Vaipu Sthalangal Temples (18) around Tirunelveli

Part 3 of 4 of 65 Famous and Ancient Shiva Temples around Tirunelveli,

Index of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Google Map of Temples around Tirunelveli
  3. Vaipu Sthalams

Note : Since the Blog is lengthy, If you Click on any Title, you will be taken to the concerned paragragh by the link provided. Also you can return to the Index of Contents for which links have been provided at several places in the Blog.

1. Introduction

Some of the most revered Saivaite and Vishnu  temples are located across the length and breadth of the Tirunelveli district. The vibrant landscape is dotted with multitudes of big and small  temples dating back hundreds of years. There are several big Shiva temples which are relatively unknown and one should definitely visit these temples. There are several legends associated with each one of these divine temples making them Divine and Breath taking.. Most of the temples were covered during 2-9-2017  to 14-9-2017  (13 days).

The details of the Shiva Temples have been given in 4 parts : Part 1 : Nava Kailayam Temples, Pancha Guru Sthalangal Part 2 : Pancha Booths Sthalangal  , Panchakrosha Kshetras, Pancha Natarajar Sthalams Part 3 (This blog) Vaipu Sthalams Part 4 Thevara Padal Petra Sthalangal, Pancha Asana Sthalams, and Other Shiva Temples.

While planning the trip to these temples, it is suggested to use the Google Map given below of Tirunelveli Temples so that cris – crossing could be avoided.

2.Google Map of Temples around Tirunelveli

Google Map Locations of Tirunelveli Temples could be seen in the embedded Interactive Google Map below:By clicking on a location, photo of the temple, web links for more details of temple, Video (Youtube) links if any can be seen.

3.Vaipu Sthalams

Vaipu Sthalam are Shiva temples  Sung in praise by Saints Appar, Sundarar & Gnana Sambhandar  without actually visiting this temple). There are more than 250 such Vaipu Sthalams in Tamilnadu. Visit my Blog : Thevara  Vaippu  Sthalangal  for more information    To return to the Index of Contents, Click Here. Otherwise Continue.

3.1 Papanasam Sivan Temple

Papanasam Sivan Temple, Papanasam, Tamil Nadu 62742  Nava Kailasam Temple +Vaippu Sthalam + Pancha Krosa Sthalam Details aready given See Part 1 Para 3.1

3.2 Sivasailanathar and Paramakalyani Ambal Temple, Sivasaailam

Sri Sivasailanathar and Sri Paramakalyani Ambal Temple, Q8QW+5MQ, Sivasaailam, Sivasailam, Tamil Nadu 627412 Vaippu Sthalam+ Pancha Krosa Sthalam – Details aready given   See Part 2 Para 4.3

3.3 Nithya Kalyani Amman Temple, Kilakadayam

Nithya Kalyani Amman Temple, Kilakadayam, Tamil Nadu 627415 Vaippu Sthalam+ Pancha Krosa Sthalam – Details aready given  See Part 2 Para 4.4

3.4 Palvannanathar Temple, Karivalamvandanallur

Arulmigu Palvannanathar Temple,  7G9R+W75, Karivalamvandanallur, Tamil Nadu 627753 – Vaippu Sthalam+ Pancha Bootha Sthalam (Sundarar 7-31-2) Details aready given See Part 2 Para 3.3

3.5 Sankaranarayanaswamy Temple, Sankarankovil

Arulmigu Sankaranarayanaswamy Temple, Tirunelveli, Sankarankovil, Tamil Nadu 627 756 Sundarar  7-31-9 Vaippu Sthalam+ Pancha Bootha Sthalam – Details aready given. See Part 2 Para 3.5

3.6 Gomathiamal Sathyawageswarar Temple, Kalakkad

Gomathiamal Sathyawageswarar Temple அருள்மிகு கோமதியம்பாள் உடனுறை சத்தியவாகீஸ்வரர் திருக்கோவில், களக்காடு , GH82+F49, Kovilpathu, Kalakkad, Tamil Nadu 627501 Gomathiamal Sathyawageswarar Temple is located in  Kovilpathu, Kalakkad, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 40 kms from Tirunelveli.

As to the etymology of Kalakkad, there are four stories : One, that this was a forest of Kala trees; two, that this is where Sita was taken and hence deriving from the Tamil word “Kalavu”; three, from “kalam”, the Tamil word for battlefield; and four, from the time when this place was under the rule of the Kalabhras.

It is a Vaipu Sthalam (Sung by Saint Appar, without actually visiting this temple)  There are more than 250 such Vaipu Sthalams in Tamilnadu.  Appar referred to Siva here as Puramerichavar Udaiya Nayanar (possibly a reference to Tripura Samharam, and Siva as Tripurantakar). Saint Manikkavasagar has also sung about this temple, and in his hymn, he refers to this temple being the centre point of a long-lost skill of making stones soft.

This temple is one of the Pancha Asana Sthalam temples. The List : Satyavakeeswarar, Kalakkad, Tirunelveli , Valutheeswarar, Eruvadi, Tirunelveli, Ramalingeswarar, Shenbagaramanallur, Tirunelveli, Tirunageswarar, Nanguneri, Tirunelveli, Manonmaneeswarar, Vijayanarayanam, Tirunelveli

Moolavar : Sri Satyavakeeswarar – Swyambu Lingam.(self manifested); Ambal : Gomathi Amman, Avudai Nayaki; Sthala Vriksham : Punnai tree; Theertham : Satya Teertham;

This Temple was built by Pandaya Kings in 13th century but this Temple was later developed to its current structure by Nayak’s and Vijayanagara Kings. Virtually everything in the temple speaks to its size and grandeur, as well as intricate work that has gone into all aspects of the temple. The east-facing raja gopuram is massive – 9 tiered,135 feet tall – and contains over 1500 stucco images carved on to it, including scenes from the epics and puranams.

The mandapams and shrines are also large, as is the hall of musical pillars, built by Udaya Marthanda Varma, the king of Travancore, in the 16th century. Each pillar in this hall makes a sound of a different tone, when tapped with another stone or with one’s fingers. There are also over 200 individual paintings of various epics, puranams and stories from the Tiruvilaiyadal, from the Nayak period, as well as a large granary dating back to the 13th century.

Inscriptions in the temple refer to the various services, gifts and endowments made to the temple, primarily by the Travancore kings. They also refer to the place as being named Cholanadu Vallipuram and Vanavan Nadu

 There are many Yazhi Pillars, 200 Mural and nearly 1500 Stuccos which showcase the artistic works of Nayaks. Travancore King Boothala Veera Udaya Marthanda commissioned a hall of musical pillars in this Temple. This Place is also called as Cholanadu, Vallipuram and Vanavan Naadu.

The mandapa has many Yazhi pillars; the base of the mega sized Yazhis have different small sculptures such as elephant, soldier, girl, monkey, etc. are found. The stone sculpture of Bheema fighting with Purusha Mrugam is a highlight of this hall. There is a big sculpture of Cheraman Perumal with his friend Sundarar. Theking Veera Marthanda Varma who built this temple is also found in the form of a beautiful sculpture in this hall.

