Sri Nellaiappar Temple, Tirunelveli

Address
Sri Nellaiappar Temple, 162, E Car St, Tirunelveli Town, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627006 PH:0462-2812061
Deity
Nellaiappar Amman: Gandhimathi Ammai
Introduction
Nellaiappar Temple is dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Tirunelveli, a city in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Nellaiappar (also called Venuvananathar) represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Kanthimathi Amman. The temple is located on the northern banks of Thamirabarani River in Tirunelveli district. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple complex covers an area of fourteen and a half acres and all its shrines are enclosed with concentric rectangular walls. The temple has a number of shrines, with those of Swamy Nellaiappar and his consort Sri Kanthimathi Ambal being the most prominent. Thala viructam: Bamboo Theertham: Potramaraikulam (Swarna Pushkarani Karumari Theertham, Sindhupoonthurai)
Puranic Significance
- Location & Deity:
- Dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Nellaiappar (Venuvananathar), and Goddess Parvati as Kanthimathi Amman.
- Situated in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, on the northern banks of the Thamirabarani River.
- Historical & Religious Significance:
- Revered in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical work Tevaram by Nayanmars, classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
- Originally built by the Pandyas, with later contributions from Cholas, Pallavas, Cheras, and Nayaks.
- Temple complex covers 14.5 acres, enclosed by concentric rectangular walls.
- The region was known as Venuvanam due to its forest cover.
- Architectural Features:
- The gopuram is 850 feet long and 756 feet wide.
- Two temples (Nellaiappar and Kanthimathi) were originally separate but were connected in 1647 by the Sangili Mandapam (Chain Mandapam), built by Thiru Vadamalaiappa Pillaiyan.
- The Nandi Mandapam was built in 1654 by Sivanthiappa Nayak.
- A flower garden was established in 1756 by Thiruvengadakrishna Mudaliar, featuring a 100-pillared Vasantha Mandapam.
- The Mani Mandapam with its musical pillars was built in the 7th century by Later Pandyas.
- The temple’s outer walls were built by Kulasekkara Pandiyan using war booty from victories over the Chera, Chola, and Hoysala kings.
- Stone Inscriptions:
- Inscriptions from Veerapandiyan (950 CE), Rajendra Chola I, Kulothunga Chola I, and Maravarma Sundara Pandiyan.
- The deity is referred to as “Woodayar” and “Wodeyanayanar”, while the Goddess is called “Nachiar” in the inscriptions.
- Unique Sculptural Additions:
- Composite columns featuring Virabhadra holding a sword and horn were added by Vijayanagara kings (early 1500s).
- Similar columns exist in temples such as Meenakshi Temple (Madurai), Ramanathaswamy Temple (Rameswaram), and Srivilliputhur Andal Temple.
- Festivals & Rituals:
- The temple follows six daily rituals (from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM) and celebrates six yearly festivals.
- Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Aani (June–July) is the most significant festival.
- Shiva’s Cosmic Dance Connection:
- Tirunelveli is one of the five places where Lord Shiva displayed his cosmic dance (Thandavam), each associated with different elements:
- Thaamirai Ambalam (Copper Stage) – Tirunelveli
- Rathina Ambalam (Ruby Stage) – Thiruvaalangadu
- Chitra Ambalam (Painting Stage) – Courtallam
- Velli Ambalam (Silver Stage) – Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
- Pon Ambalam (Gold Stage) – Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram
- Tirunelveli is one of the five places where Lord Shiva displayed his cosmic dance (Thandavam), each associated with different elements:
- Administration:
- The temple is presently maintained by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Beliefs
At this point where the husband and wife realize that they should be reciprocal, it is hoped that if the couple worships, they will be united throughout life.
Special Features
- Temple Complex & Layout:
- Covers 14.5 acres (5.9 ha), measuring 850 feet long and 756 feet wide.
- Enclosed with concentric rectangular walls and features a massive Rajagopuram.
- The temple has several shrines, with Swamy Nellaiappar and Sri Kanthimathi Ambal being the most prominent.
- Architectural Highlights:
- Sangili Mandapam (Chain Mandapam) built in 1647 by Vadamalaiappa Pillaiyan connects the Kanthimathi Amman and Nellaiyappar temples.
- Nandi Mandapam: Houses a large Nandi (bull) statue, similar to those at Tanjore and Rameswaram.
- Mani Mandapam:
- Located near the Nandi Mandapam.
- Contains two massive stone pillars, each carved from a single stone.
- Each pillar has 48 sub-pillars that produce musical notes when struck.
- Tamil poets describe these pillars as a combination of Shruti, Gana, and Laya types.
- Other Mandapams:
- Oonjal Mandapam (Swing Hall).
- 1000-pillared hall, showcasing intricate carvings and sculptures.
Festivals
Aani Brahmostavam, Aadi Pooram l, Avani Moola Utsavam, Puratasi Golu Darbar, Iypasi Thirukalyanam, Iypasi Visu, Kandha Shasti, Karthigai Thiruvananthal, Margazhi Thiruvathirai, Thai Poosam Theerthavari, Thai Amavasya, Masi Sivarathri, Panguni Uthram, Chitirai Pournami Theerthavari, Vasanthosthavam, Vaikasi Sheerabhishegam, Koratham, Visagam.
Century/Period/Age
1000-2000 years old
Managed By
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)
Nearest Bus Station
Tirunelveli
Nearest Railway Station
Tirunelveli
Nearest Airport
Thoothukudi.