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| location = [[Tirunelveli]]
| location = [[Tirunelveli]]
| elevation_m =
| elevation_m =
| deity = Swami Nellaiappar ([[Shiva]])
| deity = Nellaiappar ([[Shiva]])
Kanthimathi amman ([[Parvathi]])
Kanthimathi Amman ([[Parvati]])
| facade_direction = East
| facade_direction = East
| tower = Kailasa Sikaram
| tower = Kailasa Sikaram
| festivals= Aani Brahmostavam, Aadi Pooram l, Avani Moola Utsavam, Puratasi Golu Darbar, Iypasi Thirukalyanam, Iypasi Visu, Kandha Shasti, Karthigai Thiruvananthal, Margazhi Thiruvathirai, Thai Poosam Theerthavari, Thai Amavasya, Masi Sivarathri, Panguni Uthram, Chitirai Pournami Theerthavari, Vasanthosthavam, Vaikasi Sheerabhishegam, Koratham, Visagam.
| festivals= Aani Brahmostavam, Aadi Puram, Avani Mula Utsavam, Puratasi Golu Darbar, Aippasi Tirukalyanam, Aippasi Visu, Kandha Shasti, Karthikai Tiruvananthal, Margali Tiruvathirai, Thai Pusam Tirthavari, Thai Amavasya, Masi Shivaratri, Panguni Uttiram, Chittirai Pournami Tirthavari, Vasanthostavam, Vaikasi Shirabhishegam, Koratham, Vishakam.
| architecture = [[Tamil architecture]]
| architecture = [[Tamil architecture]]
| temple_quantity =
| temple_quantity =
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}}
}}


'''Nellaiappar Temple corridor''' is a [[Hindu temple]] dedicated to the deity [[Shiva]], located in [[Tirunelveli]], a city in the [[South India]]n state of [[Tamil Nadu]]. Shiva is worshipped as Nellaiappar (also called Venuvananathar) represented by the ''[[lingam]]'' and his consort [[Parvati]] is depicted as Kanthimathi Amman. The temple is located on the northern banks of [[Thamirabarani River]] in [[Tirunelveli district]]. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the ''[[Tevaram]]'', written by Tamil saint poets known as the [[nayanmars]] and classified as ''[[Paadal Petra Sthalam]]''.
The '''Nellaiappar Temple''' is a [[Hindu temple]] dedicated to the deity [[Shiva]], located in [[Tirunelveli]], a city in the [[South India]]n state of [[Tamil Nadu]]. Shiva is worshipped as Nellaiappar (also called Venuvananathar) represented by the ''[[lingam]]'' and his consort [[Parvati]] is depicted as Kanthimathi Amman. The deity [[Maha Vishnu|Vishnu]] is also worshipped here, having witnessed their wedding according to legend. Hence, this temple is regarded as an ''[[Abhimana Kshethram|abhimana kshetram]]'' of [[Vaishnavism]]. The temple is located on the northern banks of [[Thamirabarani River]] in [[Tirunelveli district]]. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the ''[[Tevaram]]'', written by Tamil saint poets known as the [[nayanmars]] and classified as ''[[Paadal Petra Sthalam]]''.


The temple complex covers an area of fourteen and a half acres and all its shrines are enclosed with concentric rectangular walls. The temple has a number of shrines, with those of Swamy Nellaiappar and his consort Sri Kanthimathi Ambal being the most prominent.
The temple complex covers an area of {{convert|14.5|acre|ha|order=flip}} and all its shrines are enclosed with concentric rectangular walls. The temple has a number of shrines, with those of Swamy Nellaiappar and his consort Sri Kanthimathi Ambal being the most prominent.