The main highlight of the hall is musical pillars which produce different musical sound (sapta swaras) on tapping them.  To the left of this mandapam is a pillared hallway; every pillar has a unique pattern sculpted onto it, no two pillars have the same pattern.

There are Sub Shrines for Lords Vinayaka, Subramanya, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Chandikeswara, Goddess Durga and Navagrahas. This Temple is built by following the Dravidian Style of Architecture. There is a tall Dwajasthambam or Flag Staff, Mahamandapam and an Artha Mandapam. The Temple is compounded using a high granite wall..

As per the Legend, this temple is closely connected with the Ramayanam –  what is possibly the turning point of the epic. One of the names of this place is Chorakadavi (or Chorakavu), and that is because in the temple’s sthala puranam, this is considered to be the place where Ravana abducted Sita, in the Ramayanam. Realising that Sita had been taken, Rama and Lakshmana were distraught, and so worshipped Siva here, who promised them that Sita would be found safe. This later turned out to be the case (and upon their return from Lanka, Rama, Lakshmana and Sita worshipped Siva here), and hence the Lord is named Satya Vakeeswarar (the One who keeps His word, or the One that speaks the truth).

As per another Legend, in the 13th century, Veera Marthanda Varman of the Travancore royal family, ruled the region. The king had a practice of worshipping Siva at Tiruppudaimarudhur (Tirunelveli).   Once, he was unable to visit it due to floods in the region, when he heard a celestial voice telling him to locate a Siva Lingam under a Vanni tree. He did so and was able to perform his worship. Pleased with the turn of events, the king built this temple here.

Temple Timing: 6 AM to 11-30 AM and  5 PM to 8 PM Contact Details: 0471-2345667; Harihara Bhattar: 9952384732; 9994396409. 04635-262611, 9443971482 Bhakthar Peravai 9552384732, The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

3.7 Tripuranthakeswarar Temple, Palayamkottai

Arulmigu Tripurandhiswarar Temple, PPFQ+QH5, Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627002  Arulmigu Tripurandhiswarar Temple is located in Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 6 kms from the famous  Arulmigu Nellaiappar Temple, Tirunelveli.

It is a Vaipu Sthalam (Sung by Appar,   without actually visiting this temple)  There are more than 250 such Vaipu Sthalams in Tamilnadu. 

Moolavar : Sri Tripurantheeswarar; Ambal : Gomati Ambal; Sthala Vriksham : Vilva tree; Theertham : Tamiraparani;

The shrines of the presiding deity and the goddess have separate vimanas. In the shrine of the presiding deity, Subramania is also found. In the entrance Veeravahudevar and Veeramahendrar are found on either side. While going around the shrine of the goddess, Vallabai Vinayaka is found.  Rare paintings of 63 nayanmars are fond in this temple.

In the prakara shrines of Jwarakesvarar, Saptamatas, Nayanars, Vinayaka, Subramania with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Gajalakshmi, Saraswati, Sanisvara, Nataraja, Navagraha, and Bairava are found. In the kosta, Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhava and Durga are found.

As per the Legend, King Uthalan ruled this region under the boundaries of the Pandya kingdom very well. One day he went for a walk with his wife. On his way, he ridiculed a sage who was engaged in penance without respecting him due to his arrogance. Enraged by this, the sage cursed the King. As a result of that curse, the king’s physical appearance was deformed and his  eyesight was lost.

The king realized his mistake and felt sorry for his act and  fell at sage’s feet and  begged for the salvation. The sage pardoned him and , instructed him to install  a Shivalinga in the  Shenbaga forest on the banks of the Thamirabarani river and worship the Lord properly and  get relieved   of his curse  and  he could get  his old form and eyesight.

Accordingly, the king went to  shenbaga forest on the banks of river Thamirabarani where sage Gautama was performing penance.  Sage Gautama could understand the status of the king who went to him and worshipped him through his jnana drishti.  At that time, Hanuman, the son of Vayu, was travelling in the sky towards  north, flying in the air. The sage called him and asked him to go to Kasi and bring a Shivalinga for his worship.

Accordingly, the son of Vayu also travelled through the sky in the blink of an eye, went to Kasi and brought a Shivalinga and presented it to Sage Gautama. Sage Gautama,  installed the Shivalinga, in this place called Shenbaga Vanam and asked the king  to perform pujas and penance properly, as a result of which Lord Shiva appeared before them and removed the curse of the king and restored his appearance and lost eyesight., Sage Gautama prayed that the Lord  should always be present  here and remove the sufferings of the devotees who worship him and Lord Shiva agreed for the same. .

As per the history, , the Dutch, who had come to India to trade, stole the Utsav murthy of Lord Arumuga Perumal (Shanmuga) of the Tiruchendur Murugan temple, thinking that it is gold.    They took the idol and  went  in a  ship  through the sea. As they went, in the middle of the sea, a fierce cyclonic wind blew   due to the wrath of Lord Muruga. It also rained heavily.

On seeing this, those on board said that the idol of Lord Muruga on board the ship was responsible for this cyclonic winds and rain. The Dutch panicked and Immediately, threw the idol of Lord Muruga in to the sea. Vadamalaiyappa Pillai, who was responsible for the construction of many temples in the area at that time, came to know of this news and arranged for the construction of a new Shanmugar statue with the help of karuvelankulam sculptors to place the idols of Lord Muruga again in Tiruchendur.

When the sculptors had finished doing so, they carried it with drums and rhythms and set out for Tiruchendur. At the same time that they entered the Palayamkottai area with idols, they got  the news that the idol of Lord Shanmuga, which was thrown into the sea by Dutch was retrieved by  the blessings of Lord Muruga and the efforts of Vadamalai Pilla. . So they kept the idols there for a few days not knowing the answer as to what to do with the newly made idols. The area was later called ‘Murugan Kurichi’. Even today, Murugankurichi name remains 

Later, this newly made Arumuga Nainar Thirumeni was installed in this temple at Palayamkottai in a separate  sannidhi.

Mother Aayiratambal (Durga Parameswari) appears in a separate shrine facing north. The background history of this Amman installed here is also interesting. There is a separate temple with a flag post for Aayirathamman on the upper chariot road of this temple. Earlier, since the idol of the presiding deity of the temple was slightly damaged, the people of the village used the sculptor to create a new idol of the goddess .

Goddess Ayirathamman  appeared in the dream of one of the devotees and said, “If your adopted mother is disabled, will you  replace her ? Also this old “Thiru Meni” also has the “Sannithyam”. Therefore, according to history, the old image was re installed in this Tripurandeeswarar temple  by applying  a herbal mixture to the temple as per the orders of the mother.

Temple timings : 6  am- 10 am, 5.30 pm  – 8.15  pm; Contact Phone number :  9976693119. To return to the Index of Contents, Click Here. Otherwise Continue.

3.8 AZHAGAMMAN Temple, Vadiveeswaram

AZHAGAMMAN Temple, 5CJQ+WR7, E Car St, Vadiveeswaram Village, Ozhuginasery, Tamil Nadu 629001 (Sundareswarar) VPS  AZHAGAMMAN Temple is located in Vadiveeswaram Village, Tamil Nadu 629001 at a distance of 82 kms from Tirunelveli. It is most famous as the birthplace of Neelakanta Sivan, a well-known 19th-century composer.

