Kadayanallur Neelamaninathar Temple (Kariamanicka Perumal Temple) – Thirunelveli

Address

Kadayanallur Neelamaninathar Temple (Kariamanicka Perumal Temple) – Thirunelveli

Thirunelveli District,

Tamil Nadu– 627 751

Mobile: +91 – 99657 61050

Moolavar

Neelamaninathar / Kariamanicka Perumal

Amman

Mahalakshmi.

Introduction

• The Neelamaninathar Temple, also known as the Kariamanicka Perumal Temple, is located in Kadayanallur, Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.
• The presiding deity is Lord Neelamaninathar (also called Kariamanicka Perumal), and the mother is Mahalakshmi.
• Historically, this place is referred to as Arjuna Kshetra.
• Kadayanallur is situated approximately 135 km from Madurai on the Tenkasi Road and about 69 km from Thirunelveli.
• The nearest railway stations are in Kadayanallur and Tenkasi, with the nearest airports in Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple has a significant connection to Arjuna, one of the Pandavas. After the Kurukshetra war, Arjuna sought to cleanse himself from the sin of killing many by visiting this place.
• On his journey, Arjuna rested under a Marudha tree and was instructed by Lord Vishnu in a dream to worship the Lord under that tree to cleanse his sins.
• Upon waking, Arjuna saw an idol of Lord Vishnu with his consorts and worshipped the Swayambu (self-manifested) idols. The local king then built the temple.
• The temple is believed to be over 1500 years old.

Beliefs:

• Devotees facing difficulties with wedding proposals or concerned about children’s well-being due to adverse planetary effects often pray here.
• Offerings of rice made from curry leaves and porridge-payasam are made on the Tiruvonam star day in hopes of resolving these issues.
• Sudarsana Homa is performed for relief from fears, threats, and to achieve success in endeavors.
• Special Tirumanjanam is offered to Lord Neelamaninathar and Mother Mahalakshmi.
• Devotees who are unable to fulfill their prayer commitments in Tirupathi can do so here, as Lord Neelamaninathar in a standing form is a replica of Lord Venkatachalapathy of Tirupati.

Special Features:

• Lord Neelamaninathar, also praised as Karia Manicka Perumal, blesses devotees in a standing posture along with his consorts Sri Bhoodevi and Sri Neeladevi.
• The temple is known as Arjunapuri Kshetra because of Arjuna’s worship here.
• Lord Sudarsana, the deity of the discus of Perumal, graces a separate shrine with 16 hands, and is accompanied by two lions at the base of his peetam.
• Behind Lord Sudarsana is Lord Yoga Narasimha.
• An intriguing feature of the temple is a five-hooded serpent situated below Lord Narasimha.
• Although primarily a Vishnu temple, there is a shrine for Lord Dakshinamurthy, a form of Shiva, with two disciples (unlike the usual four), and his form resembles that of Lord Aiyappan.
• The temple also features Muyalagan (a symbol of ignorance) under Lord Narasimha’s feet, where his head is on the left side (instead of the usual right).
• Two forms of Lord Anjaneya (Hanuman) are depicted: one as Bhakta Anjaneya and another with his left hand on his chest and right hand raised.
• There are additional shrines for Mother Mahalakshmi, Sri Andal, and Vishwaksenar.

Festivals:

• The temple celebrates the Chithirai Brahmmotsavam in April-May, which is the grandest festival, drawing many devotees for prayers and rituals.

Century/Period

1500 Years Old

Nearest Bus Station

Kadayanallur

Nearest Railway Station

Kadayanallur and Tenkasi

Nearest Airport

Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram                                        

Location on Map

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