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
Thiruganasambadar and Vallalar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
மருந்தவை மந்திரம் மறுமைநன் னெறியவை
மற்றும் எல்லாம்
அருந்துயர் கெடுமவர் நாமமே சிந்தைசெய்
நன்நெஞ்சமே
பொருந்துதண் புறவினிற் கொன்றைபொன்
சொரிதரத் துன்றுபைம்பூம்
செருந்திசெம் பொன்மலர் திருநெல்வேலி யுறை செல்வர் தாமே
முந்திமா விலங்கல் அன்று எடுத்தவன்
முடிகள்தோள் நெரிதரவே
உந்திமா மலரடி ஒருவிரல் உகிர்நுதி
யால் அடர்த்தார்
கந்தமார் தருபொழில் மந்திகள் பாய்தர
மதுத்திவலை
சிந்துபூந் துறைகமழ் திருநெல்வேலி யுறை செல்வர் தாமே
.......... திருஞானசம்பந்தர்இருநூ றெனுங்கணக் கோடுநா லாறா
மெனும் புவன மண்டகோடி
சிட்டியுஞ் செய்துபின் அயன்சிறை
விடுத்தவா
செங்கீரை யாடியருளே
செல்வந் தழைத்து வளர் நெல்வேலி
வாழ்செட்டி
செங்கீரை யாடியருளே
....... ஷேத்திரக்கோவை பிள்ளைத் தமிழ் --“பொற்றாம
நல்வேலி சூழ்ந்து நலன்பெறுமொண்
செஞ்சாலி
நெல்வேலி யுண்மை நிலயமே”
....... திரு அருட்பாMoolavar : Sri Nellaiappar, Sri Venuvananathar, Sri Nelvelinathar
Consort : Sri Kanthimathiammai.
அருந்துயர் கெடுமவர் நாமமே சிந்தைசெய் நன்நெஞ்சமே
பொருந்துதண் புறவினிற் கொன்றைபொன் சொரிதரத் துன்றுபைம்பூம்
செருந்திசெம் பொன்மலர் திருநெல்வேலி யுறை செல்வர் தாமே
உந்திமா மலரடி ஒருவிரல் உகிர்நுதி யால் அடர்த்தார்
கந்தமார் தருபொழில் மந்திகள் பாய்தர மதுத்திவலை
சிந்துபூந் துறைகமழ் திருநெல்வேலி யுறை செல்வர் தாமே
.......... திருஞானசம்பந்தர்
இருநூ றெனுங்கணக் கோடுநா லாறாமெனும் புவன மண்டகோடி
சிட்டியுஞ் செய்துபின் அயன்சிறை விடுத்தவா
செங்கீரை யாடியருளே
செல்வந் தழைத்து வளர் நெல்வேலி வாழ்செட்டி
செங்கீரை யாடியருளே
....... ஷேத்திரக்கோவை பிள்ளைத் தமிழ்
--“பொற்றாமநல்வேலி சூழ்ந்து நலன்பெறுமொண் செஞ்சாலி
நெல்வேலி யுண்மை நிலயமே”
....... திரு அருட்பா
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. Balipedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam is after the Rajagopuram. The Big size Stucco Rishabam under a mandapam is at the east side entrance. Moolavar is swayambu 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 “Miruthyanjamurti”. 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 mandapa
East Side entrance wooden mandapa
East Side entrance wooden mandapa
East Side entrance wooden mandapa
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.
There are two Durgai Amman sannadhis in this temple. Mahishasura mardhini sannadhi 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.
The Arumugar sanndhi 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 Ammavasai day ( new moon day ).
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 Jwaradevar with pepper powder and do abhishekam with hot water.
HISTORY & 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 Thirunelveli / 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 Naivedyam 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 Devathana. 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 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 Uchikala 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 Agasthiyar.
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 Lords Thiruamudham / 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 viradham 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 ), Thaipusam 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
Murugan Sannadhi
Musical Pillars
Musical Pillars
Natarajar
Stucco Rishabam
Jwaradevar--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
East Side entrance wooden mandapa
East Side entrance wooden mandapa
East Side entrance wooden mandapa
East Side entrance wooden mandapa
East Side entrance wooden mandapa- wooden sculptures
Potramarai Kulam
Musical Pillars in front of Amman sannadhi
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
Murugan Sannadhi
Musical Pillars
Musical Pillars
Stucco Rishabam
Jwaradevar
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
No comments:
Post a Comment