Lord Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, the Second largest temple gopuram in South India – Visit, Travel Guide
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Recently visited the Lord Kasi Viswanathar and Thayar Ulagamman Temple in Tenkasi, Tirunelveli. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This temple was built by Parakrama Pandya.
Its majestic temple’s gopuram is known to be the second largest in Tamil Nadu. This temple is also called as Ulagamman Temple. Lord Shiva graces in the temple as a Swayambu murthi. In this temple, worshiping the Lord is equal to worshiping the Lord of Northern Kasi, at Varanasi. The meaning of the temple’s name – “Tenkasi” which literally means “Kasi of the South”. The Chittar river which flows nearby the temple is considered equivalent to Ganga river. People here believe that those who worship in Tenkasi get the same benefit of worship undertaken in Kasi.
History of Lord Kasi Viswanathar temple, Tenkasi:
Parakkirama pandian, the king who ruled over kingdom of Tenkasi wished to worship the lord at Kasi. The king wanted to frequently visit Kasi to worship Lord Viswanathar. 
Lord Siva appeared in the king’s dream and instructed that the king the king to follow the movement of ants line and build the temple where it ended.The ant line ended on the banks of Chitraru River which are dense with Shenbaga trees. The king found a “Swayambhu Lingam (self-manifested Lingam)” and “Nandi” near the ant hill, who built the temple as directed by the Lord Siva. This place is also called as the birth place of Nandi.
The beauty of the sculptures of the temple is world famous, especially the twin sculptures, the Veerabadras sculptures, Thandavamurthis sculptures, the Two Tamil Mothers sculptures, Rathi sculptures and Manmatha sculptures – the sculptures of cupid (God of Love) and his most beautiful wife Rathi, Also the single sculptures of Lord Vishnu and Kali Devi are noted for their exquisite beauty at this majestic temple. Almost in the all temples in south, Goddess Durga faces in the South direction, while in this temple Goddess Durga faces west.
Parakkirama pandian’s statue who built this temple is placed near the sanctorum of the Lord Kasi Viswanathar. During the festivals, it’s been a practiced that the king Parakkirama pandian is offered the first respect as the chief of the temple at this shrine.
Travel Tips for Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Tenkasi:
Address: ArulmiguKasiViswanathar Temple, Tenkasi-627811. Tirunelveli district.
Phone: +91 – 4633 – 222 373
Timings: 6 AM to 11 AM, 4 PM to 8 PM.
Moolavar: Sri KasiViswanathar
Amman/Thayar: Sri Ulagaamman
ThalaVirutcham: Shenbaga tree
Theertham/Holy Water: KasiTheertham
How to Reach Lord Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Tenkasi:
At a distance of 1.5 km from Tenkasi Bus Station, 5 km from Courtallam and 55 km from Tirunelveli, Lord Kasi Viswanathar Temple is one of the main attractions of Tenkasi.
By Road: State government run buses connect Tenkasi to other places in Tamil Nadu, like Chennai, Madurai, Kanyakumari, etc., along with neighbouring states
By Air: The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram airport and Thoothukudi Airport is well connected to places like Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, etc. From the airport, many taxis are easily available to Tenkasi.
By Rail:Tenkasi has a railway station, which is connected to neighbouring places.
Check out and enjoy our photo captures of the Lord Kasi Viswanathar temple, Tenkasi in Tirunelveli.
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