The temple has three six rituals at various times from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and six yearly festivals on its calendar. Brahmotsavam festival during the [[Tamil calendar|Tamil month]] of ''Aani'' (June–July) is the most prominent festival celebrated in the temple.
The temple has three six rituals at various times from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and six yearly festivals on its calendar. Brahmotsavam festival during the [[Tamil calendar|Tamil month]] of ''Aani'' (June–July) is the most prominent festival celebrated in the temple.
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== History ==
== History ==

[[File:Nellaiappar Temple10.jpg|250x250px|thumb|left| The [[Gopuram]] of Nellaiappar Temple]]
[[File:Nellaiappar Temple10.jpg|250x250px|thumb|left| The [[Gopuram]] of Nellaiappar Temple]]

Tirunelveli is one of the many temple towns in the state which is named after the groves, clusters or forests dominated by a particular variety of a tree or shrub and the same variety of tree or shrub sheltering the presiding deity. The region is believed to have been covered with Venu forest and hence called Venuvanam.<ref>{{cite book|title=Alayam - The Hindu temple - An epitome of Hindu Culture|publisher=Sri Ramakrishna Math|year=2013|location=Mylapore, Chennai|last=Reddy|first=G.Venkatramana|isbn=978-81-7823-542-4|page=10}}</ref>
Tirunelveli is one of the many temple towns in the state which is named after the groves, clusters or forests dominated by a particular variety of a tree or shrub and the same variety of tree or shrub sheltering the presiding deity. The region is believed to have been covered with Venu forest and hence called Venuvanam.<ref>{{cite book|title=Alayam – The Hindu temple – An epitome of Hindu Culture|publisher=Sri Ramakrishna Math|year=2013|location=Mylapore, Chennai|last=Reddy|first=G.Venkatramana|isbn=978-81-7823-542-4|page=10}}</ref>


The original complex is believed to have been built by [[Pandya dynasty|Pandyas]], while the present masonry structure was added by Cholas, Pallavas, Cheras, and Madurai Nayaks. The sanctums of the temple and the gopurams were constructed by [[Koon Pandiyan|Nindraseer Nedumaran (Koon Pandian)]] who reigned in the 7th century AD. The mani mandapam with its famous musical pillar was also likely built by Nindraseer Nedumaran. The flag stand near the Nandi was set up in 1155.<ref>Sthala Varalaru book published in 2004 by temple administration</ref> Later Pandya, [[Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I|Kulasekara Pandyan I]] built the outer wall of the Thirunelveli Nellaiappar temple, in 13th century.
The original complex is believed to have been built by [[Pandya dynasty|Pandyas]], while the present masonry structure was added by Cholas, Pallavas, Cheras, and Madurai Nayaks. The sanctums of the temple and the gopurams were constructed by [[Koon Pandiyan|Nindraseer Nedumaran (Koon Pandian)]] who reigned in the 7th century AD. The mani mandapam with its famous musical pillar was also likely built by Nindraseer Nedumaran. The flag stand near the Nandi was set up in 1155.<ref>Sthala Varalaru book published in 2004 by temple administration</ref> Later Pandya, [[Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I|Kulasekara Pandyan I]] built the outer wall of the Thirunelveli Nellaiappar temple, in 13th century.
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Originally, the Nellaiappar and Kanthimathi temples were two independent structures with spaces in between. It was in 1647 that Thiru Vadamalaiappa Pillaiyan, a great devotee of Siva linked the two temples by building the "Chain mandapam" (In Tamil Sangili Mandapam). In the centre of the Flower Garden is a square vasantha mandapam with 100 pillars. The Nandi mandapam is said to have been built by Sivanthiappa Nayakar in 1654. To the western portion of the chain mandapam is the flower garden that was set up in 1756 by Thiruvengadakrishna Mudaliar.<ref>{{cite book|title=Tourism in Tamil Nadu: Growth and Development|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jTmbDwAAQBAJ&dq=piranmalai&pg=PA106|page=75|last=Pillai|first=S. Subramania|publisher=MJP Publisher|year=2019|isbn=978-81-8094-432-1}}</ref>
Originally, the Nellaiappar and Kanthimathi temples were two independent structures with spaces in between. It was in 1647 that Thiru Vadamalaiappa Pillaiyan, a great devotee of Siva linked the two temples by building the "Chain mandapam" (In Tamil Sangili Mandapam). In the centre of the Flower Garden is a square vasantha mandapam with 100 pillars. The Nandi mandapam is said to have been built by Sivanthiappa Nayakar in 1654. To the western portion of the chain mandapam is the flower garden that was set up in 1756 by Thiruvengadakrishna Mudaliar.<ref>{{cite book|title=Tourism in Tamil Nadu: Growth and Development|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jTmbDwAAQBAJ&dq=piranmalai&pg=PA106|page=75|last=Pillai|first=S. Subramania|publisher=MJP Publisher|year=2019|isbn=978-81-8094-432-1}}</ref>
There are a number of stone inscriptions in the temple. The most important of them are those Veerapandiyan who reigned around 950 AD and those of [[Rajendra I|Rajendran I]] and [[Kulothunga Chola I]]. The inscriptions of [[Maravarman Sundara Pandyan]] refer to the Lord as "Woodayar" and "Wodeyanayanar" and the Goddess as "Nachiar". From the inscriptions of [[Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I|Kulasekkara Pandiyan]] we learn that he defeated the [[Chera dynasty|Chera]], [[Chola dynasty|Chola]] and [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala]] kings and built the outer walls of the temple with the war booty.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kanthimathinellaiappar.org/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=15 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219230733/http://www.kanthimathinellaiappar.org/ |archive-date=19 December 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
There are a number of stone inscriptions in the temple. The most important of them are those Veerapandiyan who reigned around 950 AD and those of [[Rajendra I|Rajendran I]] and [[Kulothunga Chola I]]. The inscriptions of [[Maravarman Sundara Pandyan]] refer to the Lord as "Woodayar" and "Wodeyanayanar" and the Goddess as "Nachiar". From the inscriptions of [[Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I|Kulasekkara Pandiyan]] we learn that he defeated the [[Chera dynasty|Chera]], [[Chola dynasty|Chola]] and [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala]] kings and built the outer walls of the temple with the spoils of war.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kanthimathinellaiappar.org/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=15 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219230733/http://www.kanthimathinellaiappar.org/ |archive-date=19 December 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Legend==
==Legend==
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[[File:Nellaiappar Temple6.jpg|200px|thumb|The temple tank]]
[[File:Nellaiappar Temple6.jpg|200px|thumb|The temple tank]]


The temple complex covers an area of {{convert|14.5|acre|ha|abbr=on}}, measuring 850 feet long and 756 feet wide, and all its shrines are enclosed with concentric rectangular walls, with a massive Rajagopuram.<ref name="hindu"/> Sangili Mandapam built on 1647 by vadamalaiyappa pillayan connects the Ganthimathi Amman and Nellaiyappar temples.<ref>Thirukkoilkal vazhikaatti, Tirunelveli District; tnhrce; August 2014;page 11</ref> The temple has a number of shrines, with those of Swamy Nellaiappar and his consort Sri Kanthimathi Ambal being the most prominent.
The temple complex covers an area of {{convert|14.5|acre|ha|order=flip}}, measuring {{convert|850|ft|m|order=flip}} long and {{convert|756|ft|m|order=flip}} wide, and all its shrines are enclosed with concentric rectangular walls, with a massive Rajagopuram.<ref name="hindu"/> Sangili Mandapam built on 1647 by vadamalaiyappa pillayan connects the Ganthimathi Amman and Nellaiyappar temples.<ref>Thirukkoilkal vazhikaatti, Tirunelveli District; tnhrce; August 2014;page 11</ref> The temple has a number of shrines, with those of Swamy Nellaiappar and his consort Sri Kanthimathi Ambal being the most prominent.


The Nandi mandapam has a fairly big statue of Nandi (the bull God), similar to those at Tanjore and Rameswaram . The unique feature of the temple is the 'Mani manadapam' located near the nandi mandapam with two giant pillars carved out of a single stone and each one is having 48 sub pillars which produce musical notes when struck. Tamil poet says that the pillars here are a combination of the Shruti Gana Laya types. Other mandapams in the temple include Oonjal Mandapam and the 1000 pillared hall.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Arulmigu Nellaiappar Temple,Tirunelveli|url=http://kanthimathinellaiappar.tnhrce.in/|access-date=2020-10-02|website=kanthimathinellaiappar.tnhrce.in}}</ref>
The Nandi mandapam has a fairly big statue of Nandi (the bull God), similar to those at Tanjore and Rameswaram. The unique feature of the temple is the 'Mani manadapam' located near the nandi mandapam with two giant pillars carved out of a single stone and each one is having 48 sub pillars which produce musical notes when struck. Tamil poet says that the pillars here are a combination of the Shruti Gana Laya types.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Arulmigu Nellaiappar Temple,Tirunelveli|url=http://kanthimathinellaiappar.tnhrce.in/|access-date=2020-10-02|website=kanthimathinellaiappar.tnhrce.in}}</ref>


The composite columns of [[Virabhadra]] holding sword and horn are found be additions of the Vijayanayagara kings during the early 1500s. Similar columns of Virabhadra are found in [[Adikesava Perumal Temple, Kanyakumari|Adikesava Perumal Temple]] at Thiruvattaru, [[Meenakshi Temple]] at [[Madurai]], [[Kasi Viswanathar temple, Tenkasi|Kasi Viswanathar temple]] at [[Tenkasi]], [[Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy temple]], [[Ramanathaswamy Temple]] at [[Rameswaram]], [[Soundararajaperumal temple, Thadikombu|Soundararajaperumal temple]] at [[Thadikombu]], [[Srivilliputhur Andal temple]], [[Srivaikuntanathan Permual temple]] at [[Srivaikuntam]], [[Tirupperunturai|Avudayarkovil]], [[Vaishnava Nambi and Thirukurungudivalli Nachiar temple]] at [[Thirukkurungudi]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=Imperial Frontiers: Building Sacred Space in Sixteenth-Century South India|jstor=20619601|last=Branfoot|first=Crispin |journal=The Art Bulletin|volume=90|issue=2|date=1 June 2008|page=186|publisher=College Art Association|doi=10.1080/00043079.2008.10786389|s2cid=154135978}}</ref>
The composite columns of [[Virabhadra]] holding sword and horn are found be additions of the Vijayanayagara kings during the early 1500s. Similar columns of Virabhadra are found in [[Adikesava Perumal Temple, Kanyakumari|Adikesava Perumal Temple]] at Thiruvattaru, [[Meenakshi Temple]] at [[Madurai]], [[Kasi Viswanathar temple, Tenkasi|Kasi Viswanathar temple]] at [[Tenkasi]], [[Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy temple]], [[Ramanathaswamy Temple]] at [[Rameswaram]], [[Soundararajaperumal temple, Thadikombu|Soundararajaperumal temple]] at [[Thadikombu]], [[Srivilliputhur Andal temple]], [[Srivaikuntanathan Permual temple]] at [[Srivaikuntam]], [[Tirupperunturai|Avudayarkovil]], [[Vaishnava Nambi and Thirukurungudivalli Nachiar temple]] at [[Thirukkurungudi]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=Imperial Frontiers: Building Sacred Space in Sixteenth-Century South India|jstor=20619601|last=Branfoot|first=Crispin |journal=The Art Bulletin|volume=90|issue=2|date=1 June 2008|page=186|publisher=College Art Association|doi=10.1080/00043079.2008.10786389|s2cid=154135978}}</ref>
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Navaratri, Tirukkalyanam in Aippasi, (15 October – 15 November) and Arudra Darisanam are some of the important festivals here. Arudra Darisanam attracts huge crowds here. The temple chariot is a massive one, second supposedly only to Tiruvarur. The Bhrammotsavam here lasts for an extended period of time during the Tamil month of Aani (15 June – 15 July). Also, a golden temple car (First Inaugural run of Nellaiappar Temple Golden Car is 2 November 2009) will run during important festivals like Thirukalyanam, Kaarthigai, Aaruthra Festival etc. During [[Thaipoosam]] festival in Thai, Lord Shiva and Parvathy are taken to the banks of Thamirabarani river in Tirunelveli junction called "Thaipoosa mandapam". Special rituals are undertaken there and the Lord return to the temple at night. Nellaiappar Temple car is the third largest car in [[Tamil Nadu]].And it is the first car to be driven fully automatically.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kanthimathinellaiappar.tnhrce.in/ |title=Arulmigu Nellaiappar Temple,Tirunelveli |access-date=13 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205012535/http://www.kanthimathinellaiappar.tnhrce.in/ |archive-date=5 December 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Navaratri, Tirukkalyanam in Aippasi, (15 October – 15 November) and Arudra Darisanam are some of the important festivals here. Arudra Darisanam attracts huge crowds here. The temple chariot is a massive one, second supposedly only to Tiruvarur. The Bhrammotsavam here lasts for an extended period of time during the Tamil month of Aani (15 June – 15 July). Also, a golden temple car (First Inaugural run of Nellaiappar Temple Golden Car is 2 November 2009) will run during important festivals like Thirukalyanam, Kaarthigai, Aaruthra Festival etc. During [[Thaipoosam]] festival in Thai, Lord Shiva and Parvathy are taken to the banks of Thamirabarani river in Tirunelveli junction called "Thaipoosa mandapam". Special rituals are undertaken there and the Lord return to the temple at night. Nellaiappar Temple car is the third largest car in [[Tamil Nadu]].And it is the first car to be driven fully automatically.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kanthimathinellaiappar.tnhrce.in/ |title=Arulmigu Nellaiappar Temple,Tirunelveli |access-date=13 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205012535/http://www.kanthimathinellaiappar.tnhrce.in/ |archive-date=5 December 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


