardha‑mandapam, maha‑mandapam, and prakara with shrines for Vinayaka, Muruga, Durga, Dakshinamurthy, Navagrahas, and the Nayanmars :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Sacred Elements: Temple tank ‘Mundaka Theertham’ and temple tree (sthala vriksham) ‘Vanni’ grace the premises :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Renovations: The rajagopuram and flagpost were renovated during a kumbhabhishekam in September 2006 :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

Visitor Information

• Timings: 6 AM–10 AM & 6 PM–8 PM daily :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Contact: +91 4146 206700 (temple office / priest) :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Entry Fee: Free
• Dress Code: Traditional modest attire is recommended
• Accessibility: 17 km from Villupuram on Cuddalore–Tirukkovilur road, accessible by local buses and private vehicles :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

Festivals & Rituals

• Daily Pujas: Kalasanthi (8 AM), Uchikalam (Noon), Sayarakshai (6 PM), and Arthajamam (8 PM) :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Weekly/Fortnightly: Somavaram (Mondays), Sukravaram (Fridays), and Pradosham rituals :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Annual Celebrations: Appar Vizha (Chithirai), Aani Thirumanjanam (June–July), Vinayaka Chathurthi, Navaratri, Skanda Sashti, Thiruvadhirai, Makara Sankranti, Maha Shivaratri, Panguni Uthiram, and others :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

Location & Connectivity

• Address: Sri Sivalokanathar Temple, Gramam (Thirumundeeswaram), Thiruvennainallur Taluk, Villupuram District, TN 607203 :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Situated On: South bank of Malattaar / Then Pennai River :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Transport Options: Nearest rail: Tiruvannainallur (~3.5 km); bus services available from Villupuram and Cuddalore; located ~17 km from Villupuram junction :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

Closing Note

Thirumundeeswaram Sri Sivalokanathar Temple is more than just a place of worship—it is a living legacy of Tamil Shaiva devotion, architectural craftsmanship, and sacred lore. Whether you seek spiritual solace, poetic heritage, or divine blessings, this Paadal Petra Sthalam stands as a powerful beacon for pilgrims and cultural explorers alike.