Shivalayam Ottam 5 - Ponmanai Thimbileshwarar Temple, Kanyakumari

Address

Shivalayam Ottam 5 – Ponmanai Thimbileshwarar Temple, Ponmanai, Kanyakumari district, Tamilnadu

Diety

Thimbileshwarar

Introduction

Thimbileshwarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Ponmanai in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The temple is a part of the famed Shivalaya Ottam conducted during Shivaratri. It is the fifth temple in the run sequence. The Temple is located at about 19 Kms from Kumaracoil, 26 Kms from Vilavancode, and 62 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram.

Puranic Significance

Swayambu Lingam: It is said that a shepherd by name Theembil Adhipan when cutting grass for the calf’s, was shocked to note the outpouring blood from a stone. When he removed the covering bushes, he saw a self appeared lingam (Swayambu). He started worshipping the Lingam. Hence, the lord is called as Thimbileshwarar. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. Sage Vyakarapadhar worshipped Lord Shiva here: SageVyakarapadhar visited this place and worshipped Lord Shiva here.

Special Features

The Temple is situated on the banks of river Thamiraparani facing east. The temple of Thimbileshwarar is a very ancient one as seen by the architecture here. The temple has a Kodimaram and a tiered granite lamp in the front. The stone pillars, corridors, mandapams, tiled roofs all point to the architectural style of the bygone eras. Presiding Deity is called as Thimbileshwarar. The Sanctum is round in shape. The nine planets are carved nicely on the roof of the Nandhi Mandapam. Theertham associated with this temple is Thamirabarani River. The temple is believed to have undergone renovations during the period of Chola and Pandiya kings.