Harikesavanallur Ariyanathaswamy Temple, Tirunelveli

Address

Harikesavanallur Ariyanathaswamy Temple, Tirunelveli

Harikesavanallur, Ambasamuthram circle,

Tirunelveli District,

Tamil Nadu 627426

Moolavar

Ariyanathaswamy

Amman

Brahanayaki

Introduction

• Harikesavanallur Ariyanathaswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Harikesavanallur Town, within the Ambasamuthuram Circle, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.
• The Presiding Deity is Ariyanathaswamy (a form of Lord Shiva), and the Mother Goddess is Brahanayaki.
• The temple is approximately 3 kilometers north of Veeravanallur, which is 30 kilometers west of Tirunelveli via Cheranmahadevi, and 3 kilometers south of Mukkudal, 25 kilometers west of Tirunelveli on the Kadayam-Tenkasi Road.

Puranic Significance:

• The Ariyanathaswamy Temple is an ancient shrine with numerous inscriptions on its sanctum walls.
• It is believed that the temple was constructed by Nindraseer Nedumara Pandyan (also known as Koon Pandyan, the Hunchbacked Pandyan) in the 7th Century CE. He was also called Arikesari Parankusa Maravarman, and the village was named after him.
• The temple was later renovated by Jatavaraman Kulasekara Pandyan during his reign from 1190–1216 CE.
• The temple is east-facing, with the Goddess’s sanctum located separately just outside the main deity’s temple. The main deity is represented by a tall lingam, while the Goddess is also tall, measuring around 6 feet (including the pedestal).
• The temple has two prakarams (outer courtyards) surrounding the sanctum. The inner prakaram is covered, while the outer prakaram is shaded by trees and creeping plants.
• In 2007, a buried idol of Kubera (the god of wealth) was discovered on the temple premises and installed outside the entrance to the Mahamantapam (grand hall).
• The temple has a temple car used during festivals and a temple tank located outside the east gateway.
• Several idols, including a beautiful idol of Kartikeya and a Nandi (bull), can be found within the temple compound.

Special Features:

• Jeshtadevi (the goddess associated with misfortune) is worshipped at this temple, accompanied by her two attendants, who are also considered her children. Jeshtadevi is believed to be the elder sister of Goddess Lakshmi, and her worship began to decline after the 7th or 8th century CE due to her association with inauspicious events.
• Jeshtadevi is typically worshipped during inauspicious times, and her shrines are located in inconspicuous places within temples. Her presence in this temple adds to its uniqueness.
• Kubera, the god of wealth, is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple.

Other Deities:

• The temple also houses several other deities, including:
  • Mukurni Raja Ganapathi (Lord Ganesha)
  • Juradevar
  • Sapthamadar (Seven Mothers)
  • Selvavinayakar (Two idols of Lord Ganesha)
  • Kasi Viswanathar
  • V Kubera Lingam
  • Bhairava
  • Navagraha (Nine Planets)
  • Kuberan
  • Jeshtadevi

Sanctum Niches:

• The temple also features niches for deities like Dakshinamurthy and Chandhikeswara.

Century/Period

7th Century CE

Nearest Bus Station

Harikesavanallur

Nearest Railway Station

Ambasamudram, Tirunelveli

Nearest Airport

Thoothukudi

Location on Map

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