Vikramasingapuram Sivanthiappar Temple - Thirunelveli

Address

Vikramasingapuram Sivanthiappar Temple – Thirunelveli

Vikramasingapuram, Thirunelveli district,

Tamil Nadu- 627 425

Phone: +91 – 4634 – 223 457 / 293 757

Moolavar

Sivanthiappar

Amman

Vazhi Adimai Konda Nayaki

Introduction

The Sivanthiappar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Vikramasingapuram, near Ambasamudram in Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu. The temple, a majestic structure sprawling over a vast area, is notable for its intricate architecture and grand idols.

Main Deity: Sivanthiappar (Lord Shiva)
Mother Goddess: Vazhi Adimai Konda Nayaki
Sthala Vriksham: Vilva tree
Theertham: Kadana River
Location: Situated on the banks of the Thamirabarani River, close to the Agasthiyar Falls, and 53 km south of Thirunelveli, 7 km from Ambasamudram.

Puranic Significance

The temple was constructed about 1000 years ago by Shivanthiappa Naicker, a ruler of the region, who dedicated the temple to Lord Shiva for the welfare of his people. The Lord was named Sivanthiappar in honor of the ruler.

Unique Features of Deities:
- Lord Shiva: Depicted with a turban, an unusual iconography.
- Lord Dakshinamurthy: Portrayed with his left hand on a serpent, differing from the typical depiction with palm leaves or fire.
- Lord Muruga: Enshrined as Arumuga Nayinar, with his consorts Valli and Deivanai facing each other, a rare representation.
- Mother Durga: Prominent among the Saptha Matrikas, offering blessings for resolving delays in marriage.

At the entrance of Lord Shiva’s shrine, Adhikara Nandhi and Bhairava face each other, a distinctive feature of this temple.

Special Features

Main Shrines:

Sanctum Sanctorum:
- Houses the Shiva Lingam (Sivanthiappar), facing east.
- Goddess Vazhi Adimai Konda Nayaki, housed in a separate shrine facing south.
Inner Prakara (Corridor):
Includes sub-shrines for:
- Lord Dakshinamurthy
- Chandikeswara
- Prakara Vinayaka
- Lord Shanmukha seated on a peacock, flanked by his consorts, Valli and Devasena.

Maha Mandapam (Grand Hall):

The Maha Mandapam is adorned with exquisitely sculpted pillars and numerous idols.

Metal (Utsava) Idols:
- Nataraja-Sivakami
- Naalvar
- Veerabagu
- Sapta Matrikas
- Subramanya with Valli and Devasena
Stone Idols:
- Surya and Chandra
- Veerabhadra
- Bhairava
- Ganesha
- Adhikara Nandi
- Saneeswara

Other Shrines:

Saints such as Naalvar, Karaikkal Ammaiyar, and Sekkizhar.
Separate shrines for Ganesha, Siva Subramanya, and Navagrahas.

The temple also has a striking five-tier Raja Gopuram (tower), a flagstaff, and a Bali Peetha located near the Nandi Mandapa, adorned with statues of women holding oil lamps.

Beliefs

Devotees seek blessings from Lord Sivanthiappar for:

Marriage Boon: Especially for those facing delays in marriage.
Child Welfare: Relief from adverse planetary influences.
Special Offerings:
- Abisheka (ritual bathing) with Vilva leaves.
- Lighting lime cup lamps and offering kumkum archana with Sarkarai Pongal (sweet pudding) for resolving issues in marriage proposals.

Festivals

The temple hosts several vibrant festivals that draw large crowds:

Chithirai Festival (April–May)
Purattasi Brahmmotsavam (September–October)
Aipasi Wedding Festival (October–November)
Margazhi Utsavam (December–January)
Karthikai Sampoorna Pooja (November–December)
Mathanthira Pooja: Ganapathi Homam performed on the first day of every Tamil month.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/03/sivanthiappar-temple-vikramasingapuram.html