Kuttralam Sri Kuttralanathar Temple, Tirunelveli

Address
Kuttralam Sri Kuttralanathar Temple, Kuttralam, Tenkasi Taluk, Tirunelveli District, PIN 627802 PH:04633-283138
Deity
Kuttralanathar Amman: kuzhal vai mozhi ammai
Introduction
The present Kutralanathaswami temple was constructed by the Chola monarch Rajaraja Chola I and built the wall around the inner corridor. Archaeologists claim that there was a Vishnu shrine on the left of the prime deity. The Pandya kings built the sanctum, ardha mandapa, separate sanctum for goddess Kuzhalvai Mozhi Amman and Pillayan Kattalai mandapa. Nayak rulers constructed the temple for Parasakthi, periphery wall, inner streets, Sangu Street, new sanctums for some associate deities. Thala Virutcham : Jack tree – Kurumpala in Tamil Theertham : Shiva Madhu Ganga, North falls, River Chitra Agamam / Pooja : Magudagamam
Puranic Significance
- Balancing the Earth:
- During Lord Shiva and Parvati’s wedding, the north began to sink due to the heavy weight of Devas and Rishis, while the south rose.
- To balance the earth, Lord Shiva commanded Sage Agasthya to travel south, as his single presence could restore equilibrium.
- Agasthya’s Divine Darshan:
- Lord Shiva assured Agasthya that he could witness the wedding darshan from Kuttralam.
- Vishnu’s temple at the site denied entry to Agasthya, prompting him to visit the Ilanji Kumaran temple nearby.
- There, Agasthya made a Shiva Linga from white sand and prayed for Shiva’s darshan.
- Transformation of Vishnu into Shiva:
- Lord Muruga appeared before Agasthya and advised him to enter the Vishnu temple as a Vaishnava devotee.
- While worshipping holding Shiva in his heart, Agasthya’s devotion caused Vishnu to transform into a Shiva Linga:
- The conch in Vishnu’s hand became a deer.
- The Tulsi became the crescent moon.
- The Vaishnavite tilak became the forehead eye.
- The ratna (gem) on Vishnu’s chest became a serpent.
- Sage Agasthya’s Fingerprints & Divine Worship:
- Agasthya pressed Vishnu’s head, turning him into a Shiva Linga, and immediately received the divine wedding darshan.
- It is believed that Devas worship Lord Shiva here during the day, while Sage Agasthya worships at night.
- Agasthya’s fingerprints are still visible on the Linga.
- Significance of Iruvaluka Nayaka & Temple Shape:
- Lord Shiva worshipped by Agasthya at Ilanji is called Iruvaluka Nayaka.
- Devotees are advised to worship Iruvaluka Shiva first before proceeding to Kuttralam for complete spiritual benefits.
- The temple, originally a Vaishnavite shrine, still retains its conch shape, which represents the power of Goddess Mahalakshmi.
- Conch sounds generate divine energy, hence it is blown during Shiva pujas.
Beliefs
Those mentally retarded and suffering from skin troubles get all relief with a bath in the falls and prayer to Lord Kuttralanathar. Those suffering from intense headache use the Thaila Prasad (Oil Prasad) and rub it on their foreheads for cure.
Special Features
The finger prints of Sage Agasthya on the Linga are still visible. The Tirikootamandapam here is the site of festivities here. Parvati’s shrine is also of significance here and is regarded as one of the 64 Shakti Peetams. The Wedding festival is celebrated on the Aipasi Pooram star day in October-November. Lord and Mother visit the Agasthya shrine that day to grant their wedding darshan to the sage. The story further goes that while sage Agasthya converted this Perumal temple as a Shiva temple, he changed Sridevi as Kuzhalvai Mozhi Nayaki and Bhoodevi as Parasakthi. Mother Parasakthi is on a peeta of Sri Chakra design. Lord Shiva is a Swayambumurthi in the temple.
Festivals
The temple is lit with one lakh lamps on Aadi new moon day in July-August. 10 day Purattasi Navarathri for Parasakti in September-October; Brahmmotsavam in Aipasi (OctoberNovember) and in Panguni (March-April); Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January; Thai Float festival in January-February; Panguni Uthiram in March-April are the other festivals celebrated in the temple.
Century/Period/Age
1000-2000 years old
Managed By
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)
Nearest Bus Station
Kuttralam
Nearest Railway Station
Kuttralam
Nearest Airport
Thoothukudi.