The short answer
Periya Avudaiyar Temple, Manur: what visitors should know first
Worth a visit if you want a Shiva temple and a quiet hour after the hill. Plan it by car; it is a short drive from Palani, and timings are limited to daytime.
History and context
The story behind Periya Avudaiyar Temple, Manur
The temple is credited in local tradition to King Virada. The shrine to Periyanayaki was built during the Naicker period, according to the temple listing. Dates for the earliest structure are not given in the source.
Useful facts
Periya Avudaiyar Temple, Manur facts at a glance
- Location
- Manur, about 6 km west of Palani
- Faith
- Hindu
- Deity/dedication
- Shiva as Periya Avudaiyar (Pragadeeswarar)
- Visitor note
- West-facing; limited daytime hours
- Built
- Attributed to King Virada (legend)
Why it matters
Why Periya Avudaiyar Temple, Manur is worth your time
Palani is overwhelmingly a Murugan town, so a Shiva temple with an old local legend offers a different layer of the district's religious life. The deer story fixes a place name in a myth, which is how many Tamil villages remember themselves.
For travellers who have done the hill and want something quiet, this is a modest but rewarding stop, and it shows how much temple life exists beyond the main pilgrim route.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The deer legend
Manur takes its name from Shiva's deer form in the story.
- 02
West-facing shrine
Unusual orientation for a Shiva temple.
- 03
Pradosha days
Local worship peaks on pradosha and at Maha Shivaratri.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Arrange a car for the 6 km drive west from Palani, or take the Palani to Alangiyam bus that passes through the village. The temple faces west and is dedicated to Periya Avudaiyar, also called Pragadeeswarar, with processional deities of Natarajar, Sivakami and Pradosha Thandavar.
The temple's story is that King Virada, a keen hunter, chased a deer that Shiva had assumed, lost it behind a bush shaped like a linga and shot an arrow into the bush, which bled. He found the linga and sought forgiveness. The village name Manur comes from the Tamil word for deer. The arrow mark on the linga is said to be visible during abhishekam.
On pradosha days and during Maha Shivaratri the temple fills with local devotees. Otherwise, it is a calm place to walk around and sit. Plan to finish by early afternoon, and combine it with the Varadamanadhi dam if you want a half-day outing.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Hire a car for the round trip
- Confirm timings before going
- Carry water; village facilities are basic
- Avoid Maha Shivaratri if you want quiet
- Combine with the dam if time allows
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Manur village, about 6 km west of Palani
- Time needed
- 45 to 60 minutes plus travel
- Best time
- Mornings; Maha Shivaratri and Pradosha days are busier
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- A small village temple with level ground. Facilities are basic, so carry water and confirm timings before the drive.
- Tickets and access
- Open daytime, reportedly 8 am to 6 pm in one listing; confirm locally. Dress modestly and follow temple notices.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Periya Avudaiyar Temple, Manur
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
A small village temple with level ground. Facilities are basic, so carry water and confirm timings before the drive.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is Manur from Palani?
About 6 km west, reachable by car or local bus.
Why is it called Manur?
From the Tamil word for deer, after the legend of Shiva as a deer.
What time is it open?
One listing gives 8 am to 6 pm; check locally.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