The temple priests perform the ''[[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]]'' (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. The temple rituals are performed Six times a day; ''Thiruvananthal at 5.15 a.m Ushatkalapooja at 6.00a.m Sirukalasanthi at 7.00a.m Kalasanthi'' at 8:00&nbsp;a.m., ''Uchikalam'' at 12:00&nbsp;a.m. and ''Sayarakshai'' at 6:00&nbsp;p.m. Arthajamam at 8.30 p.m Palliarai at 9.15 p.m Bhairavar Poojai at 9.30 p.m Each ritual comprises four steps: ''[[abhisheka]]'' (sacred bath), ''alangaram'' (decoration), ''[[Naivedhya|naivethanam]]'' (food offering) and ''deepa aradanai'' (waving of lamps) for Nelliappar and Kanthimathi Amman. There are weekly rituals like ''{{lang|te-Latn|somavaram}}'' (Monday) and ''{{lang|te-Latn|sukravaram}}'' (Friday), fortnightly rituals like ''[[pradosha]]m'', and monthly festivals like ''[[amavasya|amavasai]]'' (new moon day), ''kiruthigai'', ''[[pournami (festival)|pournami]]'' (full moon day) and ''sathurthi''. The Thai Aaratu festival during the [[Tamil calendar|Tamil month]] of ''Thai'' (January - February) is the most important festivals of the temple.<ref name=dinamalar>{{cite web|title=Sri Nelliapaar temple|url=http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=909|publisher=[[Dinamalar]]|year=2014|access-date=24 November 2015}}</ref><ref name=R>{{cite book|title=An introduction to religion and Philosophy - Tévarám and Tivviyappirapantam|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.jZY9lup2kZl6TuXGlZQdjZY2lZpy.TVA_BOK_0006115|last=R.|first=Dr. Vijayalakshmy|
The temple priests perform the ''[[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]]'' (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. The temple rituals are performed Six times a day; ''Thiruvananthal at 5.15 a.m Ushatkalapooja at 6.00a.m Sirukalasanthi at 7.00a.m Kalasanthi'' at 8:00&nbsp;a.m., ''Uchikalam'' at 12:00&nbsp;a.m. and ''Sayarakshai'' at 6:00&nbsp;p.m. Arthajamam at 8.30 p.m Palliarai at 9.15 p.m Bhairavar Poojai at 9.30 p.m Each ritual comprises four steps: ''[[abhisheka]]'' (sacred bath), ''alangaram'' (decoration), ''[[Naivedhya|naivethanam]]'' (food offering) and ''deepa aradanai'' (waving of lamps) for Nelliappar and Kanthimathi Amman. There are weekly rituals like ''{{lang|te-Latn|somavaram}}'' (Monday) and ''{{lang|te-Latn|sukravaram}}'' (Friday), fortnightly rituals like ''[[pradosha]]m'', and monthly festivals like ''[[amavasya|amavasai]]'' (new moon day), ''kiruthigai'', ''[[pournami (festival)|pournami]]'' (full moon day) and ''sathurthi''. The Thai Aaratu festival during the [[Tamil calendar|Tamil month]] of ''Thai'' (January – February) is the most important festivals of the temple.<ref name=dinamalar>{{cite web|title=Sri Nelliapaar temple|url=https://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=909|publisher=[[Dinamalar]]|year=2014|access-date=24 November 2015}}</ref><ref name=R>{{cite book|title=An introduction to religion and Philosophy – Tévarám and Tivviyappirapantam|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.jZY9lup2kZl6TuXGlZQdjZY2lZpy.TVA_BOK_0006115|last=R.|first=Dr. Vijayalakshmy|
publisher=International Institute of Tamil Studies| location=Chennai|year=2001|edition=1st|pages=315–7}}</ref>
publisher=International Institute of Tamil Studies| location=Chennai|year=2001|edition=1st|pages=315–7}}</ref>


