Sivalokanathar Temple, Tirupunkur

Sivalokanathar Temple
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
District	Mayiladuthurai
Deity	Sivalokanathar(Shiva)
Location
Location	Tamil Nadu, India
State	Tamil Nadu
Country	India
Location in Tamil Nadu
Geographic coordinates	11°11′18″N 79°40′34″E / 11.18833°N 79.67611°E / 11.18833; 79.67611
Architecture
Type	Dravidian architecture

Sivalokanathar Temple (சிவலோகநாதர் கோயில்)^[1] is a Hindu temple in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to the god Shiva. The temple is situated in the village of Tirupunkur or Thirupunkur which lies about 3 miles west of Vaitheeswaran Koil.^[2] The temple is associated with the legend of the Saivite saint Nandanar who was one of the 63 Nayanmars. While being a Dalit, Nandanar was not allowed inside the temple, the idol of Nandi within the temple precincts moved a few inches at the command of Shiva so as not to obstruct Nandanar's view from the gate of the shrine.