kanthimathi-nellaiyapper temple

While I was in tirunelveli for my business trip, I visited this temple which was one of the ancient temple in this city. Good place to visit .

One of the Oldest Siva temple of Padiyan Age, in Saiva culture Shiva had Five shaba`s on that Thamira (Copper) Sabai is here, a sound making stone pillars a must seen, Lord Shiva is continous growing idol.

though i have heard and read about this temple i was stunned by the sheer size and grandeur of the temple. what was funny was there was no one to tell us whther we can take a camera inside and shoot premises . so we opted to remain cautious and shot only few outer areas.

Nellaiappar Temple is about 1,300 years old though like many temples in the South, later dynasties have added to it in an effort to leave their imprint on the shrine and in the history books. By surpassing the original creation, the later rulers hoped to take ownership of, or the credit for, the entire temple. Within the Nellaiappar Temple is also a shrine to Kanthimathi, the consort. Technically, this used to be a separate temple but was merged into one large complex by Thiru Vadamalaiappa Pillaiyan in 1647 when he built the chain mantapam.The temple is actually quite big - some 14 acres, if I remember correctly. Tirunelveli is also one of the pancha sabhai, and has the Tamira Sabha. The name derives from the copper - taamirai - exterior roof of the sabha. The interior side of the roof has exquisite wood carvings but unfortunately, the sabha was locked when we were there and we could only peer in from the door. The condition of the wood makes me think the roof is no more than five centuries old but I could be mistaken and the builders may have coated the wood with some preservative. The sabha itself, however, is probably older than the roof which could easily be replaced or redone by later rulers.Nellaiappar Temple also has musical pillars - in the Mani mantapam, the musical pillars were arranged such that one central pillar had several smaller pillars of varying circumference around it; there were several such "core pillars" and the amazing thing about it all is that they were all carved out of one single block of stone!Nellaiappar happens to be one of the 275 paadal petra sthalam. Basically, it is one of the Shiva temples named by the Nayanars in their hymns and poetry in praise of Lord Shiva in the twelve-volume Tirumurai. The overwhelming majority of these 275 paadal petra sthalam are in Tamil Nadu, a few in South India outside of Tamil Nadu, three in the north (Gowri Kund, Kedarnath, Kailash), and one in Nepal.The main shrine of Tirunelveli has a shivalingam, obviously, but right next to it is a shrine to Vishnu, known as Nellai Govindan. It shows Vishnu reclining on and trying to pacify Shesha just like at Thirumayam. The temple has several shrines to various forms of Shiva - Bhikshatanamurthi, Dakshinamurthi, Nataraja, Chandikeshwara, and Thirumoolanathar. Of course, shrines to Shiva's two sons, Ganesha and Shanmuga, are also present. One interesting shrine I noticed was a two-piece Ravana Anugraha shrine. As you approach, you see Ravana lifting Kailasa; right next to the shrine is a flight of stairs that takes you to a shrine directly above Ravana which holds Shiva pressing down on the mountain with his toe. Needless to mention, there are shrines to the sapta rishis, the Nayanars, the navagrahas, the sapta maatrikas, ashta Lakshmis, and Durga around the complex.I have already mentioned the Tamira Sabha but the intricate work in wood you see on the interior roof of the sabha is also visible at the entry to Nellaiappar Temple. On the doorway, as you enter, the arches are covered with tiny wooden figurines. Interestingly, some of these seem to have an erotic theme that I have only seen at Khajuraho so far.There are several sculptures outside the main shrine, showing Veerabhadra, Arjuna, Bheema, and others that seem to be from the Nayaka period. I found them exquisite, but not quite 'alive' as some of the salabhanjika at Belur or Ellora. However, the figurines at Nellaiappar seemed to be done in granite, much harder to manipulate than soapstone as the Pallavas found out in Mahabalipuram.

Could be cleaner but the spiritual atmosphere makes up for it. Separate entrances for Shivan and Kanthimathi makes it unique

Morning visit to temple most peaceful. Maga ganapath,followed by SUN and moon God,Gaja lakshmi very attractive along with nellaiaapar and kanthimathi amman temples. Poojari was very nice. Can pray as long as you can without any disturbance.First time did villakku ppoja for nandhi.Surprisingly no chappal stand. Near to pothys aswell Saravana hotel.

The temple is very close to Iruttu kada halwa shop and just 3 kms from Hotel mnh. The kanthmathi statue was given abishegam with milk and the crowd is more in the evening time. Go and must see this temple.

The temple is one of the oldest in South India.It was built 1400 yars ago and devoted to Lord Shiva.The architecture of temple is surprising -you feel small in these halls.In other way it gives you quiet and calm.

The temple is very ancient and has its own history. The ambal statue has been anointed with milk on special occasions. The temple is nice and it shines in the night.

A very big temple just opposite iruttu kadai halwa shop. Requires at least 2 hours to cover the temple and must visit one.

The architecture of the temple is gorgeous. Very calm and quiet temple not much commercialized as other major temples in Tamilnadu. As big as Rameswaram or Tiruchendur temples...

If you are in Tirunelveli, you must plan a visit here.Called as Nellaiyappar Temple, this temple lies in city centre with its gigantic spread.Accessible from any part of the city. We took an auto to reach from Railway station for Rs.80 It will be opened from Morning 5 AM to 12 PM and evening 4 to 8 PM only. Luggages are not allowed inside the Temple. You need to keep your luggages outside the Temple (opposite to temple) in a small shop where you can also keep your footwear for Rs.15-20 only.We were totally amazed to see humpty number of forms of Lord Shiva deities in the temple.Nellaiyappar is the centre of attraction. There is also a Kanthimathi temple which is again a big temple inside the Nellaiyappar temple houses Goddess Parvathi.Infact Kanthimathi temple is more crowded than the Nellaiyappar temple.Opposite to the temple is the famous Iruttu kadai famous for its Tirunelveli Mouthwatering Halwa. Opens by 6 PM & crowd starts by 5.30PM any day. They give some sample halwa while buying in a banyan leaf.

Very large and elaborate temple. Its almost 14 acres built. People going inside doesn't know the route to come back itself. Its such a large temple. Greatly built and very large. Very well maintained and clean as well. Inside this there is a gandhimathi amman temple which is again a large once. its almost largely equivalent to two villages / areas. Got fully blessed with both the temples. Very nearby located to tirunelveli railway station. They open from 05:00am till 12:00noon. and then from 16:00hrs till 20:00hrs. Please do not miss to see this if going to tirunelveli.

This temple has its special credits from history. Having the second largest corridor in asia this temple stands out from architectural point of view as well as religious point of view. you get real peace of mind when inside the temple. Dont miss this place if u ever been to tirunelveli.

Such wonders I must have almost missed if my friend didn't take the initiative.superb architecture, what a kind of peace once you get inside the temple. One should make a point if you are around Tirunelveli.