Cheranmahadevi Sri Ammanatha Swamy (Chandran) Temple (Nava Kailasam) , Tirunelveli

Address

Cheranmahadevi Sri Ammanatha Swamy Temple, Cheranmahadevi, Tirunelveli District. Mobile No – 94422 26511.

Diety

Ammanathar Amman: Aavudaiamman

Introduction

Ammai Nathar Temple is dedicated to God Shiva located at Cheranmahadevi in Thirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. It is one of the most sought Lord Shiva temples in this district. People from far and near visit this particular temple for fulfilling their wish and dreams by praying to this Lord. Special pujas are conducted on the day of Shivaratri at this temple with great devotion and dedication.

Puranic Significance

The Temple is believed to be built in 12th century by Pandyas (probably who were under the Cholas). The devotees are allowed to worship on the day called Vidhivadha. Chadurvethimangalam is the historical name of Cheranmahadevi in that Mangalam means “a place donated by a king to a priest”. The popular legend of Nandanar, the great devotee of Lord Shiva, is associated with this temple too. Nandanar was born in a Dalit family sometime between 7th and 9 th century CE. He was a greatdevotee of Lord Shiva. In those days, the people from his community were not allowed inside the temple. He used to worship and pray standing outside the temple entrance. He visited many sites. Healso came to Cheranmahadevi and visited Ammai Nathar temple from outside. He obviously could notsee Lord Shiva. Shiva ordered his mount Nandi to move away so that his devotee could get direct sight of him. Thus, in this temple, Nandi is found slightly moved awayfrom the center. Nava Kailasam: Romasa Maharishi was one of the disciples of Sage Agasthiar. He is the grandson of Lord Brahma, theCreator. He decided to go for penance in order to get Liberation. So he went to his Guru Agasthiar and told him about his wish and asked him, how to do the tapas (means penance). His Guru Agasthiar advised him to pluck nine flowers and makes them to float on River Tamirabarani so that each flower will get dock at various places. He advised him to install Shiva Linga on those places and asked him to worship there to get liberation. As said by Sage Agasthiyar Romasa Maharishi did the same. The first flower docks at Papanasam. Second flower at Cheranmahadevi, third at Kodakanallur, fourth flower at Kunnathur (Sangani), fifth flower at Murappanadu, sixth at Sri Vaikundam, seventh flower at Then Thirupperai, eighth flower at Raajapathi and the last one ninth flower at Poomangalam. So Romasa Maharishi built temples on those places and worshipped and in due course attained mukthi. The speciality of these temples at each of these Navakailasam temples is considered as an abode of one of the Navagrahams. So making a pilgrimage trip to all the nine temples in shot will have the same effect of what you will get on worshipping at Navagraha Temples.

Beliefs

Devotees pray here for Domestic Issues, Fulfilling Wishes, Unfavorable Influence (Dosha).

Special Features

The worship of the lord of this temple is equivalent to worshiping the lord siva in Thingaloor nearly Thanjavor. The east facing temple has a recently renovated simple five-tier tower and it is 63 feet high. The usual stucco images are not found in the tower. It is located at the outskirts of Cheranmahadevi amidst banana fields. Vimana is made up of brick. The Temple is full of beautiful relief and bas-relief images. Theertham (Holy water) is River Thamirabarani and the place is considered as Thingal Sthalam (Moon). The area that connects the main shrine and the tower has its roof covered and has many pillars. The Bali peetha, Nandi mandapa and flag staff are located in this hall. Unlike other regions, some of the temples in this region have flag staff between Nandi and the main shrine. In this temple too, the flag staff is positioned similarly. The main shrine has slightly bigger Shiva Linga named as Ammai Nathar or Kailasanathar. Lord is Swayambumurthy. The entrance of ardha mandapa has a Ganesha idol in addition to Dwarapalas. The Nandi idol in maha mandapa is slightly moved from the center. In the flag staff, the bas relief image of Nandanar is found. The pillars in the exterior mandapa of the main shrine are carved with beautiful sculptures. It is built as per ‘maada kovil’ architectural style. The walls of main shrine are artistically brilliant and intricately decorated. The Goddess Aavudai Nayaki is found in a separate shrine on the right side of the main shrine. It is equally bigger in size with all the three sections and even Nandi facing towards the Goddess. Mother is also called as Oppila Nayagi Amman (the one with no comparison). Bhairava sub-shrine and Shasta sub-shrine are located in the outer prakara which is full of trees and plants. There was no Navagraha shrine in this temple since the Navakailasam represents the 9 Navagrahas. However a Navagraha shrine has been constructed recently.