Oppiliappan Temple
ஒப்பிலியப்பன் கோயில்
A Vishnu pilgrimage site on the outskirts of Kumbakonam where no salt is ever added to offerings. It is known as the “Southern Tirupati.”
The Oppiliappan Temple is located in Thirunageswaram, about 6 km east of Kumbakonam, and is one of the 108 sacred Vishnu abodes. Legend says Vishnu married a young girl here who did not yet know to add salt, so all offerings at the temple are prepared without salt, and “no salt” has become a unique tradition here. The temple has broad colonnades and sacred elephants, and it attracts many devotees. It is known as the “Southern Tirupati.” Nearby is the Naganathaswamy Temple, one of the nine planetary temples. Entry is free, and shoes must be removed.
Opening hours
06:00–13:00, 16:00–21:00
Nearby sights
- Sarangapani Temple
- Mahamaham Tank
- Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
- Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram
- Swaminatha Swamy Temple, Swamimalai
- Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram
- Punnainallur Mariamman Temple
- Thanjavur Maratha Palace