Paranjothi Easwarar Temple, Thanjakkoor

It is one of the shrines of the Vaippu Sthalams sung by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Sundarar. This place is also known as Adhi Vilvavana Kshetra, referring to the age old place which had many vilva trees.[2]

The presiding deity in the garbhagriha, represented by the lingam, is known as Paranjothi Easwarar. The Goddess is known as Gnanambikai.[2] He is also known as Rudrakodeeswarar.[1]

This is the birthplace of Poyyamozhi Pulavar who sung Thanjaivanan Kovai. Parvati, Vinayaka, Murugan, Lakshmi, Rama, Lakshmana, Hanuman, Laksmi, Saraswati, Agastya, Indrani and Gautama Maharishi worshipped the presiding deity. On the request of Brahma, Vishnu and Indra the deity blessed them.[2][3]

The temple do not have a compound wall. It has sanctum sanctorum and one front mandapa. The shrine of the presiding deity is facing east, while the Goddess is facing south. Arrangements are on the anvil for the construction of the gopura. Next to the entrance Dwajasthambam and bali peetam, are found. Next to bali peetam Navagraha shrine is found. On either side of the sanctum sanctorum Dvarapalas are found. At the right of the sanctum sanctorum Vinayaka is found. No other shrines or sculptures are found in this temple.[3]

The temple is located in Madurai-Ramanathapuram/Manamadurai bus route, next to Thiruppuvanam and Tiruppachetti at a distance of 5 km in Thanjakkoor.[2] It is opened for devotees from 8.00 am to 10.00 and 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm.[3]