Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple – Tirunelveli

Introduction to the Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple

The Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple, known as Nellaiappar Temple and Kasi Viswanathar Temple, is one of the famous temples located on the banks of Thamirabarani River, Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu. The temple's name is derived from the words 'Nellai,' which means 'paddy fields' in Tamil, and 'Appar,' which means Shiva, and it refers to the temple's location in an area surrounded by paddy fields.

The Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple is one of the Pancha Sabha temples (Copper) revered as Shiva's five cosmic dance halls. The other four are Chidambaram (gold), Madurai (silver), Thiruvalankadu (ruby), and Kutralam (art). It is also one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams.

Legend of the Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple

Many legends revolve around the Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple.

Legend of Venuvananathar: According to a legend, Shiva once took the form of a Lingam, came to Tirunelveli, and took his abode here. All four Vedas stood around him like bamboo trees, and they provided him with shade. So, this place became Venu Vanam ('Venu' means 'bamboo tree' and 'Vanam' means 'forest'), and the deity became known as Venuvananathar.

The Architecture of the Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple

The Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple sprawls over 14.5 acres of land. It is one of the biggest temples in the city, with five Gopurams. It is over 850 feet long and 756 feet wide and is located in the middle of the town.

The Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple is believed to have been built during the Pandyan dynasty, from the 4th century BCE - 16th century CE. The temple's inscriptions reveal its existence since at least the 7th century CE. Its architecture blends Pandyan, Chola, and Vijayanagara architectural styles.

Nindraseer Nedumaran, who ruled in the 7th century CE. Pandyas, constructed the sanctums of the temple and the two Gopurams. The complex has two temples, including the Kanthimathi and Nellaiappar temples. Sangili Mandapam links them.

Before the sanctum, a Pathala Lingam shrine is located below the ground level, and the deity is Mahalinga Swami. The main sanctum is situated toward the right of the Pathala Lingam shrine. Shiva is the presiding deity worshipped as Nellaiappar, also known as Venuvananathar and Kasi Viswanathar. He graces in the form of Swayambu Lingam. The image of Parvati is imprinted at the center of the Lingam, which can be seen during Abhishekam. The Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple performs Aaru Kaala Pooja (six Poojas) to Nellaiappar daily.

Next to the Nellaiappar shrine is a separate sanctum for Vishnu (Nellai Govindar) in a reclining position (in Anandha Sayanam).

Kanthimathi Ambal stands with her two arms carrying a lotus and a parrot (in her left hand) in a separate shrine.

The copper dance hall (Tamra Sabha) is another highlight of the Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple. Devotees worship Nataraja and Sivakami in the Tamra Sabha during Arudra Darisanam. The brilliant artistic woodwork inside the Tamra Sabha is jaw-dropping.

The Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple consists of several shrines and Mandapams. The main Gopuram of the temple is a 200-foot-tall structure adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures of various deities. Several inscriptions in Tamil, Sanskrit, and Grantha scripts on the Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple walls provide insights into the history and culture of the region.

Unique Mandapams in the Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple

Nindraseer Nedumaran later built the Mani Mandapam and the musical pillars in the 7th century. The musical pillars reproduce unique sounds when they are beaten. There are 48 pillars in total. Thiru Vadamalaiyappa Pillaiyan constructed the Sangili Mandapam in 1647, which links the temples of Nellaiappar and Kanthimathi Ambal. Vaali, Sugreev, Bheema, and Arjuna statues in the Sangili Mandapam attract visitors.

The Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple conducts the Aippasi Thirukalyana Pillar festival in the 1000-pillar mandapam. It is 520 feet in length and 63 feet wide. The Uchchhishta Ganapati statue in the mandapam is an attractive one. There is a belief that Vishnu, disguised as a turtle, bears this 1000-pillar mandapam on his shoulders.

Somawar Mandapam lies on the northern side of the temple. During Karthigai Somawaram, the Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple performs a special Abishekam for Panchamoorthigal. Navaratri Poojas are also held here. It has 78 massive pillars.

Sivanthiappa Nayak built the Nandi Mandapam in 1654. Thiruvengadakrishna Mudaliar set up a flower garden on the western side of the Sangili Mandapam in 1756. Pasuvanthanai Pichandi Annai constructed a musical chakra for musicians.

There are several sacred Theerthams in the temple surroundings. Potraamarai Theertham (Swarna Pushkarani), Kari Uru Maari Theertham, Velitheppakulam (Chandra Pushkarani) and Sinthupoonthurai are some of them.

Shiva is said to have appeared in the water of the Golden Lotus tank, where Brahma, a lotus, attracts huge attention.

Besides being a renowned temple, it is also a center of cultural and social activities. It houses several educational institutions, including a school and a college. The Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple also runs several charitable programs, including conducting medical camps for the needy.

The former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu launched the Anna Daanam Scheme in the Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple in 2002. It feeds 100 people every day under this scheme.

The Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple is administered by the HR & CE (Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments) Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Festivals in the Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple

The Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple celebrates Arudra Darisanam, Thiru Kalyanam, Navaratri, Thai Poosam, Pradosham, Masi Magam, Thiruvathirai, Karthigai Vazhipadu, and Chita Pournami fervently. Devotees from local cities flock to the temple to participate in the festivals.

The Annual Car Festival and Brahmotsavam attract huge crowds to the Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple.