Karivalamvandanallur Palvanna Nathar Temple, Thirunelveli

Address

Karivalamvandanallur, Sankarankovil Taluk,

Thirunelveli District,

Tamil Nadu 627753

Moolavar

Palvanna Nathar

Amman

Oppanaiammal

Introduction

The Palvanna Nathar Temple, located in Karivalamvandanallur Village in Sankarankovil Taluk, Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Puranic Significance

Historical Significance: The temple is believed to be more than 1500 years old, with a rich history and cultural heritage.

Equivalent to Thiruvannamalai Annamalaiyar Temple: The Palvanna Nathar Temple is considered equivalent to the renowned Thiruvannamalai Annamalaiyar Temple in its significance.

Pancha Bhoota Sthalam: The temple is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalams located around Sankarankovil. These temples represent the five prime elements of nature: land, water, air, sky, and fire. Palvanna Nathar Temple represents the “Fire Element” (Agni Sthalam).

Legends:

The name “Kari Valamvanda Nallur” is derived from a legend where an elephant chased by King Kulasekara Pandyan transformed into Lord Shiva’s attendants (Bhooda Gana) after circumambulating the Shiva Linga hidden in bushes.
Another legend is related to King Varagunarama Pandiyan, who had no sons. Lord Shiva appeared in his dreams and assured that He would perform the king’s last rites. When the king passed away, Lord Shiva, in the form of an old Brahmin, fulfilled His promise by conducting the king’s last rites.

Lakshmaneswarar Shrine: Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama, consecrated a Linga here to seek relief from the Brahma Hatti Dosha (a curse) he incurred for killing Indrajit, Ravana’s son.

Parasakthi Peedam: Sage Agasthya is believed to have formed Parasakthi Peedam in three places, one of which is Karivalamvandanallur.

Worship by Deities: It is believed that deities like Vishnu, Brahma, Agasthya, Devas, Narada, and Vasishta worshiped Lord Shiva in this temple.

Nithya Thandava: Lord Shiva is said to have performed His Nithya Thandava (eternal dance) at this place.

Beliefs

People pray to Lord here for Child Boon and to get relief from marriage obstacles.

Special Features

Deities and Features:

The presiding deity of the temple is Palvanna Nathar, also known as Thirukala Eesar or Mugalingar.
The goddess of the temple is Oppanaiammal.
There is a shrine for Lord Lakshmana, known as Lakshmaneswarar, along with his consort Komalambigai.
The temple also houses shrines for various deities, including Sowbagya Ganapathy, Dhandapani, Shanmugam, Adhikara Nandeeswarar, Suryan, Chandran, Agasthya, Kasi Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Juradevar, Kandhuri Amman, Saptha Mathas, Siddhi Vinayagar, Pancha Lingas, Lakshmi, Brahma, Saneeswarar, Natarajar, and Lakshmana.

Architectural Details: The temple features a nine-tiered Rajagopuram (temple tower) and beautiful mandapams. The Mandapam in front of the Rajagopuram was built by Pulidevan, and the Northern Prakaram and Eastern Mandapam were built by Arunachalam Chettiyar in 1928, along with Kumbabishekam for the temple.

Sthala Vriksham: The sacred tree (Sthala Vriksham) of the temple is the Kala Tree.

Theerthams: The temple has two sacred theerthams, Shukra Theertham and Nitcheba Nathi.

The Palvanna Nathar Temple is a place of historical and religious significance, where devotees seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Oppanaiammal. The temple’s legends and unique features make it a revered destination for worshippers and tourists alike.