This is the 254th Thevaram
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 10th Sthalam of Pandya Naadu. This
place was called as “Kanapereyil – கானபேரெயில்”, since sangam period and continued
up to 15th Century. As per inscription, from 16th Century
onwards this place is being called as Kalayarkoil. In 1325 CE, Thimiski an Arab traveler, mentions this place as “Kaikan”1325. There is a proverb about this place is ..kaalai Theda...Somar Azhikka .. Chokkar Sukikka- காளைதேட.. சோமர் அழிக்க... சொக்கர் சுகிக்க”. 
As per Sekkizhar Periya Puranam
Thirugnanasambandar came to this temple after worshiping Lord Shiva of
Thirupuvanam
பற்றார் தம்புரங்கள் மலைச் சிலையில் செற்ற
Thirugnanasambandar, Sundarar,
Vallalar, Kabiladevar, and Baranadevar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva
of this temple.
பிடியெல்லாம் பின்செலப் பெருங்கை மா மலர்தழீஇ விடியலேதடமூழ்கி விதியினால் வழிபடும் கடியுலாம் பூம் பொழில் கானப்பேர் அண்ணல்நின் அடியலால் அடைசரண் உடையரோ அடியரே....... திருஞானசம்பந்தர் தொண்டர் தமக்கெளிய சோதியை வேதியனைத் தூய மறைப் பொருளா நீதியை வார்கடனஞ் சுண்டதனுக் கிறவா தென்று மிருந்தவனை யூழிபடைத்தவனோ
டொள்ளரியும் முணரா அண்டனை அண்டர் தமக்காகமநூன் மொழியும் மாதியை மேதகுசீ ரோதியை வானவர்தம்’ கண்டனை அன்பொடு சென்றெய்துவ தென்று கொலோ கார்வயல் சூழ் கானப் பெருறை காளையையே ...... சுந்தரர் --“சேடான வானப் பேராற்றை மதியை முடிசூடுங் கானப்பேரானந்தக் காளையே”...... திரு அருட்பா முலைநலஞ்சேர் கானப்பேர் முக்கணா னென்னு முலைநலஞ்சேர் மொய்சடையானென்னு – முலைநலஞ்சேர் மாதேவா வொன்று வளர்கொன்றை வாய்சோர மாதேவா சோரல் வளை...... கபிலதேவர் ( பதினோராம் திருமுறை ) நிலைத்திவ் வுலகனைத்து நீரேயாய் நின்றீர் நிலைத்திவ் வுலகனைத்து நீரே – நிலைத்தீரக் கானப்பே ரீர்கங்கை சூடினீர் கங்காளீர் கானப்பே ரீர்கங்கை யீர்....... பரணத்தேவர் ( பதினோராம் திருமுறை )
Moolavar
ConsortSri Somesar Sri Soundaravalli Swarna
Kaleeswarar Sri SwarnavalliSri Sundaresar Sri Meenakshi
Some of the important features of
this temple are....The temple is facing east with Two
Rajagopuras. The 9 tier 130 feet high Gopuram was built by Marudhu Pandyars and the 90
feet high 5 tier Gopuram in front of Swarna Kaaleeswarar Temple was built by 7th
Century Varagua Pandyan. There are Three sanctums and Centre one is the Paadal
petra Sthalam and moolavar is of swayambhu. All the three sannadhis has
the Balipedam, Rishabam and
Dwajasthambam. All the three Ambal sannadhis are built in a row facing South. In Koshtam
Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.
In the
inner prakara, Vinayagar, Murugan and Chandikeswarar. In Prakaram Sahasra Lingam, Vallabha Ganapathi, Nalvar,
63var, Bhairavar, Saptamatrikas,
Vinayagar, Chandrasekar, Pancha lingas, Varuna worshiped Varuna Linga,
Ashta Lakshmis, Senthil Murugan, Saneeswarar and Natarajar in Sabha mandapam.
Ambal Swarnavalli is in a separate
Sannadhi with beautiful architecture. In
Palliyarai, the ponnoosal / swing is made of gold and ivory.
ARCHITECTURE
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONSSundareswarar & Meenakshi Amman-
When Varaguna Pandiyan ( 792 - 835 CE ) was struggled to find the way to Madurai after hunting, Lord Shiva guided him and gave
darshan at this Temple. This Sannadhi was built in remembrance of the darshan.
The sannadhi is located between Sri Kaleeswarar and Swarnavalli Ambal
sannadhi. Parivara devata Sannadhis, Natarajar and Navagrahas are located near
this Sannadhi.
In the front Mandapa statues of
Sivaganga’s second king Muthu Vaduga natha Periya Udaya devar ( 1750 – 1772 CE –
killed by the Britishers through the hand bombs ), Ramanathapuram Mannar
Kizhavan Sethupathi, Periya Marudhu and Chinna Marudhu ( 1789 - 1794 CE).
The 15th Century Saint Arunagirinathar
has sung hymns in praise of Lord Muruga of this temple.
கோலக் காதிற் குழையாலே – கோதிச் சேர்மைக் குழலாலே ஞாலத்தாரைத் துயரே: செய் – நாரிக்காசைப் படலாமோ மேலைத் தேவர்க் கரியானே – வீரச் சேவற் கொடியோனே காலப் பாசத் துயர் தீராய் கானப்பேரிற் பெருமாளே.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONSThe
Temple has the Pandya, Ramanathapuram Sethupathis, Sivaganga Samasthana Kings,
Marudhu Pandyas and Nattukottai Nagaratar’s contributions. The 5 tier
Rajagopuram was built by the 13th Century Varaguna Pandiyan ( 1251 –
1261 CE ).
From the Agananooru a Sangam
Literature, Kanaper is the name of the place and Eyil means a strong wall…
Kanaper was ruled by the King Vengaimarban with safe & strong wall, moat
and forest around it. When Vengaimarban challenged, Pandya King Ukra Peruvazhuthi
captured the Kanaper with strength. Hence he was called as “Kanapereyil kadantha
Ukra Peruvazhuthi”
As
per the inscriptions this place was called as Kanaper and from 16th
Century inscriptions as Kalayarkoil. Lord Shiva was called as Kanaperudaya
Nayanar and Kanaperudaya Nayanar Kalayar Somanathar. Ambal was called as Nachiyar
ThaNmenmulaiyal, Aludaya Nachiyar and Vinayagar's Names are added with Chella,
Ariya, Sakthi, Ganapathy peruman, etc. ( Ref from Kudavayil Dr. Balasubraaniyan
article )
Pandya
King Sundra Pandya’s 12th year Reign inscription ( AR 575 of 1902, SII,VIII- 166 ) records
the endowment of Thirumanjanam ( A sacred bath ) and Naivedyam by Kizhavan
Udaya Perumal Somanathadevar. For which a land 4 ma was gifted to this temple
after exempting the Taxes
Pandya
King Kulasekara Pandya’s 14th year reign ( end of 13th Century ) inscription ( AR 577 of 1902, SII, VIII – 169 ) records the
gift of Lands to the dancers of the temple who are given with title
“Thalaikoli”, Nakkan Cheyyal alias Kalingaraya Thalaikoli, The Land was
purchased and gifted to this temple. The tank/ kulam was rectified and the made facility for the irrigation of dry lands from the tank. The taxes like Ponvari, Thattarpattam, Inavari are also exempted. The land was measured by “Sundarapandiyan
Kol” ( a measuring scale ) and the place was named as Veerapandiya nallur. From the donated Land the Dancer Kalingaraya Thalaikoli has to give Paddy of 2 kalam and money 14 kasu to the temple. This was signed by the Grama sabha members Rajasinga theva, Nalla singa Theva, Chozha Ganga Theva, Athigai Singa Theva and Vazhuthi Singa Theva.
Pandya
King Veera Pandya’s 14th Year reign inscription ( AR 578 of 1902, SII,VIII- 170 ) records the
endowment to Aadhichandeswarar
sannadhi by three people, Alalasundara
Thirumadam Mudaliyar, Pathiyilarila Nakkan Muvaayira Thalaikoli, Aalasundara Thirumadam…. Sambanda Perumal and
chokkan Sambandan towards purchase of land and the payment of grains like Paddy
and Varaku and panam 18 to this temple.
The
inscription without King’s name and year (
AR 581-C of 1902,
SII,VIII- 175 ) records the endowment of
Naivedyam of Kariyamuthu, Adaikkaiamuthu, Neiyamuthu, Uppamuthu,
Milakamauthu and vasthiram to
....Kottathu Nachiyar ThaNmenmulayar, Aludai Nachiyar, Ariya Pillayar, Chella
Pillayar for which the the kuruni paddy rice out of which 2 Nazhi Arisi choRu to be
prepared from the income of the gifted Land. This was donated by the person who
constructed the sannadhis.
The
inscription without the name of the King (
AR 582 of 1902, SII,VIII- 176 ) records the endowment of Naivedyam and Thirupani to Kamkottathu Alidainachiyar,
Thiruveethi Nachiyar, Nayanar Sundarapandyathevar and Azhakiya chokkanar, by
three people Thavachakravarthi, Vayiratharayan and Yathavarayan on Vishu and Thirukarthikai functions. The
above mentioned temples are built by these three donors. The income from the 50
ma lands measured through 16 jan kol
gifted as Gurudakchina / Thevathanam by Vikarama Pandyan. If nothing is yield equivalent amount of money of 2
Achchu, to be given to the Temple.
The
Sundara Pandyan’s 10th year reign inscription ( AR 584 of 1902, SII,VIII- 178 ) records the
gift of Land sale for 30 panam by the Thevan Thongan alias Malava dheventhara
Parayan with trees like and wells. This
has to be utilized for the pooja in the name of a merchant Mangudayan
avudayan Perungarunaiyalan sandhi. When others are signed Malava Theventhara
Parayan had placed his thumb impression, since he was not educated. The
mistakes are corrected by two persons. The next inscription ( AR 585 of 1902, SII,VIII- 179 ) records the
30 panam gifted to the temple.
The
inscription with out Kings name, ( may be the latest ) ( AR
587 of 1902, SII,VIII- 182 ) records the Ilaiyathangudiyathan
Kulasekarapuraththu Kalayar Kavala peruntheru Thiruvepurudayan Thirumundamazhakiyan
Azhakaiya Konar Azhakiya Chokkan
reconstructed the Madapalli, which was found dilapidated condition on four
sides. The required found was taken from the Treasury and for the balance his
own fund was used. The next inscription 587-A also records the reconstruction
of the Kalanivasaludayan Adaikalangathaar Chidambaranathar Sannadhi and arrange
for Naivedyam for which a land was donated.
The other
inscriptions mainly records the donation of Lands, Paddy, made to this temple and the trees grown like Neem, Aththi,
Pungan, Puli/ Tamarind, Iluppai etc. To our surprise none of the inscriptions
talks about burning of the perpetual lamps or Sandhi Lamp and donation of Cows,
goats etc.
During
Pandya period a land was gifted to their Guru Dhabasvi Somanathar as Guru
Dhatchina / fees. The same Pandya King
built the Ambal Temple with cheppu Procession deity,
Marudhu
brothers constructed the front Mandapa, Temple Chariot, gave 40 Villages and 2
lakhs worth of Gold jewellery to this temple between 1789 to 1794 CE.
During
recent times an inscription ( Thanks to
Saravanamaniyan PA and his team ) dated to 13th to 14th
Century, on a slab stone was found near
Vinayagar temple of Kalayarkoil. The inscription is in the form of a song. The
Details of the inscription is, even-though the Sanakathi munis learned the
literatures and practiced dhabas didn’t gained the Gnana. But they gained the
real knowledge and Gnana from Lord Shiva as Dakshinamurthy’s Chin Mudra. The
inscription reads as …..
1.அருந்தவஞ் செய் நால்வற்கோராலின் கீழன பாற் கருந்தடஞ் சூ 2.ழ கானப்பேர்க் கண்ணிற்றிருந்தவறஞ் சொல்லுவார் போலச் .. 3.ராந் திருந்தார் வெல்லுவாரென பிறபடை வெ…
The 130 feet 9 tier Rajagopuram was
built during Marudhu Pandyars. It was
told that Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple Rajagopurams can be seen from this
Tallest Rajagopuram, even-though the distance between KalayarKoil and Madurai
is 63 KM, may be seen at horizon. There is a local folk kummi -கும்மி song available on this
Rajagopuram.
‘‘கருமலையிலே கல்லெடுத்து காளையார் கோயில் உண்டு பண்ணி மதுரைக் கோபுரம் தெரியக் கட்டிய மருது வாரதைப் பாருங்கடி’’
சாந்துபொட்டு பளபளக்கச் சந்தப்பொட்டு கமகமக்க மதுரைக் கோபுரம் தெரியக் கட்டிய மருது வாரதைப் பாருங்கடி’’
Between -1800 to 1810 CE this place
Kalayarkoil was a battle field between Britishers
and Marudhu Pandiyar. The Britishers declared war against Marudhu brothers for
helping Oomaithurai, the brother of
Veerapandiya Kattabomman to escape from the Palayamkottai Jail and declaring the
freedom movement. On 1st Oct
1801CE, Marudhu brothers moved their 78000 soldiers towards the Kalayarkoil,
to recover the Kalayarkoil and the temple, which was captured by the
Britishers. During the war Chinna
Marudhu was suffered with a bullet injury on his thigh and surrendered. Periya marudhu was forced to surrender. ( If
not surrendered Britishers threatened to demolish the Rajagopuram ). All the family members along with Marudhu
brothers were taken to Tirupattur. When they were asked their last wish,
Marudhu brothers wants them to be buried in front of the Temple Rajagopuram,
All the orders they issued by them both in written and verbal, as gifts to be
continued and the same should be carried out with immediate effect. The Carnal
agniu had assured to carry out and hanged
about 500 people which includes all their family members and soldiers on 24th
October 1901 CE. Marudhu brothers were
brought dead with heads cut state after
three days ie on 27th October 1801 CE. As per their last wish they
were buried in front of the Temple Rajagopuram on the same street. A
Manimandapam was constructed in 2006 by CN Paramasivan of Coimbatore.
The temple thirupani and Neerazhi
mandapam was built by Devakottai Jamin family. Now the temple is under the
control of Sivaganga Samasthanam.
Muthu Vaduganatha Periya Udayadevar 
Marudhu Brothers
Marudhu Brothers
Manimandapam
PC -Saravanamaniyan P AManimandapam InscriptionLEGENDSThis place was called in 4 yugas as
Dakshina Kalipuram, Jyothivanam, Manthaara Vanam, Moshapratham,
Agasthiya kshethram, Thava siddhikaram, Devathaaru Vanam, Bhooloka Kailasam, Mahakalapuram.
Iravatha kshethram, Anjinan Pukazhidam, Somanatha mangalam and Eraiyur. During
Historic and Sangam period Kanapereyil,
ThiruKanaper, Thalaiyilanganam. In Thevaram it was mentioned as “Kanaper”.
In Sundarar’s dream, when he was at
Tiruchuli, Lord Shiva came in the form of Kalai madu ( bull ) with
sendu in one hand and Chuzhi on the forehead, said that he is in Kanaper. Since
Lord Shiva came in the form of “Kaalai madu” the place is called as Kalayar
Kovil.
As per the legend, Kali obtained the
black colour during the process of Killing Pandasuran. Goddess Kali worshiped
Lord Shiva of this temple and turned to swarnam ( Golden
colour) and Married Lord Shiva as Swarna Valli.
Iravatham the Indra’s white
elephant, came to this temple took bath in Aanaimadu and worshiped Kaleeswarar
and Someswarar to get rid of the curse given by Nandhi.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
TEMPLE TIMINGSThe temple will
be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.
CONTACT DETAILSThe land line
number +91 4575 232 516 and mobile number
+ 91 94862 12371 may be contacted for further details.
HOW TO REACH:Buses available from from Karaikudi,
Sivagangai, Devakottai, Madurai to this place.On the train route get down at
Nattarasankottai on the Chennai to Rameswaram and Trichy to Manamadurai.The temple is 17 KM from Sivaganga, 30 KM from Devakottai, 36 KM from Karaikudi, 56 KM from Ramanathapuram, 63 KM from Madurai and 445 KM from Chennai.'Nearest Railway station is Sivaganga.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
The Tallest is the Marudhu Pandyar's Gopuram
Swarna Kaleeswarar Rajagopuram
Murugan Sannadhi
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
பற்றார் தம்புரங்கள் மலைச் சிலையில் செற்ற
கார்வயல் சூழ் கானப் பெருறை காளையையே
முலைநலஞ்சேர் கானப்பேர் முக்கணா னென்னு
நிலைத்திவ் வுலகனைத்து நீரே – நிலைத்தீரக்
Sri Somesar Sri Soundaravalli
Ambal Swarnavalli is in a separate
Sannadhi with beautiful architecture. In
Palliyarai, the ponnoosal / swing is made of gold and ivory.
ARCHITECTURE
The
inscription without King’s name and year (
AR 581-C of 1902,
SII,VIII- 175 ) records the endowment of
Naivedyam of Kariyamuthu, Adaikkaiamuthu, Neiyamuthu, Uppamuthu,
Milakamauthu and vasthiram to
....Kottathu Nachiyar ThaNmenmulayar, Aludai Nachiyar, Ariya Pillayar, Chella
Pillayar for which the the kuruni paddy rice out of which 2 Nazhi Arisi choRu to be
prepared from the income of the gifted Land. This was donated by the person who
constructed the sannadhis.
The 130 feet 9 tier Rajagopuram was
built during Marudhu Pandyars. It was
told that Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple Rajagopurams can be seen from this
Tallest Rajagopuram, even-though the distance between KalayarKoil and Madurai
is 63 KM, may be seen at horizon. There is a local folk kummi -கும்மி song available on this
Rajagopuram.
காளையார் கோயில் உண்டு பண்ணி
சந்தப்பொட்டு கமகமக்க
The temple thirupani and Neerazhi
mandapam was built by Devakottai Jamin family. Now the temple is under the
control of Sivaganga Samasthanam.
Muthu Vaduganatha Periya Udayadevar
Marudhu Brothers
Marudhu Brothers
Manimandapam
PC -Saravanamaniyan P A
Manimandapam Inscription
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
The Tallest is the Marudhu Pandyar's Gopuram
Swarna Kaleeswarar Rajagopuram
Murugan Sannadhi
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
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