Nellaiappar Temple – Arulmigu Swami Nellaiyappar & Gandhimathi Amman Temple, in Tirunelveli – famous Lord Shiva Temple – Visit, Travel Guide
– temple of indian architectural marvel and musical pillars
Nellaiappar Temple is one of the most famous Lord Shiva Temple located in Tirunelveli on the banks of the Thamirabarani River. This is one of the biggest temples in Tamil Nadu. Nellaiyappar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi – Goddess Kanthimathi Ammai. Earlier the temples of Nellaiappar and Kanthimathi were two different structures with spaces between them. Thiru Vadamalaiappa Pillaiyan, a great devotee of Lord Siva linked these two temples by building the “Sangili Mandapam” – the Chain Mandapam.
The Nellaiyappar Temple is located on the banks of the Tamiraparni River, covers an area of 14 acres. According to the Puranas, Muluthukanda Rama Pandiyan built both the Gopurams and Nindraseer Nedumaran, who reigned in the 7th century, built the other important parts of the temple. Nindaraseer Nedumaran built the mani mandapam with its famous musical pillar.
There is also a shrine near the sanctum of Lord Vishnu, which denotes the belief that Nellai Govindan – Lord Vishnu visited Tirunelveli for Lord Shiva and Lord Kantimathi’s divine marriage. The temple is also known as one of the 5 Pancha Sabhas – dance halls of Nataraja Lord Shiva, the others four are at Chidambaram, Madurai, Tiruvalankadu, and Kutralam.
History of Nellaiappar Temple – Arulmigu Swami Nellaiyappar & Gandhimathi Amman Temple, in Tirunelveli:
Lord Siva once took the form of a Lingam, came to Venuvanam and took his abode here and All the four Vedas stood around him as bamboo trees and provided him shade. Rama kone, a milkman, who crossed the Venuvanam – Bamboo Grooves, carrying milk to the king’s place, was hindered by bamboo grooves. The man fell down spilling all the milk on the Bamboo. He continued to bring milk the next day and there was the same incident. It continued together for a few days. The man intended to cut the root down, driving an axis over it. He stuck at the moment when he found bleeding in the trees, found out Lord Shiva with a deep scar on his forehead revealed his real self as Lord Venuvananathar. The milkman informed the incident of the King. The king who was Lord Shiva’s great devotee, became exuberant, realizing it was some game of the all-powerful, and rushed to the spot.
There is another historical significance behind the name of the town Tirunelveli and Nellaipar.
Once there was a poor Brahmin in this town, he used to go out begging and the collection was used for offering to the Lord. One day, when the brahmin was drying the paddy that he had gathered for Lord Siva’s proposal, it rained unexpectedly and he feared that all the paddy might be washed away because of heavy rains. He prayed to god and rushed over there, to the miracle the paddy was protected from the rain by covering it and standing like a wall around it. Thus the town name Thirunelveli derived as Tiru Nel Veli – “Tiru -திரு”, which means Honouric form, “Nel – நெல்”, which means paddy and “Veli – வேலி”, which means fence – making this place names as – Thirunelveli – திருநெல்வேலி in Tamil Language. The Lord also came to be known as Nellaiappar.
Architectural Marvel & Musical pillars of Nellaiappar Temple – Arulmigu Swami Nellaiyappar & Gandhimathi Amman Temple, in Tirunelveli:
One of the most important notable things at this temple is the architectural marvel that was built by the early Pandyas in the 7th century.
The Musical pillars in the Mani Mandapam produce various magical musical notes /sounds in various pitches when the pillars are been tapped. Based on the sound these pillars produce, they are classified as Gana, Shruti, and Laya.
The Somavara Mandapam, which is a wonderfully crafted 1000 pillared hall, and the Tamra sabha with wonderful woodwork, and Vasantha Mandapam are some of the most important architectural marvels at this temple.
Just opposite this temple, we will find the famous Tirunelveli Iruttukadai Halwa Shop, one of the world-famous original Halwa Shop in Tirunelveli.
Travel Tips for Nellaiappar Temple – Arulmigu Swami Nellaiyappar & Gandhimathi Amman Temple, in Tirunelveli:
Address of Nellaiappar Temple – Arulmigu Swami Nellaiyappar & Gandhimathi Amman Temple, in Tirunelveli: 162, E Car St, Tirunelveli Town, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627006.
Phone: 0462 233 9910
Entry Fee: Free
Temple Timings of Nellaiappar Temple – Arulmigu Swami Nellaiyappar & Gandhimathi Amman Temple, in Tirunelveli: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
How to reach Nellaiappar Temple – Arulmigu Swami Nellaiyappar & Gandhimathi Amman Temple, in Tirunelveli:
On Road: Thirunelveli City is well connected to roads of all other main cities.
On Flight: Thirunelveli City is well connected to roads of all other main cities.
By Train: Nearest Railway Station Tirunelveli Junction (Railway station Station code – TEN).
Check out and enjoy the photo captures of Nellaiappar Temple – Arulmigu Swami Nellaiyappar and Gandhimathi Amman Temple, in Tirunelveli.
Similar Famous Lord Shiva Temples you may like to Visit:
Jurahareshwarar Temple, Kanchipuram – Best & Famous Shiva Temple In India – Visit, Travel Guide
Visually Walked, Clicked & Featured By
Balakumar .M
Casual Walker is a curious Travel & Culture – photography magazine by Balakumar .M, an Avid Traveler and Culture Photographer, International Award-winning Entrepreneur, and Technologist, who received the Asia Innovation Award from SingTel, Singapore.
Casual Walker magazine visually walks a wide range of thoughtful, and unique photography stories and insightful guides on Travel, Traditions, Culture & Arts, Indian Temples, Museums, Events, Foods & Eats, Dance, Drama, & Music performances, Nature & Living, Hotels & Stays, Yoga & Vedas, Wildlife, Travel Gears, and Reviews. more
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