Karisulndamangalam Kalahasteeswarar Temple – Thirunelveli

Address

Karisulndamangalam, Thirunelveli district,

Tamil Nadu – 627453

Moolavar

Kalahasteeswarar

Introduction

The Kalahasteeswarar Temple is a prominent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated in the Karisulndamangalam Village near Cheranmahadevi, Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.

Puranic Significance

The temple is believed to have a history of more than 1500 years.
The temple’s origin is associated with the great sage Durvasa, who, after a celestial incident involving goddess Saraswathi, came to Earth, bathed in holy rivers, and reached Kalahasthi.
In Kalahasthi, Lord Easwara (Shiva) blessed Durvasa with a sacred “Linga” and instructed him to establish it at the spot where flowers offered for a divine ritual fell.
Following the divine instructions, Durvasa established the Linga at the designated location, and both Lord Easwara and Devi appeared before him.
Durvasa conducted daily rituals for a year, which led to the recovery of his lost penance, after which he returned to Sathya Lokam (celestial abode).

Significance:

The Kalahasteeswarar Temple is considered a “Rahu and Kethu Parihara Sthalam,” which means it is a sacred place where devotees come to seek relief from malefic effects associated with Rahu and Ketu, two of the nine celestial bodies in Vedic astrology.

Festivals

Swathi Nakshathra Varushabishegam: This special abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity) is performed under the auspices of the Swati Nakshatram (a particular lunar mansion).
Shivarathri: The festival of Shivarathri is celebrated with great devotion, involving four Kaala Poojas (rituals) during the month of Masi.
Monthly Pradosham Poojas: Pradosham is a significant day dedicated to Lord Shiva, and monthly Pradosham Poojas are performed in this temple.