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[[Category:Hindu temples in Tirunelveli district]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Tirunelveli district]]
[[Category:Padal Petra Stalam]]
[[Category:Padal Petra Stalam]]
[[Category:Abhimana temples of Vishnu ]]
[[Category:Tirunelveli]]
[[Category:Tirunelveli]]
[[Category:Pancha Sabhai]]
[[Category:Pancha Sabhai]]

Latest revision as of 10:41, 9 November 2024

Nellaiappar Temple
Tirunelveli
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictTirunelveli
DeityNellaiappar (Shiva) Kanthimathi Amman (Parvati)
FestivalsAani Brahmostavam, Aadi Puram, Avani Mula Utsavam, Puratasi Golu Darbar, Aippasi Tirukalyanam, Aippasi Visu, Kandha Shasti, Karthikai Tiruvananthal, Margali Tiruvathirai, Thai Pusam Tirthavari, Thai Amavasya, Masi Shivaratri, Panguni Uttiram, Chittirai Pournami Tirthavari, Vasanthostavam, Vaikasi Shirabhishegam, Koratham, Vishakam.
Features
  • Tower: Kailasa Sikaram
Location
LocationTirunelveli
StateTamil Nadu
CountryIndia
Nellaiappar Temple is located in Tamil Nadu
Nellaiappar Temple
Location in Tamil Nadu
Geographic coordinates8°43′42.4″N 77°41′19.4″E / 8.728444°N 77.688722°E / 8.728444; 77.688722
Architecture
TypeTamil architecture
CreatorEarly Pandyas, Medieval Cholas
Completed700 CE
Direction of façadeEast
Website
http://kanthimathinellaiappar.tnhrce.in/

The Nellaiappar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Tirunelveli, a city in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Nellaiappar (also called Venuvananathar) represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Kanthimathi Amman. The deity Vishnu is also worshipped here, having witnessed their wedding according to legend. Hence, this temple is regarded as an abhimana kshetram of Vaishnavism. The temple is located on the northern banks of Thamirabarani River in Tirunelveli district. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

The temple complex covers an area of 5.9 hectares (14.5 acres) and all its shrines are enclosed with concentric rectangular walls. The temple has a number of shrines, with those of Swamy Nellaiappar and his consort Sri Kanthimathi Ambal being the most prominent.