It is a Vaipu Sthalam (Sung by Appar,   without actually visiting this temple)  There are more than 250 such Vaipu Sthalams in Tamilnadu. The name Vadiveeswaram is a compound of the words Vadivu, which means ‘beauty’ and Easwaran, anappellation of the God Shiva , in Tamil. The name thus means the beauty of Shiva, which could refereither to the area or to the presiding goddess of the Azhagamman Temple. The term Azhagamman means Beautiful Goddess.

Moolavar : Sri Sundareswarar, facing east; Ambal : Azhagamman facing south ;

Sundareswarar Vadiveeswaram is a large east-facing temple with 2 Prakarams. The outer Prakaram is entered through a 3 tiered gopuram on the south side. The outer Prakaram has a nice paved pathway running around. On the east side of the prakaram is a large mandapam extending in the front side. There is

another small entrance in the east with a smaller gopuram, but this is normally kept closed. This gate leads out to a large Temple tank in the east. The inner Prakaram houses the shrines and the sanctum sanctorum. A circumambulatory path runs around the sanctum and Goddess shrine.

Other Deities in the temple : Kasi Viswanathar ,Visalakshi, Kanni Vinayaka, Naagar, Dharma Sastha, 63 Nayanmars, Maha Vishnu, Muruga with consorts, Saneeswarar, Nataraja and Chandran.

This temple is dedicated to Azhagamman and Sundareswarar from whose names the name of the village is derived. The village is also home to five other temples: Mutharaman Kovil, Perumal Kovil, Idar Theertha Perumal Kovil, Sastha Kovil and Pillayar Kovil. The car festival is held on the month of march.

A rare image of saint Vyagrapada Vigneswari was found in Vadiveeswaram by the Kanyakumari Historical and Cultural Research Centre

The Azhagamman Temple, the biggest in the area presides car festival annually. The temple has two cars which was parked on the middle of the East car street ( Keezha ratha veedhi / Kizhakku ratha veedhi/ கீழ ரத வீதி ). The four prominent streets was named after the car festival which was held in the streets was named as North, East, West & South Car streets respectively.

Another important festival worth to mention was the soorasamhaar/ soora samhaaram (சூரசம்ஹாரம் ) which too was held under azhagamman temple at keezha radha veedhi.

Temple timings : 6 am  -11 am , 5-8 pm; Contact phone number : Admin 9626625138;

3.9 Thiruchendur Murugan Temple

Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, F4WH+8QQ, Thiruchendur, Tamil Nadu 628215 TPS, VPS    It is located at a distance of 60 kms from Tirunelveli Railway Station and 90 Kms from Kanyakumari. The temple complex is on the shores of Bay of Bengal .Jayanthipuram is the historical name for that temple. Saint Nakeerar, in his Tamil writings compilation called Thirumurugatruppadai, more than 2000 years ago, and saint Poet Arunagirinaathar, who has composed more than 80 Tiruppugazh verses on Murugan, have both sung in praise of Tiruchendur Murugan .                                                                                                                    

It is one of the 1000 + Murugan / Subramanya temples.  I have created a Google Map showing the locations of these 1000 + Murugan temples  and the Map with Top 30 Murugan Temples can be seen in my Travel Blog: Kshetradanam  

This is one of the Vaipu Sthalams. (Sung by Appar on Lord Shiva of this temple without actually visiting this temple). There are more than 250 such Vaipu Sthalams in Tamilnadu sung by Appar, Sundarar & Gnana Sambhandar  without actually visiting the temple and just by seeing the Lord in their Gna Drishti). I have created a Google Map showing the locations of these 250 + Vaipu Sthalams  and can be seen in my Travel Blog: Kshetradanam –  

Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruchendur, is second  of the Six Abodes of Murugan (Aarupadai veedugal).As per a legend, Lord Murugan was created by Lord Shiva to rescue the devas from a demon king called Soorapadma. The demon king  reigned over Veera Mahendrapuri, an island fortress. Lord Shiva granted him many boons as the Lord was impressed by Surapadman’s immense devotion and loyalty. Surapadman became more and more powerful with time, and with the immortality he possessed, it wasn’t much longer for his arrogance to take over. He rebelled and successfully captured all the three worlds—Heaven, earth, and hell. He made the Devas, the heavenly immortals to do menial tasks. The Devas fed up and unable to bear his torture and complained to Lord Shiva. As Lord Shiva’s third eye opened to create six sparks of fire emanated and gave rise to six babies. As the babies were clasped by Goddess Uma, they joined together, which gave birth to Lord Murugan, a god with six faces and twelve arms who was crafted to fulfill one purpose, get Surapadman’s head. An intense battle ensued, which was fought for a few days after Surapadman denied to release the devas.

This resulted in Surapadman’s demise  and the lance of Lord Muruga pierced the body of Surapadma, who got himself transformed into a frightful mango tree, and broke it into two. The broken pieces instantly transformed themselves into a mighty peacock and a cock. Lord Muruga took the peacock as his vahana or vehicle and the cock on his banner. This is popularly known as Surasamharam, or the destruction of Surapadman.

Lord Muruga desired to worship his father, Lord Shiva. Hence Mayan, the divine architect, constructed this shrine at Tiruchendur. Even now, Lord Subramaniyan is seen in the posture of worshiping Lord Shiva in the sanctum sanctorum. 

Six mountain temples across the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu became camps where Murugan and his forces rested. These camps came to be known as Arupadai Veedu and comprise Swamimalai, Pazhani, Pazhamudhircholai, Thiruchendur, Thiruparankundram and Thiruthani.

Saint Nakkirar enunciates a concept central to the Saiva Siddhanta theology in his lyrical narrative Tirumurugarrupadai ,both philosophical and theological, There is metaphysical meaning, too. Yogis of yore determined that each temple stimulates a specific chakra in the subtle body of man: Tirupparankundram lights a fire in the muladhara chakra governing memory at the base of the spine. Tiruchendur moves the next  chakra, svadhishthana, below the navel, governing reason. Palani animates the manipura chakra of willpower at the solar plexus. Swamimalai spins the heart chakra, anahata, the center of direct cognition. Tiruttani opens the vishuddha chakra of divine love at the throat, and Palamuthirsolai electrifies the third eye of divine sight, ajna chakra.                                                                                                                                              As per the History, the Murugan temple at Tiruchendur was occupied by the Dutch East India company  in the 17th Century.. They wreaked havoc , looting everything in sight. They took with them the sculpture depicting the 2 utsava murthis which they foolishly assumed to be entirely made of gold. Having crossed only a few nautical miles, they fell prey to a storm so daunting that the sailors began to believe that it was the wrath of the Lord Murugan from the temple they had looted, which must have triggered the thunderstorm. Frightened out of their minds, they heaved the idols into the ocean.

According to the locals, the ominous demeanour that had set on the skies had only a second ago mysteriously vanished the moment the tip of the statue touched the surface, much to the soldiers’ relief. As the mercenaries began to move forward with their journey, the idol sank into the depths of the ocean.

