Shivalayam Ottam 4- Thirunanthikarai Sri Nandeeswarar Temple, Kanyakumari

Address

Shivalayam Ottam 4- Thirunanthikarai Sri Nandeeswarar Temple, Thirunanthikarai, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu 629161

Deity

Sri Nandeeswarar

Introduction

• Location: The temple is situated at Thirunanthikarai in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu. It is part of the Shivalaya Ottam conducted during Shivaratri and is the fourth temple in the sequence.
• Age: The temple is believed to be 1000 years old, constructed during the reign of King Rajaraja Chola.
• Accessibility:
  • Distance: Located on the Marthandam to Pechiparai Road, it is within walking distance from the Thirunanthikarai Bus Stop.
  • Nearest Railway Stations: Kuzhithurai and Eraniel.
  • Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram.

Puranic Significance

• Tirunandeeswaram:
  • Legend has it that a wild bull terrorized the region. The locals prayed to Lord Shiva to control the bull, and the Lord obliged. The bull was eventually trapped in a pit and transformed into Nandi, the divine bull of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva Himself installed the Nandi here.
  • The temple derives its name from this event, and the symbols of the bull’s footprint and the rope used to drag it are still visible in the temple premises.
• Nandi Growing in Size:
  • A statue of Nandi is placed in front of Lord Shiva. Local folklore states that this Nandi emerged from the rock near the temple and continues to grow with time.
• Sage Vyakarapadhar’s Worship:
  • Sage Vyakarapadhar is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple.
• Sage Parasurama:
  • Sage Parasurama prayed at this temple to atone for the sin of killing his mother, seeking relief from his guilt.

Beliefs

• The Nandi in this temple is considered especially sacred because it was installed by Lord Shiva Himself. As such, the temple is highly auspicious for worship during Pradosham days.
• The temple is regarded as ideal for those seeking atonement for serious sins, such as murder, whether committed knowingly or unknowingly.
• Devotees express their gratitude to the deities through abishekam and by offering vastras (clothes).
• It is believed that completing even one round of the temple’s prakaras (corridors) provides the equivalent spiritual benefit of doing a full year’s worth of rounds.

Special Features

• Presiding Deity: The main deity is Nandeeswarar, a Swayambumurthy (self-manifested).
• The Nandi statue, installed by Lord Shiva, sits in a pit and is a central feature of the temple.
• Nakshatra Mandapam: A unique feature is the Nakshatra Mandapam (hall of stars) with 27 Ganadwaras (holes) representing the 27 star regions.
• Vishnu Shrine: Though primarily a Shiva temple, there is also a shrine for Lord Vishnu within the temple, facing Lord Shiva.
• Other Shrines: Shrines dedicated to Ganapathy, Vishnu, Sastha, and Nagar are located in the temple’s corridor.
• Architectural Style: The temple is built in Kerala architectural style, with the Vimanam (roof above the sanctum) being conical and tiled.
• Ancient Rock-Cut Cave Temple: Near the temple is an ancient rock-cut cave that was initially a Jain temple but later became a Shiva temple after a Shivalingam was installed there.
• The temple holds inscriptions from the reigns of Varaguna Pandiya and Rajaraja Chola.
• Temple Pond: A serene pond is located nearby, along with a garden featuring various plants.

Festivals

• Tiruvadhirai (December-January): Celebrated during the month of Margazhi, it is one of the key festivals at the temple.
• Mahasivarathri (February-March): One of the major festivals observed in the temple.
• Pradosham: Special pujas are performed on Pradosha days, which occur on the 13th day from either the New Moon or Full Moon.
• Shivalaya Ottam: The temple is part of the Shivalaya Ottam, a ritual marathon held during Mahasivarathri, where devotees run between various Shiva temples spread over 100 km, continuing this ancient tradition to this day.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thirunanthikarai

Nearest Railway Station

Kuzhithurai

Nearest Airport

Thiruvananthapuram.

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