Thirunavalur is situated at a distance of 28 Kms from Villupuram between a River Gadilam and River Pennai.  Sri Bhakthajaneswarar who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva is the Presiding Deity and Manonmani Ambal who is an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi is His Consort.  It is one of the 276 Thevara Paadal Petra Sthalam.  Lord Bakthajaneswarar manifested Himself as a Swayambhumoorthy in the midst of Jambhu Trees or Naaval Maram and hence the name Thirunavalur.  Saint Sundramurthy was born in Tirunavalur and his Parents Sadayanayanar and Isaignaniyar worshipped Lord Bakthajaneswarar.  It is considered as one of the oldest Temples that had come up even before the 4 Yugas.  As per the Temple inscriptions King Rajathitha Cholan Son of King Paranthaka Cholan renovated and expanded this Temple.  Some say that Lord Maha Vishnu came here and took the Blessings of Lord Shiva before donning the Narasimha Avathar to vanquish Hiranyakasibhu.  The Temple is currently being renovated now in 2023.  There is a small car parking and opposite to it the Temple Chariot is kept secured near a Mandapam.  This Temple is unique in having 2 Nandhis viz. Adikara Nandhi and Bala Nandhi.   Lord Bakthajaneswarar is found in a main Shrine whereas His Consort Manonmani Ambal is seen close to it.  This is a rare Temple in which we could find Lord Dhakshinamoorthy in a standing posture.   There are Sub Shrines for 63 Nayanmaargal, Sapthamaathas, Valampuri Vinayagar, Gaja Lakshmi and Navagrahams, Chandikeshwar and  Vishnu Durgai.  Four Lingam denoting 4 Yugas could be seen.  The Urchavamoorthy of Lord Natarajar along with Sivagami Ambal, Vinayagar, Murugan, Bhikshandavar could be seen in the Temple Hall.  Varadaraja Perumal occupies a separate Sub Shrine.  At the rear of Varadaraja Perumal Sannadhi There is a Neem and Arasa Maram beneath which Naga Devathas are found.  The Temple has a huge compound wall along with a Nandhavanam or Temple Garden.  The Sthala Viruksham is a Jambhu Tree or Naaval Maram.  The Holy Theertham is River Gadilam.  Saint Sundarar alias Sundaramoorthy Nayanar is very fond of this Temple and had sung several verses in praise of Bakthajaneswarar who is also known as Sri Naavaleeswar or Sri Jumbhu Natheswarar. 

Temple Timing: 6 AM to 12 Noon and 4 PM to 8 PM

Temple Phone Number: R.Senthil Gurukkal - 94861 50809 & 82707 39853

Distance from Villippuram to Thirunavalur is 27 Kms

Distance from Chennai to Thirunavalur is 190 Kms

Convenient Railway Station is Villuppuram Junction

For any Suggestions in the Website: T.Ragavachari - 98411 40126