Neravy Jambunathar Shiva Temple, Karaikal

Address

Neravy Jambunathar Shiva Temple, Karaikal

Neravy, Thirunallar Panchayat,

Karaikal District,

Tamil Nadu 609604

Moolavar

Jambunathar

Amman

Akilandeswari

Introduction

• Location: Situated in Neravy Village, Thirunallar Panchayat, Karaikal District, Tamil Nadu, the Jambunathar Sivan Temple is one of the two significant Shiva temples in the area, with the other being the Arunanandeeswarar Temple.
• Presiding Deity: The main deity is Jambunathar (Lord Shiva), and the Goddess is Akilandeswari.

Puranic Significance

• Temple Age: The temple is believed to be over 1000 years old, with a rich history and cultural importance.
• Temple Orientation:
  • The temple faces west, and it lacks a Rajagopuram (temple tower), with a gateway decorated in marble.
• Temple Structure:
  • The temple complex includes a front hall supported by tall black stone pillars. Beyond this is the Mahamandapam and Arthamandapam, key components of the temple’s structure.
• Deities and Shrines:
  • The main deity, Jambunathar, is enshrined as a Lingamurthy (small-sized Shiva Linga), with the Goddess Akilandeswari facing the south.
  • In the Mahamandapam, there are several notable shrines:
    • Varadarajaperumal and Lakshmi sanctuaries in the north-west.
    • Nataraja shrine in the south.
    • Vinayagar shrine in the south-west.
    • Karurai (Tenmukan and Durga).
    • Navagraha Mandapam in the north-east.
    • Bhairava Sun Sanctum to the west, adjacent to Ganesha, Lingapanas, and Nagas in a long hall.
    • A Lingam under a huge tree.
• Historical and Mythological Significance:
  • Thirumalaya Rayan, a ruler of the region during the Vijayanagara Empire (1453-1468), had a Chola clan wife from Urayur who used to worship Lord Jambunathar daily. Due to difficulties in continuing her worship after relocating to Tirumalairayanpattinam, her dissatisfaction led Thirkamannan to establish this temple dedicated to Lord Jambunathar and Akilandeswari.
  • Thirumalaya Rayan is credited with building 108 temples in the region, especially after his daughter’s illness, highlighting the temple’s importance in the local cultural and religious landscape.
  • The temple is also believed to be worshipped by Lord Sun (Ravi), representing the solar connection, where Lord Shiva is revered by the Sun itself. The name of the Sun is given to this sacred space, further reinforcing its celestial and divine significance.

Century/Period

1000 years old

Nearest Bus Station

Neravy

Nearest Railway Station

Karaikal    

Nearest Airport

Puducherry                             

Location on Map

lightuptemple