Shivalayam Ottam 5 – Ponmanai Thimbileshwarar Temple, Kanyakumari

Address

Shivalayam Ottam 5 – Ponmanai Thimbileshwarar Temple, Ponmanai, Kanyakumari district, Tamilnadu

Deity

Thimbileshwarar

Introduction

• Location: The temple is situated at Ponmanai in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu. It is part of the renowned Shivalaya Ottam conducted during Shivaratri and is the fifth temple in the sequence.
• Age: The temple is believed to be 1000 years old.
• Accessibility:
  • Distance: Located 19 km from Kumaracoil, 26 km from Vilavancode, and 62 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
  • Nearest Railway Station: Eraniel.
  • Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram.

Puranic Significance

• Swayambu Lingam (Self-manifested Shiva Lingam):
  • According to legend, a shepherd named Theembil Adhipan, while cutting grass for his calves, saw blood pouring from a stone. Upon clearing the bushes, he discovered a Swayambu Lingam (self-manifested Shiva Lingam).
  • He began worshipping this Lingam, and the temple was named Thimbileshwarar after him.
• Sage Vyakarapadhar’s Worship:
  • Sage Vyakarapadhar is believed to have visited this temple and worshipped Lord Shiva.

Special Features

• Location: The temple is located on the banks of the Thamiraparani River and faces east.
• Architecture:
  • The Kodimaram (flagstaff) and a tiered granite lamp are located in front of the temple.
  • The stone pillars, corridors, mandapams, and tiled roofs reflect the ancient architectural style of bygone eras.
  • The temple’s Sanctum is round in shape, which is uncommon in Shiva temples.
  • The Nandhi Mandapam features a beautifully carved roof depicting the nine planets (Navagrahas).
• Theertham (Sacred Water): The sacred water associated with this temple is from the Thamirabarani River.
• Renovations: The temple is believed to have undergone renovations during the reign of the Chola and Pandya kings.

Festivals

• Shivalaya Ottam: Part of the ritual marathon during Shivaratri.
• Shivaratri: Celebrating Lord Shiva with great devotion.
• Thiruvadirai: A festival associated with Lord Shiva, typically celebrated under the Arudra (Thiruvadirai Nakshatra).
• Chittirai Kodiyetram Peruvizha: A flag-hoisting festival celebrated in the Tamil month of Chittirai.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Ponmanai

Nearest Railway Station

Eraniel

Nearest Airport

Thiruvananthapuram.

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