Sri Thondargal Nainar Swami Temple, Thirunelveli

Address

Near Sri Nellaiyappar temple,

Thirunelveli district,

Tamil Nadu- 627 006

Phone: +91 – 462 – 256 1138

Moolavar

Sri Thondargal Nainar Swami

Amman

Gomathi Amman.

Introduction

The Thondargal Nainar Swami Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Thirunelveli Town in the Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu. This temple holds immense spiritual significance and historical importance, being over 1,500 years old.

Presiding Deity: Lord Thondargal Nainar Swami (Shiva).
Consort: Goddess Gomathi Amman.
Urchavar: Lord Bhaktavatsalesar.
Sthala Vriksham: Vilwa Tree.
Sacred Theertham: Pancha Theertham.
The temple is located behind the famous Nellaiyappar Temple.
Nearest Railway Station: Tirunelveli.
Nearest Airports: Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.

Puranic Significance

Thondargal Nainar

According to legend, during his pilgrimage, Saint Tirugnanasambandar visited the Nellaiyappar Temple and sang hymns to Lord Shiva. His followers expressed a desire to install a Shivalinga. Seeking divine guidance, Sambandar prayed to Sage Agasthya, who directed him to a location thick with Vilwa trees. There, a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shivalinga was discovered, which was then installed and worshipped. Since Lord Shiva appeared here for his followers (Thondargal), He is called Thondargal Nainar.

Karuvur Chithar

The saint Karuvur Chithar, an ardent devotee of Shiva, sought darshan from Lord Nellaiyappar. When the Lord did not appear, Chithar angrily cursed the land, causing it to be overrun with bushes. However, after moving a short distance, Chithar witnessed a Jyoti (divine light). The light eventually merged with the Shiva Linga at the Nellaiyappar Temple. This incident, which emphasizes patience, is commemorated annually during the Aavani Moola Star day (August-September).

Beliefs and Worship Practices

Welfare of Children: Devotees pray for the well-being and health of their children.
Relief from Rahu-Kethu Dosha: Special pujas are performed to mitigate the adverse effects of serpent planets.
Wedding Boons: Women with difficulties in securing marriage proposals offer Sari to Goddess Gomathi Amman and pray for blessings.

Devotees perform special pujas, offer vastras, and prepare Sarkarai Pongal (sweet rice pudding) to fulfill their vows.

Special Features

Unique Vinayaka Shrines:
- Vanni Vinayaka: Seated on an Avudayar, under a peepal tree.
- Opposite-Facing Vinayakas: A rare depiction of two Vinayakas facing opposite directions.
Swayambhu Shiva Linga: Lord Shiva is a self-manifested deity, granting the temple immense spiritual importance.
Serpent Relief: Lord Dakshinamurthy has a serpent in His left hand, offering solace to those affected by serpent planets.
Devotional Icons:
- Statues of Saint Tirugnanasambandar and Sage Agasthya in the mandapam.
- Sani Bhagwan graces the temple with a parrot in His hand, a rare depiction.
Gomathi Amman’s Shrine: A Sri Chakra is installed in the Maha Mandapa in front of the Goddess’s shrine. Devotees chant Abhirami Andhadhi hymns every Friday.
Aadi Thapasu Festival: Special Maa Vilakku lamps are lit using a paste of rice flour and ghee.

Festivals Celebrated

Chitra Poornima (April-May): Grand celebrations attracting devotees.
Aani Uthiram (June-July): Celebrated with special rituals.
Aipasi Wedding Festival (October-November): A major event for the devotees.
Tirukarthikai (November-December): The festival of lights dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Masi Shivaratri (February-March): Night-long worship and prayers for Lord Shiva.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/03/thondargal-nainar-swami-temple.html