Gopinathaswamy Patteeswaram

Vaishnavite Temples, Thanjavur District

God

Gopinathaswamy, facing east

Goddess

Rukmani and Sathyabhama along with the lord facing east.

Other Deities

Twin Anjaneyas

Gopinathaswamy Patteeswaram is an ancient temple which is said to have occupied a large area and used to have several tall Rajagopurams out of which only one can be seen in a broken down stage from its original 7 tiers to 2 tiers today. Fortunately, some appeals by various media and people seem to be yielding results in small proportions and the sanctum sanctorum has been renovated recently.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Not known

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Not known

History

Several Chola Kings including Kulothunga III have rendered service and extended support to Gopinathaswamy Patteeswaram temple in the ancient past. After the rampage and vandalization by Muslim invaders, Gopinathaswamy Patteeswaram temple was again renovated by the Vijayanagara Kings. But today it is in an unspeakable state.

Legend

The story in Mahabharata of Bheema going in search of a flower for Draupadi and coming across an old monkey whose tail he could not lift to make way for himself is believed to have happened here at Gopinathaswamy Patteeswaram. The monkey was Anjaneya testing Bheema.

Directions

Gopinathaswamy Patteeswaram is on the western side and outside the town. There are many temples here and we suggest you refer our map below to cover them all.

Stay and Food

None locally. Kumbakonam is the best option

Vaishnavite Temples

Gopinathaswamy, Patteeswaram