The temple has three six rituals at various times from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and six yearly festivals on its calendar. Brahmotsavam festival during the Tamil month of Aani (June–July) is the most prominent festival celebrated in the temple.

The original complex is believed to have been built by Pandyas, while the present masonry structure was added by Cholas, Pallavas, Cheras, and Madurai Nayaks. In modern times, the temple is maintained and adminIstered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

History

[edit]
The Gopuram of Nellaiappar Temple

Tirunelveli is one of the many temple towns in the state which is named after the groves, clusters or forests dominated by a particular variety of a tree or shrub and the same variety of tree or shrub sheltering the presiding deity. The region is believed to have been covered with Venu forest and hence called Venuvanam.[1]

The original complex is believed to have been built by Pandyas, while the present masonry structure was added by Cholas, Pallavas, Cheras, and Madurai Nayaks. The sanctums of the temple and the gopurams were constructed by Nindraseer Nedumaran (Koon Pandian) who reigned in the 7th century AD. The mani mandapam with its famous musical pillar was also likely built by Nindraseer Nedumaran. The flag stand near the Nandi was set up in 1155.[2] Later Pandya, Kulasekara Pandyan I built the outer wall of the Thirunelveli Nellaiappar temple, in 13th century.

Originally, the Nellaiappar and Kanthimathi temples were two independent structures with spaces in between. It was in 1647 that Thiru Vadamalaiappa Pillaiyan, a great devotee of Siva linked the two temples by building the "Chain mandapam" (In Tamil Sangili Mandapam). In the centre of the Flower Garden is a square vasantha mandapam with 100 pillars. The Nandi mandapam is said to have been built by Sivanthiappa Nayakar in 1654. To the western portion of the chain mandapam is the flower garden that was set up in 1756 by Thiruvengadakrishna Mudaliar.[3]

There are a number of stone inscriptions in the temple. The most important of them are those Veerapandiyan who reigned around 950 AD and those of Rajendran I and Kulothunga Chola I. The inscriptions of Maravarman Sundara Pandyan refer to the Lord as "Woodayar" and "Wodeyanayanar" and the Goddess as "Nachiar". From the inscriptions of Kulasekkara Pandiyan we learn that he defeated the Chera, Chola and Hoysala kings and built the outer walls of the temple with the spoils of war.[4]

Legend

[edit]

Tirunelveli was originally called Tinnevelly during the British Era. During Puranic times, the place was called Venuvana, a forest of bamboos. The deity in the current temple was believed have appeared inside the bamboo forest. Vishnu is believed to have witnessed the marriage between Shiva and Parvathi at this place. There is an image of Vishnu with a metallic Gindi, a vessel with a spout, in the temple depicting the legend.[5]

Architecture

[edit]
The temple tank

The temple complex covers an area of 5.9 hectares (14.5 acres), measuring 260 metres (850 ft) long and 230 metres (756 ft) wide, and all its shrines are enclosed with concentric rectangular walls, with a massive Rajagopuram.[6] Sangili Mandapam built on 1647 by vadamalaiyappa pillayan connects the Ganthimathi Amman and Nellaiyappar temples.[7] The temple has a number of shrines, with those of Swamy Nellaiappar and his consort Sri Kanthimathi Ambal being the most prominent.

