Kunnathur Sri Gothai parameswarar (Raghu) Temple (Nava Kailasam)- Thirunelveli

Address

Kunnathur Sri Gothai Parameswarar Temple, Kunnathur, Thirunelveli District Phone: +91 462 2340955 Mobile: +91 94420 18567 / 94420 18077

Diety

Gothaparameswarar, Amman: Sivakami Ambal

Introduction

Gothai Parameswarar Temple is dedicated to God Shiva located at Kunnathur in Thirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. It is one of the Navakailasam Temples and dedicated to the one of the planets, Rahu. It is special temple for Viruchigam and Mesha Rasis. The Temple is located very near to Keezha Thiruvenkatanathapuram temple on the northern bank of Thamirabarani River at the Kunnathur hillside. The lingam, the iconic form of Shiva in the temple is believed to an aspect of Raghu, one of the planetary deities. The temple forms a series of Navagraha temples in the banks of Tamirabarani River where each of the nine planetary deities are considered to reside. The temples are classified as Nava Kailasam and the presiding deity of all the nine temples is Kailasanathar. The temple is associated with the planet Raghu. In the Lingam, devotees can see a Snake sculpture. This is the only temple, where Snake is seen sculpted in the Lingam.

Puranic Significance

Sage Romasa sought the advice of his Guru Agasthya to choose places on the banks of Tambiraparani for installing Shivalingas. The teacher told the disciple to throw flowers used for Shiva Puja on the river, and do the installations where the flowers reached the shores. Romasa threw lotus flowers as advised on the river, nine of which reached the bank at various places and Kunnathur was one among them. Planets are nine; therefore, they were named Nava (nine) Kailash each attributed to one planet.The lingam, the iconic form of Shiva in the temple is believed to an aspect of Raghu, one of the planetary deities. The temple forms a series of Navagraha temples in the banks of Tamirabarani River where each of the nine planetary deities are considered to reside. The temples are classified as Nava Kailasam and the presiding deity of all the nine temples is Kailasanathar. The temple is associated with the planet Raghu. In the Lingam, devotees can see a Snake sculpture. This is the only temple, where Snake is seen sculpted in the Lingam.

Special Features

Presiding Deity of this Temple is called as Gothai Parameswarar / Kailasanathar. Mother is called as Sivakami Ambal. In the Lingam, devotees can see a Snake sculpture. This is the only temple, where Snake is seen sculpted in the Lingam. This temple is dedicated to the one of the planets, Rahu.

Festivals

Mahasivarathri in February-March, Thiruvadirai in December-January, Tirukarthikai in November- December and Pradosham days – 13th day either from new moon or full moon days are the festivals celebrated in the temple.