Sri Nellaiyappar (Chepparai Natarajar) Temple, Thirunelveli

Address

Sri Nellaiyappar (Chepparai Natarajar) Temple, Thirunelveli

Chepparai, Thirunelveli District,

Tamil Nadu – 627359

Phone: +91 – 4622 – 339 910      

Moolavar

Nellaiyappar (Chepparai Natarajar)

Introduction

• Location: Rajavallipuram, near Thirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, on the banks of the Tamirabarani River.
• Alternate Names: Azhagiya Kootthar and Sivagami Ambal Temple.
• Significance: Part of the Pancha Natarajar Sthalams, with five Nataraja idols created by the same sculptor who made the one in Chidambaram.
• Historical Age: Over 1,000 years old, sometimes referred to as “South Chidambaram.”
• Unique Aspect: The first copper Nataraja statue, considered the origin of the Nataraja form.

Puranic Significance:

• Legend of King Singavarman: A tyrant king who transformed into a good ruler and sought spiritual guidance.
• Copper Nataraja Idol: The king ordered a copper idol of Nataraja, which was later turned into gold, but Lord Shiva returned it to copper, signifying His preference.
• Story of Namasivaya Muthu: The sculptor who carried the statue south and could not move further at Chepparai, where the temple was built.
• Veerapandian’s Role: A chieftain who replicated the Chepparai idol in Kattarimangalam and Karisuzhndhamangalam, leading to tragic consequences for the sculptor.

Beliefs:

• Devotee Prayers: For child blessings, academic success, and the removal of marriage obstacles.
• Rituals: Abishekam (ritual baths) with vastras (sacred garments) for Lord Shiva and Goddess Gandhimadhi.

Special Features:

• Main Deity: Nellaiyappar (Lord Shiva) and Goddess Gandhimadhi.
• Holy Tree: Vilwa.
• Holy Water: Stream water from a nearby source.
• Agama: Kameekam, used for worship rituals.
• Nataraja Statue: Considered the first Nataraja statue in the world.
• Kumbabishekam: Conducted in January 2007.

Festivals:

• Aani Therottam: Grand procession in the Tamil month of Aani.
• Margazhi Thiruvadirai: Celebrates the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva on Thiruvathirai Nakshatram in Margazhi.
• Maha Shivaratri: A major festival honoring Lord Shiva.
• Arudhra Darshan: A Saivite festival symbolizing Lord Shiva’s golden-red dance during Margazhi.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/03/chepparai-natarajar-temple-thirunelveli.html

Century/Period

1000-2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Chepparai

Nearest Railway Station

Thirunelveli

Nearest Airport

Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.

Location on Map

lightuptemple