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 traveller, mentions this place as “Kaikan”.
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 Kaleeswarar was built by 7th Century Varaguna Pandyan. There are Three sanctums and Centre one is the Padal petra Sthalam and moolavar is of swayambhu. All the three sannadhis has the Balipeedam, Rishabam and Dwajasthambam. All the three Ambal sannadhis are built in a row facing South. There is a proverb about this place is ..kaalai Theda...Somar Azhikka .. Chokkar Sukikka- காளைதேட.. சோமர் அழிக்க... சொக்கர் சுகிக்க”. In Koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.
In the inner prakara, Vinayagar, Murugan and Chandikeswarar. In Prakaram Sahasra Lingam, Vallabha Ganapathy, Nalvar, 63var, Bhairavar, Saptamatrikas, Vinayagar, Chandrasekar, Pancha lingas, Varuna worshiped Varuna Linga, Ashta Lakshmis, Senthil Murugan, Shaniswarar 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.
Sundareswarar & Meenakshi Amman- When Varaguna Pandyan was struggled to find the way to Madurai after hunting ( 792-835 CE ), 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 devada Sannadhis, Natarajar and Navagrahas are located near this Sannadhi.
In the front Mandapa statues of Sivaganga’s second king Muthu Vaduganatha Periya Udayadevar ( 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 Nattukkottai Nagaratar’s contributions. The 5 tier Rajagopuram was built by the 12th Century Varaguna Pandyan ( 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. And he was called as “Kanapereyil kadantha Ukra Peruvazhuthi”
As per the inscriptions this place was called as Kanaper and from 16th Century inscription as Kalayarkoil. Lord Shiva was called as Kapaperudaya Nayanar, Kanaperudaya Nayanar Kalayar Somanathar. Ambal was called as Nachiyar ThaNmenmulaiyal, Aludaya Nachiyar and Vinayagars Name are added with Chella, Ariya, Sakthi, Ganapathy peruman, etc. ( Ref from Kudavayil Dr. Balasubraniyan article )
Pandya King Sundra Pandya’s 12th year Reign inscription ( AR 575 of 1902, SII,VIII- 166 ) records the endowment of Thirumanjanam / 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 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”, NakkanCheyyal alias Kalingaraya Thalaikoli, The Land was purchased from the Dancer Nakkan Nachiyar alias Thanianaiyitta Perumal Thalaikoli. The tank/ kulam was rectified and the land was converted to as cultivatable land before gifting. The taxes 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 and money to the temple.
Pandya King Veera Pandya’s 14th Year reign inscription ( AR 578 of 1902, SII,VIII- 170 ) records the endowment to Aadhi chandeswarar 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 Vikrama 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 avudayanPerungarunaiyalan 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 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 Maruthu 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 Paramasivam of Coimbatore.
The temple thirupani and Neerazhi mandapam was built by Devakottai Jamin family. Now the temple is under the control of Sivaganga Samasthanam.
LEGENDSThis 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
Muthu Vaduganatha Periya Udayadevar 
Marudhu Brothers
Marudhu Brothers
Manimandapam
PC -Saravanamaniyan P AManimandapam Inscription---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.
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 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.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
The Tallest is the Marudhu Pandyar's Gopuram
Swarna Kaleeswarar Rajagopuram
Murugan Sannadhi
Muthu Vaduganatha Periya Udayadevar
Marudhu Brothers
Marudhu Brothers
Manimandapam
PC -Saravanamaniyan P A
Manimandapam Inscription
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
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