Later, Senthil Aandavan appeared in a dream to Vadamaliyappa Pillai, an ardent devotee of Murugan, and revealed the place in the sea where the idol had been abandoned. Vadamlaiyappa Pillai in the Tiruchendur temple, went to the spot in a fishing boat and retrieved the murti in 1653. The story is shown in paintings inside the temple.

Adi Shankara and the Subramanya Bhujangam  Adi Shankaracharya had defeated many scholars who were following various different schools of thought. One such rival scholar grew jealous of Adi Shankara’s felicity in debates. He cast an evil spell on Adi Shankaracharya and this caused severe stomach pain to the acharya.  Adi Shankara thought the stomach pain as prarabdha karma. He tried to avoid the pain of the body. But Lord Murugan was not ready to ignore the severe pain that his devotee was going through. He therefore appeared in the dream of Adi Shankaracharya and summoned him to Tiruchendur Temple – the famous abode of Muruga in Tamil Nadu. Adi Sankara reached Tiruchendur Temple through yoga marga. Here Muruga showed him the rarest of rarest vision – Muruga standing and Adi Shesha spreading his hood over him.  This rare darshan of Muruga inspired the Adi Shankara to sing a hymn in the Bhujanga metre, as it conjures wavelike, graceful movements of a snake.

Adi Shankara was not only cured of the illness but the human kind benefitted with such a powerful stotra. Even today, it is beleived that reciting this Subramanya Bhujangam with devotion and sincerity can cure any type of major illness.

Architecture   The temple is flanked by an overwhelming menagerie of stalls selling garlands, fruits and other offerings, religious music, colorful cloth and objects for the home shrine.

The temple Mela Gopuram, a massive structure of nine storeys, is a striking landmark. The stupas at the top are nine in number in consonance with the number of storeys as a general rule with such temples. This gopuram is said to have been constructed 350 years ago by by Desikamūrti Swāmi, an Odukkath-Tambiran of the then Mahā-sannidhānam of Tiruvāvaduthurai Mutt. He is said to have received his call for the purpose from his place in the mutt, the Lord having communicated His desire both to the Mahā-sannidhānam and the Tambiran in a dream. The latter had no funds for such a huge task entrusted into his hands, but had appraised him of the solution. He undertook it.

It is said the labour paid for by the Swami was in the shape of pinches of sacred ashes (tirunîru) placed in the hands of workmen after each day’s work, with instructions to open near the Thūndu-kai-Vināyakar Kovil. And those pinches of sacred vibhūti were converted into cash enough to recompense their individual exertion, actually performed during the course of the day!

It is remarkable that from the sixth storey upwards to the ninth, the plaster on the walls have kept remarkably on, and they are beautified with fresco paintings! The scenes depicted are from the life of Saint Manikavāchaka, with labels in Tamil and those of the Pandya Ninracîr Nedumāran and his times and also scenes from Tirunelvēli Purānam and many others. A good many of them are obliterated with age, dust and whitewash. As illustrating the contemporaneous state of society they are well worth a study.

The Vasanta Mandapam is a recent noble edifice standing on 120 columns and with a central porch. The Ananda Vilas Mandapam stands on a raised sandy promontory majestically overlooking the sea. It is a mandapam of 16 pillars worked in black granite. The Shanmukha Vilasam, a magnificent mandapam of intricate stone plinths and columns, is the frontal adjunct to the main temple. It houses an ornate mandapam of four pillars in the centre, and this touches the ceiling through its elaborately carved and majestic pillars and supports the entire Shanmukha Vilasam.

The main entrance of this temple opens into the first temple prahara known as Sivili Mandapam. It is a series of four long corridors running round the inner second prahara flanked on either side by familiar rows of columns of yalis. The Sivili Mandapam produces a fine effect of symmetry and grandeur. There is a Vishnu shrine of Lord Venkatesa on the norther prahara. Shrines to Vishnu withing ancient Saivite temples are common in South India as in Chidambaram, Rameswaram, Perur, Tiruchengode, Sikkil, etc. This Vishnu shrine is hollowed out of the rock itself.

The principal sanctum of this great temple is Subramaniam, the Lord of Senthil. The figure is seen in a standing posture.  In Tiruchendur there are four Utsava Murthis: Shanmukhar, Jayantināthar, Kumāra Vidangar and Alaivāy Perumal. The specialty is that all these four have separate sanctum each. Kumāra Vidangar is called Māppillai Swami meaning the Bridegroom Lord.The utsavar idols of Lord Muruga, with consorts worshipped by the famous Tamil Palayakarrar and king of Panchalankuruchi, Kattabomman . It is said that Kattabomman used to hear the bell sound after the puja was over at the temple by way of a chain of mandapams built along a distance of about 50 miles to his royal seat at Panchalankurichi. A little removed from the main shrine and on the northern seashore under a cliff of overhanging hardened sandstone there is a picturesque cave carved out of it, which is famous as Valli’s Cave. Two images are installed there, one dedicated to Valli and another to Dattatreya.                                                                                                                                   Almost embedded in a rolling high sand dune on the beach lies a remarkable spring known as Skanda Pushparani — the Nazhik Kinaru. It is a natural phenomenon and is said to have sprung up as Lord Shanmukha planted His lance — the Vel — on the spot.

 Of the six patai veetu of Lord Murugan, it appears as though Tiruchendur alone is located in the seashore and the other five are hill-temples. In reality, Tiruchendur is also a hill-temple. This temple is situated in the Sandal Hill at the seashore. Hence, this sacred place is called Gandhamādhana Parvatam. In course of time this hillock has disappeared. Even now, near the sanctum of Perumal in the second paved corridor and near the Cave of Valli, we can see the Sandana Malai bulging out as a small mound.

Go here for Guru Peyarcchi (moving of Jupiter planet): At Tiruchendur, Lord Murugan appears as Gnāna Guru. In this sacred place, Guru Bhagawan narrated the history of the asuras to Lord Murugan, before the Lord vanquished them. Hence, this holy place is considered as the Holy Place of Guru. Médha Dakshinamurthi in the paved corridor is seen sitting on four different seats, namely Koormam (tortoise), the Eight Serpents (Ashta Nākankal), the Eight Elephants (Ashta Gajās) and the Médha Malai (Wisdom Hill). On His rear side is the stone banyan tree on which are perched the four Vedas in the form of parrots.

