Pathamadai Kariya Manikkam Perumal Temple - Thirunelveli

Address

Pathamadai Kariya Manikkam Perumal Temple – Thirunelveli

Pathamadai, Thirunelveli district,

Tamil Nadu – 627006

Phone: +91 4634 261612 Mobile: +91 89038 61612

Kariya Manikkam Perumal

The Kariya Manikkam Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Pathamadai Village, near Cheranmahadevi in Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.
This village is known for its cottage industry that produces Korai Pai (mats), made from a type of grass from the Cyperus family.
Pathamadai is situated 1 km east of Cheranmahadevi, along the Thirunelveli – Ambai/Papanasam Highway.
The temple is significant as the birthplace of Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh.

Puranic Significance:

The presiding deity of the temple is Kariya Manikkam Perumal, depicted in an east-facing standing posture.
The Utsavar idol (processional deity) is currently kept under protection at the Krishnan Koil in Ambasamudram.
The temple is believed to be over 1500 years old, with ancient idols of Perumal, Thaayar, and Hayagriva found in the northeastern corner of the temple, though in a dilapidated state.
The region, historically known as Cheran Maha Devi Chadurvedi Mangalam, was home to several significant Perumal temples, which were patronized by the Pandya and Chera rulers.
Numerous inscriptions inside the temple walls describe contributions made by the Pandya Kings, although the whitewashing of the walls in recent times has obscured many of these inscriptions.
The temple was originally known as Ayiara Thenma Vinnagara Azhvaar Temple and was a prominent center during the reign of Vikrama Pandya, who also contributed to its development.
In 1198 AD, tax-free temple lands were donated by the Cheran Maha Devi Province.

Lighting of Lamps:

During the rule of the Pandya Kings, including Kulasekara Pandya, oil for a perpetual lamp was donated for the temple. The temple had special protection by the Pathamadai army force.
An inscription on the south wall of the central shrine records that the king Jatavarma Kulasekara Deva provided income from an oil mill for maintaining a perpetual lamp.
On the eastern wall of the mandapa, there are inscriptions registering gifts of oil and achchu (a measure) for twilight lamps by both Sri Vallabha Sri Vasudevan, an Arya Bhattar, and a lady devotee.

Special Status of Women:

During the rule of Veera Pandyan, women held a special status at the temple, where they were involved in anchoring and presenting mythological dramas that were witnessed by large crowds.
Inscriptions indicate that the temple had abundant sacred flowers, and special palagais (flower containers) were placed inside the temple to collect and present flowers during pooja.

Beliefs:

Devotees come to the temple to pray for child boon, prosperity, and fearlessness.
Devotees often offer vastras (clothing) and ornaments to the Lord as part of their worship.

Festivals: