This is the 258th Devaram
Paadal petra Shiva Sthalam and 14th & last Shiva Sthalam of
Pandya Naadu. This is the Tamira Sabhai, one of the 5 Sabhas where Lord Shiva
Danced. The temple spreads over 14 acres and measures 756 feet in length and 378
feet width. This place Tirunelveli was called as Venupuram in purana period.
As per Sekkizhar’s Periya Puranam,
Thirugnanasambandar came to this temple, after worshiping Lord Shiva of
Thirupuvanam, Thirukanaper, Tiruchuli and Courtallam. After this temple’s visit
he went to Rameswaram.
பற்றார் தம்புரங்கள் மலைச் சிலையில் செற்ற
பரமனார் திருப்புத்தூர் பணிந்து போந்துபுற்றுஆரும் பணிபூண்ட புனிதனார் தம் பூவணத்தைப் புக்கு இறைஞ்சி புகழ்ந்து பாடிக்கற்றார்கள் தொழுது ஏத்தும் கானப்பேரும் கை தொழுது தமிழ்பாடிச் சுழியல் போற்றிக்குற்றாலம் குறும்பலாக் கும்பிட்டு ஏத்திக் கூற்று உதைத்தார் நெல்வேலிக் குறுகினாரே
புண்ணியனார் நெல்வேலி
பணிந்து போற்றிப் புரிசடையார் திருப்பதிகள் பிறவும் சென்றுநண்ணி இனிது அமர்ந்து அங்கு நயந்து பாடி நல் தொண்டருடன் நாளும் போற்றிச் செல்வார்விண்ணவரை செற்றூகந்தான் இலங்கை செற்ற மிக்கபெரும் பாதகத்தை நீங்க வேண்டித்திண்ணிய பொன்சிலைத்தடக்கை இராமன் செய்த திருஇராமேச்சரத்தைச் சென்று சேர்ந்தார்அக்கூலாம் அரையினர் திரையுலா
Thirugnasambadar
and Vallalar has sung hymns in praise of
Lord Shiva of this temple.
மருந்தவை மந்திரம் மறுமைநன் னெறியவை மற்றும்
எல்லாம்அருந்துயர் கெடுமவர் நாமமே சிந்தைசெய்
நன்நெஞ்சமேபொருந்துதண் புறவினிற் கொன்றைபொன் சொரிதரத்
துன்றுபைம்பூம்செருந்திசெம் பொன்மலர் திருநெல்வேலி யுறை செல்வர் தாமே
முந்திமா விலங்கல் அன்று எடுத்தவன் முடிகள்தோள்
நெரிதரவேஉந்திமா மலரடி ஒருவிரல் உகிர்நுதி யால்
அடர்த்தார்கந்தமார் தருபொழில் மந்திகள் பாய்தர மதுத்திவலைசிந்துபூந் துறைகமழ் திருநெல்வேலி யுறை செல்வர் தாமே.......... திருஞானசம்பந்தர்இருநூ றெனுங்கணக் கோடுநா லாறாமெனும் புவன மண்டகோடிசிட்டியுஞ் செய்துபின் அயன்சிறை விடுத்தவாசெங்கீரை யாடியருளேசெல்வந் தழைத்து வளர் நெல்வேலி வாழ்செட்டிசெங்கீரை யாடியருளே....... ஷேத்திரக்கோவை பிள்ளைத் தமிழ் --“பொற்றாமநல்வேலி சூழ்ந்து நலன்பெறுமொண் செஞ்சாலிநெல்வேலி யுண்மை நிலயமே”....... திரு அருட்பாMoolavar : Sri Nellaiappar, Sri Venuvananathar, Sri Nelvelinathar Consort : Sri Kanthimathiammai.
Some of the important features of
this temple are…..The temple is facing east with a 7
Tier Rajagopuram. A wooden mandapa is in front of the Rajagopuram. Balipeedam,
Dwajasthambam and Rishabam is after the Rajagopuram. The Big size Stucco
Rishabam under a mandapam is at the east side entrance. Moolavar is swayambhu
and a scar can be seen on the top with an interesting legend. It is believed
that the avudayar visible is 21st and there are 20 avudayars
still below the ground level. Hence called as “Miruthunjayamurti”. In koshtam
Dakshinamurthy. In the main sannadhi
prakara Kanni Vinayagar, Nandhi Devar, Pandya Rajan. The painting of Pichadanar
and Risha pathinis is on the wall.
In the 3rd outer
Parakaram, sannadhi for Nalvar, Subramaniyar, Dakshinamurthy ( On the opposite,
way to Ambal Kanthimathi Amman Temple ), Sankaranayinar Swamy, Gomathi Amman
Sannadhi, Arumuganayinar sannadhi ( The details are written in Architecture ), Vinayagar
( with stucco vinayagar on the top) – on the western side, Kasi Viswanathar
with Visalakshi, Vayu Lingam, Vanniyadi sastha, Kala bhairavar and Navagrahas.
At the entrance of the 2nd outer
prakaram on the left, Vedha Battar, Adhikara Nandhikeswarar, Namashivaya
murti. In the Second outer prakaram Suryan, Nalvar Urchava idols / moorthangal,
Thiyagarajar sannadhi, 63var in brass, Agasthiyar, Jwaradevar ( Details are
written in Architecture ), Theyu Lingam, Polla Pillayar ( Details are written
separately ), 63 vars in stone, Somaskandar in the upper level with steps to
climb, Vayu Lingam, Vinayagar, Mutrum Kanda Ramakon, Aagasa Lingam, Nellai Murugan
with Valli Devasena, Santhana sabapathy is along with Rudra Vishnu, Rishis (
sandal paste is applied throughout the year ), Gajalakshmi with Ashta Lakshmis
on both sides, Shani Bhagavan, Sahasralingam, Sabha mandapam and Chandran.
Maha Vishnu as Ananda sayana Perumal
is on the left side of moolavar ( Right side when we stand in front of moolavar
). In Urchava idols Maha Vishnu is with a pot/ kamandala along with Lord Shiva
and Parvati. During marriage pouring
water on the hands of bride groom – tharaivarthu koduthal – is a ritual. Here
the Maha Vishnu is seen with a pot / kamandala.This ritual is followed during
Thirukalyana urchavam held in Aipasi also. A Shiva Linga relief is in the chest
of Mahavishnu.
East Side entrance wooden mandapam
East Side entrance wooden mandapa- wooden sculptures
SRI KANTHIMATHI AMMAN SANNADHIAmbal is in a separate temple with a
Rajagopuram in front. Except at the entrance there is not many reliefs. In the inner parakaram sannadhi for Kanni
moola Ganapathy, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar.
Sannadhis in the interconnecting
corridors between Lord Shiva and Ambal Temples are a Shiva Lingam, Kasi
Viswanathar, mahalingam, Murugan with Valli Devasena and Manjanavaravu Amman.
Potramarai Kulam 
Musical Pillars in front of Amman sannadhi
ARCHITECTUREThe temple has 8 Mandapams and 5
Rajagopurams. The entrance mandapam on the eastern side Rajagopuram has an old
wooden mandapam with lot of wooden relief works. Potramarai kulam is
in side temple. In addition to this there are mandapas Sangili mandapam,
Thirukalyana mandapam, Ayirangal ( 1000 pillar ) mandapa, Vasantha mandapam,
Somavara mandapam, Oonjal mandapam, Navagraha mandapam, Maha mandapam and Mani
mandapam in this temple. Balipeedam with a Big size Stucco Rishabam are under a
mandapam is at the east side entrance. The pillars has beautiful relief works.
Stucco Rishabam
There are two Durgai Amman sannidhis
in this temple. Mahishasura mardhini sannadi is facing south and Pandasura mardhini
sannadhi is facing north.
Musical pillars at the mani mandapam
are special attraction in this temple. The central pillar is surrounded by
the 48 small pillars with various dimensions. Different musical notes/ sounds can be heard when tapped.
Musical Pillars
Musical Pillars
The Arumugar sannidhi is a special in
this temple. The Murugan is sitting on a Peacock with 6 faces and 12 hands. The
hands are holding the respective weapons. Sri Valli & Devasena are on both
sides. The sanctum is constructed in such way
that devotees can circumambulate and worship the other side faces of
Lord Muruga. As per the legend there was
a devotee called Amavasai Paradesi, who
lived 120 years takes kavadi and attained siddhi on one Ammavasya day ( new
moon day ). 
Murugan Sannadhi
Jwaradevar or Suradevar is with
three faces / heads, thee legs, and three hands holds thandam, mani and soolam.
It is believed that those who are suffering from fever, will get cured after
worship Jwara devar with pepper powder and do abhishekam with hot water.
Jwara devarHISTORY & INSCRIPTIONS:Since Thirugnanasambandar has sung
hymns, the temple might have been existed before 7th Century. As per the inscriptions this place
was called as Keel Vembu nattu Tirunelveli / Tirunelveli, Lord Shiva was
called as Thirunelveli Udaya Thambiran and Ambal was called as Thirukamakottathu
Aludaya Nachiyar.
Konerimaikondan Sundara Pandyan’s 13th
year ethir (+21 year) inscription ( AR 119 of 1894, SII, V- 408 ) records the
endowment of Naivedyam and pooja materials like garland ilaiamuthu, to both
Lord Shiva and Ambal for the sandhis / poojas in the name of the King Veerapandyan for which a Kulam / Tanks was
gifted to this temple.
The Pandya King Veera Pandyan’s 4th
year reign inscription ( AR 129 of 1894, SII, V- 418 ) records the sale of the
lands by the Thalaikolis ( Dancers ), Koothan Nampiratiyana Seyya Perumal
Thalikoli.
Pandya King Kulasekara Pandya’s 9+30th year reign inscription ( AR
139-B of 1894, SII, V- 430 ) records the endowment of Naivedayam burning of
lamps by Nakkan Urimai Azhakiya Perumal
alias Urimai Azhaki Perumal Thalaikoli ( a Dancer ), for which quantity is
mentioned as Kariyamuthu, Milakamuthu, Adakayamuthy, Beetle nut 12 and leaves 24, 12 ulakku ghee supplied this will made two
times on monthly Thirukarthigai day.
Pandya King Veera Pandyan’s 4th
year reign inscription ( AR 142 of 1894, SII, V- 433 ) records the endowment of burning perpetual lamp by
Malaimandalathu Malaiyam Brahmin Narayanan uruthira Pillai received the gift by
Suththavalli Peruntheru merchant, for
which one ulakku oil to be supplied to the temple.
The Chozha king Kulothunga Chozha’s
... year reign inscription starts with his meikeerthi ( AR 145 of 1894, SII, V-
436 ) records the rectification of the land which was not cultivated ( palpaddu
) due to breach of channels etc, gifted as the devadhana. From the cultivated
land 4 kase and 5 kalam to be paid to
the temple.
Pandya King Veera Pandya's 7th
year reign inscription ( AR 151 of 1894, SII, V- 443 ) records the endowment of
burning perpetual lamp for Ilaya
Pillayar ( Murugan Temple ) by Malai mandalathu Malayan Brahmin Kundrathu devi
Chitharappillai. The gift was received by the Suththamalli Peruntheru merchant
and supply the ulakku oil to the temple.
Pandya King Kulasekara Pandya’s 34th
year reign inscription ( AR 153 of 1894, SII, V- 445 ), records the detailed
Naivedyam of different types and pooja materials for morning, afternoon and
night.
The Pandya king Sundara Pandyan’s 8th
year reign inscriptions starts with his meikeerthi as “Poomalath thiruvum.... “
( AR 154 of 1894, SII, V- 446 ) records that the land donated as devathanam and shares
for the Battars of 60 and 5 Battars of Vishnu Temple called Vinnakara
alwar, Pandyamadevi esvaramudayar and Thondaiman Vinnakaralwar temples Chonadu kondu Mudikonda
Chozhapurathu Veerabhishekam panniyarulina Sundara Pandyan’s 2 +17th year reign inscription ( AR
155 of 1894, SII, V- 447 ) records that from Keelvembu Nattu
Tirunelveli Nadukanthavuthan Kulasekara Thevar, Sundaravalli Peruntheru Merchant
received 10 achchu for which 1 padi oil to
be supplied to this temple.
Pandya King Sundara Pandyan’s 8th
year 988 days inscription ( AR 156 of
1894, SII, V- 448 ) starts with his meikeerthi, records the Change of shares of
the Battars of 220 to 240 Battars of the
Land donated to them as devathanam
Chozha King Rajendra Chozha’s 8th
reign inscription ( AR 157 of 1894, SII, V- 449 ), records the endowment
of applying a coat of Karpooram /
Chambhor, Sandal paste, Ahil and Naivedyam of kaduku, pepper & turmeric,
adaikai, Sugar, Salt by his official
Brahma Sri Kizhar. For applying coating ½ kalanju, for burning perpetual lamp, 8 kalanju was
paid to the treasury. For the same a Land was donated.
Pandya King Chozhan thalai konda
Veera Pandyan’s 1+ 15th year reign inscription ( AR 162 of 1894,
SII, V- 454 ), records the endowment of burning Perpetual lamps by Vellalan
Cholaicheti Otri for which 25 saava moova peradu was received by Chieftain Senthamangalavan from which one Alakku ghee was supplied.
LEGENDS: It is believed that during Uchi kala
pooja Gandhimathi Ambigai used come to
Moolavar Sannadhi and worships Lord Shiva. And this is the temple where Lord
Shiva and Parvati gave kalyana Kolam to sage Agathiyar.
This Thamira Sabai is one of the 5
Sabas, where Lord Shiva danced. ( The other Places are, Rathna Sabha -
Thiruvalangadu, Velli Ambalam – Madurai, Courtallam – Chitra Sabha and Gold ambalam - Chidambaram ). This is
called as Thamira sabai, since the river
Thamirabarani is flowing through the place. The river water contains some
amount of metal called Tamiram, hence called a Thamira Sabai.
Vedhabattar / Vedasharma was behind
this legend. The name Tirunelveli came after Lord Shiva put a fence ( veli ) to
save from the rain of the paddy meant for Lord's Thiruamudhu / Naivedyam.
Muzhuthunganda Rama kon used to
carry milk on this way. He was toppled on one particular spot in the bamboo
forest daily. Rama Kon wants to find out the reason. He cuts the bamboos and
flood was oozed out from one particular place. He found A Shiva Linga in side, hence
called as “Vey muththa Nathar”.
There is a local legend about the “Anavaratha
Lingam”. A muslim by name Anvar khan prayed this Lord Shiva for curing his
wife’s stomach pain. After cured he donated jewellery to Lord Shiva.
Polla Pillayar is also special in
this temple. Vinayagar is also called as Pillai Thunda Vinayagar. For the child
boon, the devotees, observe vratham for 41 days and pray Vinayagar. After
child was born, the child will be brought to this sannadhi and the child will
be passed through a window.
Natarajar is in a separate sannadhi
also called Thamira Sabha. Natarajar is also called as Agni Sabapathi. Sivakami
and Karaikkal Ammaiyar are in the Sabha. Natarajar is always applied with
sandal paste though-out the year. Natarajar is looking with beautiful smile.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONSApart from regular poojas, special
poojas are conducted on Navratri, Thirukalyanam in Aippasi, Arudra darshanam,
Aani Brahmotsavam ( June- July ), Thai Poosam festival in Thai ( Ambal and
Moolavar are taken to Thamirabarani River and special poojas are conducted at
Thaipoosa mandapam ), Pradosham, Mahashivaratri, Masi magam, Thiruvathirai,
Karthikai worship, Chitra Pournami and all important functions. Temple golden
car will be pulled on all important days and Rs 2000 is charged for individual
pulling with a participation of two persons.
TEMPLE TIMINGSThe temple opens between 05.30 Hrs
to 12.30 Hrs and 16.00 Hrs to 20.30 Hrs
CONTACT DETAILS :The Land line number +91 462 2339910
and EO +91 89733 30707 may be contacted for further details.E mail address: nellaikanthimathiamman@gmail.com The Temple Web site: http://www.kanthimathinellaiappar.tnhrce.in/history.html
HOW TO REACH:The temple is about 3 KM from Railway
Junction and old bus stand.Buses are available from all the
District head quarters and and various parts of Tamil Nadu. The temple is 55 KM from
Thoothukudi, 160 KM from Madurai, 294 KM from Trichy and 620 KM from Chennai.Nearest Railway Station is
Tirunelveli.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
Pollapillayar
Natarajar
May be donors
East Side entrance wooden mandapa
East Side entrance wooden mandapa
East Side entrance wooden mandapa---
OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
Moolavar : Sri Nellaiappar, Sri Venuvananathar, Sri Nelvelinathar
East Side entrance wooden mandapam
East Side entrance wooden mandapa- wooden sculptures
Potramarai Kulam
Musical Pillars in front of Amman sannadhi
Stucco Rishabam
Musical Pillars
Musical Pillars
Murugan Sannadhi
Jwara devar
This Thamira Sabai is one of the 5
Sabas, where Lord Shiva danced. ( The other Places are, Rathna Sabha -
Thiruvalangadu, Velli Ambalam – Madurai, Courtallam – Chitra Sabha and Gold ambalam - Chidambaram ). This is
called as Thamira sabai, since the river
Thamirabarani is flowing through the place. The river water contains some
amount of metal called Tamiram, hence called a Thamira Sabai.
E mail address: nellaikanthimathiamman@gmail.com
Buses are available from all the
District head quarters and and various parts of Tamil Nadu.
Pollapillayar
May be donors
East Side entrance wooden mandapa
East Side entrance wooden mandapa
East Side entrance wooden mandapa
---
OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