As He graces with knowledge and wisdom, He is called as Gnānaskanda Murthi. Generally, Dakshinamurti is seen with fire and utukkai (small drum tapering in the middle) in the hands; here He appears with mān and mallu (antelope and axe-like weapon). Worshipping Tiruchendur Murugan on the Guru Peyarcchi day will ward off the ill effects caused by the planet Jupiter

Darshan of Pancha Lingam: Lord Murugan performed a thanksgiving Siva Pooja after he won Sūrapadman. He, in this same form appears with a lotus flower on his right hand. Like a Siva devotee, He wears a matted hair on His head. On His left rear-side wall, there is a lingam. The Deepa Ārādhanai (worship with light) is first given to the Lingam and then only to Murugan. In sanctum of Shanmukhar also there is a Lingam behind the deity. Both these Lingams are in darkness and could be seen only in the Deepa Ārādhanai light. Besides, adjacent to the sanctum of Murugan on the right side is the sanctum of Pancha Lingam. The tradition is that the devas come to worship them during the month of Mārkali.   The 2004 Tsunami . Tiruchendur temple is the only major structure in the area not affected by the Tsunami on the December 26, 2004 The waves destroyed everything around the temple but did not touch the temple itself. It is a miracle, and many took refuge there during Tsunami. It caused havoc to the adjacent villages and fishing hamlets and even destroyed a portion of the Velankanni Church

Festival: Pankuni Uthiram, Tirukkaarthikai, Vaikaasi Visaakam, KandaSashti. The two Brahmotsavams are the two most revered festivals of Tiruchendur Murugan Temple which goes on for 12 days when tens of thousands of pilgrims gather around the temple to be a part of these grand festivals Brahmotsavam is celeberated in the month of Maasi(Feb mid to mid March) and Avani (aug- Sep).   In the Murugan temples, the Kanda Sashti festival is celebrated for six days only. In some temples it is celebrated forseven days, with the divine wedding of Lord Muruga the nextday to Sashti. But, in Tiruchendur the festival is held for twelve days — the first six days of Kanda Sashti comprise SashtiVrattam (the vow of Sashti) and Soora Samharam (the annihilation of the demon, Soora), on the seventh day it is the divine wedding of Lord Muruga and Deivaanai, and in the next five days, the Lord in His wedding gear appears and blesses in the ‘Unjal Sevai’ that is, sitting on the Swing.

Sooranporu or Soorasamharam part of Kandha Sashti Vratham festival is a ritual folk performance that recreates the killing of Asuras by Lord Murugan. More than five lakh devotees participate in the Kanda Sashti festival  The Sooranporu performance is based on the story of Murugan, also known as Kandha, as given in the Kandhapurana. In the days preceding the performance the Kandhapaurana is narrated in the temple. The performance ends with the killing of Soorapadman (or Padmasura) and his race which is depicted through the symbolic beheading of the four Asuras Anamughan, Panumughan, Simhamughan and Soorapadman. The Asuras are beheaded by Murugan using his weapon the vel a kind of spear or javelin. For the performance the vel is specially consecrated and during the staging of the show it is ceremonially placed on the neck of the effigy after which the head is removed, depicting the beheading of the Asura. Sooranporu is staged at the end of a week-long Kanda Sashti festival.

At Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, six days celebrations for Kanda Sashti start from Pirathamai of Aippasi Masam culminate on Soorasamharam day. Thiru Kalyanam is observed on the next day of Soorasamharam.   Hundreds of Ayyappaswami’s pilgrims on their way to Kerala are bathing in the ocean in anticipation of the sun’s imminent rising.

Poojas are performed nine times a day, starting from Suprabatham and culminating in the ‘palliyarai’ (bed time ) pooja for the Lord. During these poojas different neivedyams like pongal, kanji (porridge) , Dosai, appam are offered. The pooja type here is known as Kumara Thantram. The poojas are performed by brahmin priests known as Potris. Another unique feature here is that the Viboodhi prasadam (holy ash) is given in ‘panneer'(Indian Lavender, Panneer (Tamil), Dharu (Sanskrit)) leaves. The leaves are itself considered medicinal and hence the Lord’s prasad Vibudhi on the leaves,Ilai vibudhi or Patra vibudhi, are considered special and beleived to cure diseases.

The temple has a golden chariot made of gold and silver and other metals.  important ritual is carrying of palkudams (milk pots) by the devotees in huge numbers.

Temple Timings It is open from 5:30 am – 9:00pm with occasional breaks of 30 minutes for alankarams.  Contact Phone number :91-4639 – 242 221.Administration  The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

3.10 Thirumalai Kumaraswamy Temple

Thirumalai Kumaraswamy Temple,  26PG+C65, Thirumalaikoil Rd, Thenpothai, Tamil Nadu 627812  Thirumalai Kumaraswamy Temple is located in Panpoli, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 67 kms from Tirunelveli. is situated on a small hill surrounded by Western Ghats in the border of Kerala and located at a height of 400 m in Western Ghats can be reached by 625 steep steps from the foothills. Car can go up to temple.

It  is a Vaipu Sthalam (Sung by  Sundarar without actually visiting this temple) and Thiruppugazh Sthalam(sung by Arunagirinathar. There are more than 250 such Vaipu Sthalams in Tamilnadu. It is a Visakam Birth Star temple;;

As per the legend, once upon a time Swamy Thirumalaimurugan appeared one Poovan Battar  Archagar of Thirumalai Kaliamman Temple’s dream and asked him to find out the idol (stone vickragam) of swamy Thirumalai kumaran which is under the Bamboo bush,situated at Kottaithiradu on the way to Achankoil,ants would show the way to locate the idol. The message was conveyed to the then Kerala King of Pandalam. The king and Battar went to Kottaithiradu in order to find out the statue as stated in the dream ants paved the path.Lord Thirumalai Murugan statue was found.The same was brought and installed in the sanctum sanctorum of this present temple.It would had happened around 600 years back.

As per another legend, during the construction of the temple, elephants were used tocarry the pillars and beams to the hill. As strong rope was not available those days, it was made of palm fibres which, sometimes would give up dropping the pillars down. When the pillars fell down with great sound, a woman ascetic Sivakami Ammaiyar would stop them with her head caring not her life. The pillars would be dragged upward again. Till such time, she would be keeping her head against the pillars preventing them from falling further down. She had such power granted by Lord Murugan. She also carried bricks on the plantain stems to the hill top. There is an idol for Ammaiyar in the temple.

Saint Arunagirinathar composed Thiruppugaghz in praise of Thirumalai Murugan .Thandapani swamigal, Kavirasa pandarathiaya noted poets also in their poetic diction sung in praise of Lord Murugan – Thirumalai kumaran pillai thamizh.ThirumalaiMurugan Kuravanji, Thirumalai murugan Nondinadagam, Thirumalai karuppan Kathal.There are also works like Thirumalai Murugan anthathi, Thirumalai kumaraswamy Alankara pirabantham,Thirumanimalai Thiruthalattu.  

The main deity Murugan is found with four hands in the standing posture. The deity here is called Thirumalai Kumaraswamy or Thirumalai Murugan. The presiding deity is also known as Mookan. Because of the lords name most of the people in this region have the name ‘Thirumalai’. There is one more goddess temple within this temple, called ‘Thirumalai Amman’.

The temple has a mukha-mandapa, maha-mandapa in front of thesanctum. At the entrance of the main sanctum, there is a small idol for Lord Ganesha. A three tieredgopuram covers the entrance to the inner enclosure. Much of the current structure of the temple datesback to 15th century.

