Sri Viratteeswarar Temple

Situated in Erular Colony, Tiruttani, in the Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, this temple stands as a significant pilgrimage centre along the riverbank, drawing devotees and visitors seeking spiritual solace and architectural grandeur.

The temple traces its origins to the Pallava period and showcases the distinctive Pallava architectural style. It was built by Pallava King Aparajitha Varman, with the stone temple construction attributed to Nambi Appi.

The temple’s serene location on flat ground makes it easily accessible, and its historical legacy is reflected in the intricate stonework and traditional design elements that are characteristic of this era. Sri Viratteeswarar Temple welcomes devotees for darshan with free entry.

The temple timings are from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and again from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, allowing ample opportunity for pilgrims to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.

Visitors are encouraged to adhere to the traditional dress code: men should wear dhoti with a shirt or kurta, avoiding shorts and casual wear, while women are recommended to wear sarees, salwars, or churidars with a dupatta. Reaching the temple is convenient for pilgrims and tourists alike.

From Tiruttani Railway Station, the temple is just about 2 km away and can be accessed by a short auto-rickshaw ride (5–10 minutes) or a 20–25 minute walk. Those traveling from Chennai can take the NH 716/Chennai-Tiruttani road, covering a distance of approximately 80–90 km.

Suburban trains and local buses from Tiruvallur also provide easy connectivity to Tiruttani. For accommodation, visitors have options including Tiruttani Devasthanam accommodations as well as several budget-friendly private hotels and lodges located near the town center and railway station.

Limited parking is available in the street area near the temple. Photography is generally permitted within the temple premises, but taking photos inside the sanctum sanctorum is usually prohibited. It is advisable to consult the temple priest before taking photographs.

Nearby attractions include the renowned Arulmigu Subramanyaswamy Thirukovil (Tiruttani Murugan Temple) just 2 km away, Thiruvalangadu Shiva Temple and Vada Aaranyeswarar Swamy Temple (Thiruvalankadu) at 12 km, and Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple (Thiruverkadu) at 60 km, making Sri Viratteeswarar Temple an excellent addition to a spiritual itinerary in Tamil Nadu.