Muvarkoil

Daily, Multiple slots
Moovar Koil, Kodumbalur · 8752.8 km away
star4.6•platform
177 ratings

About the venue

Moovar Koil, also known as the 'Three Temples', is an ancient South Indian heritage complex celebrated for its refined pre Chola architectural character. The site offers an atmosphere that highlights the artistic ambitions of its builders and preserves a remarkable sense of serenity.


Historical Background


Established in the late ninth century C.E., the complex was commissioned by Bhuti Vikramakesari, an Irukkuvel chief. A Sanskrit inscription on the central Vimana confirms his patronage and records that he named the principal shrine after himself, while dedicating the two flanking Vimanas to his queens, namely Karrali and Varaguna. The temples together reflect an early stage in South Indian sacred architecture and reveal the technical mastery of the artisans involved.


Location and Significance


Situated in Kodumbalur in the state of Tamil Nadu, the monument stands as an important testimony to early temple building traditions. It retains high cultural value for its historical associations and its evocative atmosphere that links visitors to an earlier era.


Architectural Materials and Design


The complex comprises three structurally unique temples, each distinguished by delicately carved walls and finely modelled sculptures. Their expressive figures and elaborate ornamental work display the exceptional craftsmanship of the period and define the aesthetic identity of the site.

Things to know
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Ticket needed for all ages
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Entry allowed for all ages
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Kid friendly
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Pets not allowed
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Washrooms available
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Free water stations

What visitors say

star4.6|platform
From 177 Google reviews
Author AvatarSubramani Iyer
3 months ago
Chola times temple. Temple name itself moovar (3) temple. But only two temple only available. Another one and in front of this about 12 small temple remains only available. Entry fee ₹25 for this Moovar temple and five temple which is 400 meters from this place. Place is properly maintained by ASI. All visitors facility also provided.Read More
Author AvatarG R SARAVANAN
1 year ago
27.09.2025 Moovar temple: dating back to the ninth century, this complex consists of three Lord Shiva temples and showcases the splendid early and medieval Chola architecture. It is considered one of the oldest surviving temple structures from that era. Although not currently for devotees to worship the Gods, the site attracts numerous visitors as a popular tourist destination. It is renowned for its historical significance and impressive architectural features. The Archaeological Survey of India is currently undertaking restoration efforts to preserve and revive the temple, which has suffered some damage over time.The temples in question were constructed by Bhooti Vikrama Kesari, a member of the Irukkuvel clan. Bhooti Vikrama Kesari was an ally of the Cholas and lived during the same period as Aditya Chola.Presently known as Moovar Koil, the site was formerly called Vikrama Kesareeswaram, as evident in inscriptions found at the nearby Muchukundeswarar temple. The name reflects its association with the Irukkuvel chieftain Bhooti Vikrama Kesari. Originally, the temple complex consisted of three distinct shrines but only two of them have survived. These shrines, known as the northern, central and southern, were all constructed with stone and faced west, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Even today, the two remaining shrines exhibit beautifully sculpted Shiva Lingas inside.The northern shrine no longer exists, but its foundation or adishtanam remains. The central and southern shrines, although showing signs of deterioration and possible deliberate damage to certain architectural elements, are mostly intact. Each shrine was designed as an independent Shiva temple, featuring individual garbhagrihas (sanctums), Nandis (bull statues), dwarapalakas (door guardians), vimanams (tower-like structures), ardha-mandapams (half-pillared halls), and more. From the remaining remnants of the complex, it is evident that they may have shared a common maha mandapam (main hall). This temple complex is widely considered as a prototype for numerous temples during the early medieval Chola period and beyond. It is believed to have served as an inspiration for Raja Raja Chola I when he constructed the renowned Brihadeeswarar temple in Thanjavur.Read More
Author AvatarDr Rithik Bose
1 year ago
Historical shiva temple complex built by the irukkuvel chiefs of velirs.....the temple must be on the period of transition from pallavan architecture to chola style....the ruins of the the compound and basement suggests kailasanathar temple like praharam the northern temple is destructed and only it's basement remains......the middle/central shrine must be the main temple built with a double high wall and a square vimana....the temple surprisingly showcases indra also... Then comes the last southern temple which must not have had a shiva lingam inside but may have housed an idol of shankaranarayanar or veenadharamoorthi by the looks of the idols in the vimana......it consists of war aspects of shiva .....Read More
Author AvatarRavi Balasubramanian
2 years ago
Awesome place explaining the history. One of the tower in Three temples not available now and all of them have sivalingams. Now sivalingam exist in only one tower which is in the middle. They charge 25 Rs per adult and the security guard explained on some of the interesting things to look after. There is no clear communication on this Archeological marvel from the main road. The approach road on both ends were not maintained well. It resembles more of five Rathas temple I. Mahabalipuram. We were talking about kodumbalur princess vanathi when we cross this place and suddenly a small board appeared about this temple. Every one should visit to know history.Read More
Author Avatarsarada mysore
2 years ago
An excellent Archeological Monument that all Art lovers should visit . Of the original three full-stone temples ( Kattrali) only two are standing . The sculptures here are stunning and show a style of later Pallavas and earlier than Cholas . ASI has maintained the site very well , within a huge , well kept compound . Entrance fee is Rs.25 . Site is open throughout the day from 9 to 5. Visitor friendly amenities include washrooms behind the ticket counter and stone benches under trees. The biggest drawback is the approach road . In the first place , there is no signboard on the main road to direct the visitor to the small , easy-to-miss mud road branching to the left . And this path is just an apology of a road , full of pot holes , erosions and thorny bushes overhanging . If this road is repaired and made easily motorable , more people will visit this splendid site .Read More
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