This Hill is also called Tirikoodamalai. Thesacred tree of the site is Tamarind tree. Lord Murugan is depicted by the Vel weapon. The idol of Valliand peacock are also found under the Tamarind tree. A small shrine for Lord Ganesh is also found inthe area outside the main shrine. The shrines of Meenakshi-Sundareswarar, Utsava Shanmukha and Utsava Murugan are also found within the main shrine. The prakara (corridor) is full of small shrines andidols such as Kanni Vinayakar, Shasta, Gajalakshmi, Chandikeswarar and Bhairava.

The tank is found outside the main shrine. One more shrine for Ganesha named as Thirupani Vinayakaris also found in the outer region. At the entrance of the hill, there is a shrine for Lord Vallabha Vinayaka.There are two Padukas – Foot Symbol. There is another Vinayaka shrine in the middle of the hill pathfollowed by one to Idumban. This Vinayaga is called as Naduvatta Vinayakar The sacred spring at the topof the hill is called Ashta Padmakulam. It is presently called Poonjunai.

A flower called Kuvalai mentioned in Tamil literatures blossomed here. Only one flower would blossoma day. The Saptha Kannikas worshipped Muruga by offering the flower. While the idols of SapthaKannikas are found only in Lord Shiva temple, they are installed on the banks of the spring in thistemple too. The seven powers of Mother Parvathi are called Saptha Kannikas. 

The shrine of Meenakshi-Sundareswarar along with Ganesh is also found at the foothills. You can findsome small Mandapams and shrines such as Murugan with Valli-Devasena, Naduvatta Vinayakar andIdumban between foothills and the top of the hills. The main temple is located at the top of the hills atthe backdrop of Western Ghats and breathtaking aerial view of the surrounding villages.

Temple timings : 6 am -1 pm  5-8 pm; Contact Phone numbers : +91 4633 237 122 Admin 9443506977, Durai 9443087005

3.11 Brahmadesam Kailasanathar Temple, Ambasamudram

Brahmadesam Kailasanathar Temple, Sanathi Street, Kailash Nagar , Brahmadesam, PCJV+XV6, Ambasamudram, Tamil Nadu 627413  Brahmadesam Kailasanathar Temple is located in Brahmadesam, Ambasamudram, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 32 kms from Tirunelveli.This is also the birth place of Sri Sarvagna Atmendra Saraswathi Swamigal, the second Acharya of Sri Kanchi Kamakodi Peetam. Saint Thirunavukkarasar refers this temple as Ayneeswaram

It is a Vaipu Sthalam (Sung by Appar, without actually visiting this temple)  . There are more than 250 such Vaipu Sthalams in Tamilnadu.  This Temple is the first of Adi Nava Kailayam shrines and dedicated to Surya (sun god).

Moolavar : Sri Kailasanathar; Ambal : Sri Brahmanayaki; Sthala Vricksham : ” Elanthai” – jujube-tree.; Theertham : Brahma Theertham; Agamam: Kameegam;

There are five siva lingas with separate Sanctum sanctorum in the temple : Sri. Kailasanathar ,Sri Badari Vaneswarar  Sri Viswanathar with Sri Visalakshi, Sri Arunachaleswarar with Unnamalai and  Sri Sundareswarar with Sri Meenakshi.

There are separate sannidhis for Vigneswara, Subrahmanya, Dharma Sastha, Balamurugan, Surya, Chandra, Dhakshinamoorthy and Navukkarasar, Appar & Sundarar

As per the legend, the original deity in this temple Badhari Vaneswara (Shivalingam) was worshipped by Romasa Maharishi, the grand son of Lord Brahma (to get himself relievd from Bramha hathi dosham) , and so the village was named as Brahmamdesam. The Ghatana Nadi Mahatmiam (purana) takes note of three Swayambu (self manifested) Shivalingams of Shivasailam, Tiruvaleeswaram and Brahmmadesam emerged at the same time.

The present temple and the Brahmmadesam village were gifted to the brahmins by the Rajaraja Chola I for daily parayana of  four vedas. The monarch built the original temple including the sanctum, ardhamandapa, mukhamandapa during 10th century A.D. The structural additions were made by various royal dynasties: Pandya kings built few mandapas; the intricate wooden decors on the roof of the mandapa at the entrance were carried out by Chera kings; Nayaka king Viswanatha Nayaka raised the exceedingly large seven tier east facing Rajagopuram and the gopuram at the back side as well as the taller perimeter wall around the temple complex; Hoysala kings also made some structural additions to this shrine.

The Brahmmadesam temple is huge hidden gem of Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagara and Pandya style architecture. A large and prominent lotus tank invite the devotees from outside the temple tower. The devotees and connoisseurs of art and architecture will enter into the Brahmmadesam temple through the east facing massive seven tier Chola style rajagopuram (brick and wooden structure) profusely adorned with stucco images. The top of the gopuram has a shalashikhara resembling a barrel made to rest on its side and crowned with seven finials (kalasams). The steps leading to all the seven tiers of rajagopuram. The seventh tier of the gopuram has small corridors on all four sides and served as watch tower.

The extremely tall wooden main doors at the Rajagopuram entrance with intricately carved panels let in the connoisseurs to their surrealistic world of gorgeous architecture and iconography. The temple gave shelter to local people while foreign invasions and this ‘Kutavarai’ door with conical nails prevented elephants from pushing the door and protected people from entry inside. Also there are two more gopurams found in this temple. The tall and wide perimeter wall and the adjoining 2 feet wide inner wall (Alodi suvar) enabled the soldiers to stand and observe the enemy movements. There are seven vimanas in the huge temple complex.

Aesthetically designed long pillared mandapa is located between rajagopuram and main sanctum. The mandapa is supported by 10 square-based pillars and two non-figural cluster pillars carved with 12 lion brackets and 12 drop brackets. The pillar faces also bear bas reliefs. The roof of the pillared mandapa showcases the Kerala wooden roof pattern but sculpted in stone.

Large Single stone Dharma Nandhi idol, located at the entrance is the largest in Tirunelveli district and surprisingly distinctive with its brilliant carvings. Balipeeta and dwajasthamba on carved platform also appear huge. The unparalleled bell and three chain links sculpted from single stone is suspended from the roof. The niches on the outer wall for Ganapathi and Subramanya are sculpted according to mada kovil architecture. A small sanctum for the foursome Tevara sages is at south side. On top of the entrance to the main sanctum there is a small gopuram. At a vantage point all the gopuras and vimanas can seen together. 

Temple timings : 7.30 AM to 10 AM, 5.30 PM to 7 PM; Contact Phone numbers :  Rajakumar 04634-254247, 9442894094, 94432 51494 ; 

3.12 Meenakshi Sundereswarar Sivan Temple, Sindupoondurai

Meenakshi Sundereswarar Sivan Temple ,West Street sindupoondurai, PPM6+2JP, Tirunelveli Town, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627001 VPS  Meenakshi Sundereswarar Sivan Temple is located in sindupoondurai, Tirunelveli Town, Tamil Nadu near Tirunelveli Railway Station.

In olden days, out of Kongu Nadu’s 24 divisions(nadu’s) capital was Aval Poondurai and Poonthurai in Pandya nadu  was Sindhu Poondurai. This temple has the speciality that devotees do  parihara for “Bhudan” planet (Mercury) here.

