Arulsomanathar Temple, also known as Somanatheswarar Temple, is located at Tiruneedur, near
Mayiladuthurai, in
Nagapattinam District of
Tamil Nadu. This temple of yore is one of the highly revered
Shivasthalams in South India. Tiruneedur is regarded as the 21st amongst the Tevara Shivasthalams located north of the
Cauvery River.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple enshrines Arulsomanathar (or Somanathar) as the presiding deity. The goddess of the temple is Veyurutoliammai (Aditya Abayambika). The temple has an imposing shrine to Bhadrakali. There is also a shrine dedicated to Surya.
The ancient structure from the period of the Nayanmars, was replaced with a stone structure during the 12th century. The temple boasts several inscriptions from the period of Kulottunga I, Rajadiraja II and Rajaraja Chola III. The inscriptions speak of the endowments made during the later Chola period (11th - 13th centuries).
It is said that Appar has sung in praise of the lord in his pathigams.
Arulsomanathar Temple is just a kilometer from Needur Railway Station.
