Papanasam is a panchayat town in Thanjavur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

The name literally translates to "Destruction of Sins" in the Tamil language.

Papanasam is located at 10°56′00″N 79°17′00″E / 10.9333°N 79.2833°E / 10.9333; 79.2833 and has an average elevation of 22 metres (72 ft).

A granary measuring 86 feet (26 m) in width and 36 feet (11 m) in height constructed by Nayaks between 1600–1634 has been declared by the State Archaeological Department as a protected monument.

Papanasam Bus stop is situated between Thanjavur to Kumbakonam route.