It is a Vaipu Sthalam (Sung by  Saint Appar and Saint Gna Sambhandar without actually visiting this temple).There are more than 250 such Vaipu Sthalams in Tamilnadu.  

Moolavar : Sri Sundaresvarar ;  Ambal : Sri  Meenakshi; Other deities in the temple: Lord  Vinayaka, Sri Subramania with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Sri Sanisvara, Nataraja and Navagraha,.

Kumbabhishegam was performed in the year1997. River Thambhrabarani is nearby ; When Saint Gna Sambhandar had his bath in the river and came, saw this temple and sang in praise of Lord Shiva here.Guru pooja is famous here and  carried out for Saint Sekkizhar along with Nalwar  Saints (Gna Sambhandar, Appar, Sundarar and Manicka Vasagar). Abhishegam for Lord Natarajar is also done.

Contact Phone number : Murali Bhattar 9865791659; To return to the Index of Contents, Click Here. Otherwise Continue.

3.13 Bagavatheeshwarar Shiva Temple,Suthamalli

Bagavatheeshwarar Shiva Temple, MJWM+J9P, Suthamalli Vilakku, Tamil Nadu 621804      Bagavatheeshwarar Shiva Temple is located in  Suthamalli  Tamil Nadu at a distance of 9 kms from Tirunelveli.

There are 3 Shiva temples in close proximity : 1) Siddeeswaramudaiya Nayanar –  Vadivudai Nayaki Temple,  2) Bagavatheeshwarar – Loka Nayaki Amman Temple 3) Kandarvesar  – Gomathi Ammal Temple. There is a Lalithambal Temple also nearby.

It is a Vaipu Sthalam (Sung by  Saint Appar without actually visiting this temple).There are more than 250 such Vaipu Sthalams in Tamilnadu.  

It is more than 5000 years old – Poojas were done by ” Gandharvas”. With passage of time, the temple  was hidden under the earth and was discovered in the year 2012. Suthamalli was the name of the daughter of King Kulothunga Chola I.The name of this place was named after her.

An 800-year-old Nataraja bronze, stolen about four years ago from Suthamalli found its way to antique gallery in New York and was retrived back.This centuries-old temple, off the main road, was abandoned some years ago. Inside the bat-infested and almost collapsing shrine is an impressive linga, surrounded by some broken images.

A few years ago, about 10 bronze icons from this temple were moved to a smaller Vishnu temple. It was no better in terms of security or structural strength but had a locational advantage: it was on the main road. In 2008 three thieves opened the lock and stole the icons. Thankfully it was also retrived.

Hope these temples regain the past glory of Chola times.

Contact Phone numbers : S. Sivakumar 9942075342 (Kandaruveswarar koil), Ganapathyrama 9965678622 (Lalithambikai mutt admin) Murthy 9344843600 ; Lalithambikai Mtt : 0462-2342680, 9442888892

3.14 Koshti Appar ,sivagami Ambal Koil, Urkad

Koshti Appar ,sivagami Ambal Koil, Ambasamudram, Tamil Nadu 627416 (Urkad)  Koshti Appar ,sivagami Ambal Koil is located in  Urkad,  Ambasamudram, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 30 kms from Tirunelveli. Literally an unknown temple; an architectural marvel with the contributions from Chera, Chola and Pandya kings.

As per the inscriptions found in this temple, the farmers of Rajaraja Chadurvedi Mangalam lived in this village and hence it was named as ‘Oorkkaadu’.

It is a Vaipu Sthalam (Sung by  Saint Appar without actually visiting this temple).There are more than 250 such Vaipu Sthalams in Tamilnadu.  

As per the legend, a sage was once passing through this place. He used to pray six times a day but he did not have the habit of carrying any idol with him. In the place where the temple is currently located, the river Tamraparni was flowing in those days. The sage made the idol of Lord Shiva Linga with sand. As the river was nearby, the idol was about to get washed away by the water. The sage playfully asked the Lord “Are you a Kotti (Kotti means mad in Tamil language). Hence, Lord Shiva in this site is called as Tirukkottiyappar.

There is another legend which records the event of all the Devas and sages visiting the site in group. In Tamil language, “Koshti” means group. Hence, Lord Shiva in this site is also called as Tirukkoshtiyappar.

Moolavar : Sri Koshtiappar, facing east; Ambal : Sri Sivakami Ambal, Kodi idai Nayaki, Ulagammai , facing south. The main deity which is huge,  is made up of sand which is covered permanently by a copper shield.  Originally a Pandya temple; contributions done by Chera and Chola kings too; Pandya period inscriptions are found.

At the entrance of sanctum sanctorum, the idols of Ganesha and the sage Agastya are found.The maha mandapa houses a separate shrine for Nataraja and Sivakami.

Other deities : 63 Nayanmar, Kala Bhairava, Dakshinamurthy, Saneeswara, Chandran, Suryan, Adhikar Nandi, Chokkanathar, Meenakshi, Vinayaka and  Subramanian.

The Kala Swarna Bhairava idol located in the prakara is unique. Bhairava is standing on the lotus petal with lion as his mount instead of dog. It is unique   and is one of the Ashta Bhairavas. Shaneeswara is also unique in this temple. He is holding lotus flower on his left arm. He is usually found asholding crow in his right arm. The Subramanya sub-shrine is also unique. It is believed that the sculptor who made this idol was from the familyof the sculptor who made the famous idol of Skanda in Tiruchendur. A huge shrine of Chokkanatha and Meenakshi is located near the temple tank. It looks like a separate temple.

Koshtiappar Urkad is a large temple with 2 Prakarams. The outer Prakaram has the theertham pond in the north and the shrine for Chokkanadar and Meenakshi. The inner Prakaram is covered and has a large Maha Mantapam followed by Ardha Mantapam. The pillars inside are huge and have exquisite carvings of Yaalis, ornamental patterns, and sculptures. The Lingam is a large one. The Nataraja here has a Stag in his hands instead of the regular fire.

The temple theertham tank inside has a good inflow and even when the surrounding area dries up, water is available in this tank. There is another temple tank outside the walls in

the west with a beautiful Mantapam in the middle. The temple has an entrance gateway in the east which is kept closed mostly. The entrance is through a smaller gateway in the south side outside which is the house of the priest

The east facing temple is huge in size.The entrance of the temple has a steep and pointed pyramidal style of roof (similar to Kerala temple architectural style) as it was built by a Chera king. The highlight is that it was not made up of wood but of stone. (In Kerala, the temple roofs which follow similar style are usually made up of wood)

3.15 Azhageswari Jayantheeshwar Temple, Thazhakudy

Sri Azhageswari Jayantheeshwar Temple ,6FP3+RC7, Mada St, Thazhakudy, Tamil Nadu 629901 VVPS    Sri Azhageswari Jayantheeshwar Temple is located at Thazhakudy, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 80 Kms from Tirunelveli.

It is a Vaipu Sthalam (Sung by  Saint Sundarar without actually visiting this temple).There are more than 250 such Vaipu Sthalams in Tamilnadu.  

