Keelappavoor Thiruvaleswarar Temple,Tenkasi

Address

Keelappavoor Thiruvaleswarar Temple,

Keelappavoor (Keezhapavur),

Tenkasi District,

Tamil Nadu- 627806

Moolavar

Thiruvaleswarar

Amman

Sivagami Ambal

Introduction

The Keelappavoor Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Keelappavoor (Keezhapavur) in the Tenkasi district of Tamil Nadu.

Presiding Deity: The main deity of the temple is known as Thiruvaleswaarar, who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The Mother Goddess in this temple is called Sivagami Ambal.
Historical Significance: The town where the temple is situated has a rich historical background. It was known as Chhatriya Sikamani Nallur and Chaturamangalam Kurumalai Nadu during the Chola period.
Location: Keelappavoor is located approximately 13 kilometers away from Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu.
Age of the Temple: The Keelappavoor Temple is believed to be around 1300 years old. The temple is known for its numerous stone pillars and has received land donations from various kings, including Maravarman Srivallapan Sadyavarman Kulasekara Pandian.
Legend of Vali’s Worship: According to local legends, Vali, the monkey king from the Indian epic Ramayana, stopped in the area while flying through the air. It was time for him to perform a particular puja (ritual), so he descended here and established a Shiva Lingam. This event is depicted in a sculptural embossing within the temple, known as “Vali Shivapooja.” The Lord Shiva who manifested during Vali’s worship is revered as Thiruvaleswarar.
Pradosha Nandi: The temple features a special Nandi (the bull that serves as Lord Shiva’s mount) dedicated to Pradosha, a sacred time for worship.
Blessings of the Temple: Devotees who visit this temple are believed to be blessed with the removal of diseases and the bestowal of peace and prosperity. It is also considered a place where marital impediments are removed.
Deities in the Temple: The temple complex includes depictions of various deities such as Mangala Ganesha in the Maha Mandapam, Balasubramaniyaswamy on the left, Ganesha on the right, Nandi, Suriya Bhagavan (Sun God), Chandra Bhagavan (Moon God), and Saturn Bhagavan. The sanctum sanctorum houses Tiruvaleswarar, a small lingam, and Goddess Keerthi who is larger in size and positioned on His right side. Additionally, there are depictions of Daktsinamoorthy, Vishnu Durga, Chandikeswarar, and Bhairav.
Festivals: The temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year, including Pradosham, Chitra Poornima in April-May, Vaikasi Visakam in May-June, Aadi Pooram in July-August, Vinayaka Chathurthi in August-September, Navarathri in September-October, and Maha Shivrathri in February-March.

The Keelappavoor Temple holds historical and religious significance, attracting devotees seeking blessings for health, peace, prosperity, and the removal of marital obstacles.