As per the legend, Devendran’s  son Jayanthan prayed here and so the Lord is called by the name  Jayantheeswarar. Long back this place was full of “Thazhai ” and hence this place got the name “Thazhaiyur”. Soora Samharam festival is very famous here. King Veerakola Verman had constructed this temple in the foothills

Avvaiyar Amman koil and Mottai Pillayar Koil are nearby.As per the legend, one Jamindar had prayed to Lord Ganesa that he will break 1008 cocanuts to him. One of the cocunuts had hit the Lord Ganesa and made his head bald (Mottai in tamil). Even today the Lord resides with a bald head. He  appeared in the dream of the Jamindar and said that He saved the head of  Jamindar by giving His own head !

Temple timings : 6 am to 10.30 am and 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm. Contact Phone number : Mr Sethuraman, Admin. 9894011365

3.16 Agathiyar Sivan Temple, Vadugan Patru

Shri Agathiyar Sivan Temple, Vadaku Salai, Vadugan Street, patru, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu 62970 VPS  Shri Agathiyar Sivan Temple is located at  Vadugan patru, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 85 kms from Tirunelveli and 5 kms from Kanyakumari. The place is also called as Agatheechuram / Agastheeswaram. The Temple is believed to be  more than 1000 years old.

It is a Vaipu Sthalam (Sung by  Saint Appar without actually visiting this temple ; 6-71-8).There are more than 250 such Vaipu Sthalams in Tamil Nādu.  

Moolavar : Sri Agastheeswarar; Ambal :SriAmuthavalli, Aram Valartha Nayagi; Theertham : Agastya Theertham ;  Sthala Vriksham : Agathi (“Atthi”).

The Temple is facing east with an entrance arch. There is a separate east facing shrine forAzhagiya Manavala Perumal along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi in the temple premises. There are also shrines for Agastya along with his consort Lopamudra, Lord Murugan, Sastha, Ganesha and Nagas in the Temple premises.

Sage Agasthiar with his wife Lopamudra worshipped the presiding deity of the temple. Lord showed His Marriage  kolam (“Thirumana Kolam”) near the Sthala Vriksham Agathi (“Atthi”) tree. Since, Agastya worshipped Lord Shiva here. Lord came to be called as Agastheeswararand the place came to be called as Agastheeswaram.It is believed that the Temple was built by Jayachandra Sri Vallabha Pandya. The Temple reached its zenith during Chola rule over this area was attested by various Chola inscriptions available in the Temple premises.

The Temple is considered to be Parihara Sthalam for Marriage related problems.  Festivals celebrated in the temple are : Shivarathri, Ekadasi, Monthly Pradoshams and Puratasi Saturdays. The temple is Managed By Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE), Tamil nadu. 

Temple timings : 6 am  to 11 am  and  6 pm to 7 pm. Contact Phone number : admin 9843469516;

3.17 Umaiyorubaga Eswarar Temple,  Sayamalai

Umaiyorubaga Eswarar Temple, 3MM5+HVG, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627953 (Sayamalai) VVPS     Umaiyorubaga Eswarar Temple is located in Sayamalai ,Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 43 kms from Tirunelveli and 25 kms from Sankaran koil.

It is a Vaipu Sthalam (Sung by  Saint Appar without actually visiting this temple ; 6-71-10).There are more than 250 such Vaipu Sthalams in Tamil Nādu. 

 Moolavar : Sri Umaiyorubagan, Bageswarar; Ambal : Sri Sivakami Ammal;

It seems In this place, by Archelogical  findings in 1988-89, Chinese Potter’s clay (“Kali mann” in Tamil) idols, King Raja Raja Chola time Copper coins were  recovered.

It is a village temple ; one can the assistance of local people.

3.18 EDUTHAAYUDHAM UDAYA NAYINAR SIVAN Temple, Therur

ஸ்ரீ அழகேஸ்வரி சமேத ஸ்ரீ எடுத்தாயுதமுடைய நயினார் திருக்கோயில், 5FG8+VCW, Theroor, Tamil Nadu 629901 (Arulmigu Eduthayudhamudaiya Nainar Temple) ஸ்ரீ அழகேஸ்வரி சமேத ஸ்ரீ எடுத்தாயுதமுடைய நயினார் திருக்கோயில், (Eduthayudhamudaiya Nainar Temple)  is located in Theroor, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 80 kms from Tirunelveli , 15 kms from Kanyakumari and 3 Kms from Suchindram.

It is a Vaipu Sthalam (Sung by  Saint Appar without actually visiting this temple ; 6-25-3).There are more than 250 such Vaipu Sthalams in Tamil Nādu. 

Moolavar : Sri Eduthayudhamudaya Nayinar facing East; Ambal  : Azhagammai /Azhageswari ( the beautiful looking Eswari) facing south; Sthala Vriksham : Vilva tree;  Theertham: Bana Theertham;

Other deities : Dharma Sastha, Vinayaka, Sastha, Nataraja, Srikrishna,  Kanni Vinayaka, Ranganathar, Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeswara and Navagrahas,

Eduthayudhamudayar Theroor is a small east-facing temple with 2 Prakarams. The entrance is through a Mukha Mandapam in the east. The inner Prakaram has cloistered mandapams in the sides and is fully tiled. There is a large Mahamandapam preceding the Ardha Mandapam. The Ardha Mandapam is common to both the main deity and goddess.

There is a shrine for Lord Vishnu in the reclining form with consorts, sages and other gods carved out of a stone panel. The temple is surrounded by nice shade-providing trees and palms presenting a beautiful picture. The large Theroor lake, which is a bird sanctuary, is behind Eduthayudhamudayar Theroor temple. On the western side of the lake is a Shiva and a Perumal Temple

As per the Legend  Devendran  was going to Suchindram Thanumalyan temple in his chariot to pray and get relieved from the curse inlicted by Sage Gowthama. One day, the axis of the chariot got broken a few meters away from this temple (near the present day Therur hospital). Even now there is a pond near this place, which is so deep in the centre. Since the chariot of Indran got detained and delayed here, this place is known as Therur.

As per another Legend ,  Bhaanasura used to do thapas here and got the darshan of Lord Shiva. He also got certain astrams from Lord Shiva. Hence this place is referred as Eduththa aayudham udaya naiynaar sivan “ The shiva who had the weapon in his hand to be handed over (to Bhaanaasura). The moola mantra “Nama Shivaya” is the “Ezhuthu  aayudham”. Lord Shiva’s third eye is the weapon. In course of time “Ezhuthu  aayudham” got distorted to   “Eduththa aayudham”

 Temple timings are : 6 am – 10 am and 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm; Contact phone number : Admin :9944108611

References: 1) Book ” Nalvar Nayantha Vaipu Thalangal” – by Mr K . Saikumar 2) Book ” Venduvana Vazhangum Vaipu Thalangal ” – by Mr. K. Saikumar To return to the Index of Contents, Click Here. Continued in Part 4

Author: kalyangeetha

Interested in travelling and having Darshan of several Temples in India and abroad. Retired as President from Navayuga Spatial Technologies Ltd & previously as General Manager (AS&DM) , NRSC, Department of Space