The Nandi mandapam has a fairly big statue of Nandi (the bull God), similar to those at Tanjore and Rameswaram. The unique feature of the temple is the 'Mani manadapam' located near the nandi mandapam with two giant pillars carved out of a single stone and each one is having 48 sub pillars which produce musical notes when struck. Tamil poet says that the pillars here are a combination of the Shruti Gana Laya types.[8]

The composite columns of Virabhadra holding sword and horn are found be additions of the Vijayanayagara kings during the early 1500s. Similar columns of Virabhadra are found in Adikesava Perumal Temple at Thiruvattaru, Meenakshi Temple at Madurai, Kasi Viswanathar temple at Tenkasi, Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy temple, Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram, Soundararajaperumal temple at Thadikombu, Srivilliputhur Andal temple, Srivaikuntanathan Permual temple at Srivaikuntam, Avudayarkovil, Vaishnava Nambi and Thirukurungudivalli Nachiar temple at Thirukkurungudi.[9]

Thaamira Ambalam

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Tirunelveli also is one of the five places where Lord Shiva is said to have displayed his dance and all these places have stages/ ambalams. While Tirunelveli has the Thaamira (Copper) Ambalam or Thamira Sabhai , the others are the Rathina Ambalam/ Rathna Sabhai at Thiruvaalangadu (rathinam – ruby / red), the Chitra Ambalam or Chitra Sabhai at Courtallam (chitra – painting), the Velli Ambalam or Rajatha Sabhai at Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple (velli – silver) and the Pon (Gold) Ambalam or PorSabhai at Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram.[10][11]

Pancha Sabhai Sthalangal

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Sangili Mandapam

The temples where Shiva is believed to have performed the Cosmic Dance. This temple is called Tambra Sabha (copper hall) based on the dance pose of Nataraja. There are several architectural depictions in the temple detailing the legends.[5]

Category Temple Location Element
Rathina sabai Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple Thiruvalangadu, Chennai Ruby
Porchabai Natarajar Temple Chidambaram Gold
Velli sabai Meenakshi Amman Temple Madurai Silver
Thamira sabai Nellaiappar Temple Tirunelveli Copper
Chithira sabai Kutralanathar Temple Thirukutralam Art

Religious importance and festivals

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Picture of Tirunelveli Nellaiappar Temple Golden Car taken on 2 November 2009
The Gopuram view of Nellaiappar Temple

Navaratri, Tirukkalyanam in Aippasi, (15 October – 15 November) and Arudra Darisanam are some of the important festivals here. Arudra Darisanam attracts huge crowds here. The temple chariot is a massive one, second supposedly only to Tiruvarur. The Bhrammotsavam here lasts for an extended period of time during the Tamil month of Aani (15 June – 15 July). Also, a golden temple car (First Inaugural run of Nellaiappar Temple Golden Car is 2 November 2009) will run during important festivals like Thirukalyanam, Kaarthigai, Aaruthra Festival etc. During Thaipoosam festival in Thai, Lord Shiva and Parvathy are taken to the banks of Thamirabarani river in Tirunelveli junction called "Thaipoosa mandapam". Special rituals are undertaken there and the Lord return to the temple at night. Nellaiappar Temple car is the third largest car in Tamil Nadu.And it is the first car to be driven fully automatically.[12]

The temple priests perform the puja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. The temple rituals are performed Six times a day; Thiruvananthal at 5.15 a.m Ushatkalapooja at 6.00a.m Sirukalasanthi at 7.00a.m Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 a.m. and Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m. Arthajamam at 8.30 p.m Palliarai at 9.15 p.m Bhairavar Poojai at 9.30 p.m Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), naivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for Nelliappar and Kanthimathi Amman. There are weekly rituals like somavaram (Monday) and sukravaram (Friday), fortnightly rituals like pradosham, and monthly festivals like amavasai (new moon day), kiruthigai, pournami (full moon day) and sathurthi. The Thai Aaratu festival during the Tamil month of Thai (January – February) is the most important festivals of the temple.[13][14]

Literary mention

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Tirugnana Sambandar and Appar, the 7th-century Tamil Saivite poet Nayanmars, venerated Nelliappar in ten verses in Tevaram, compiled as the First Tirumurai. Sundarar, an 8th-century nayanmar, also venerated Idaiyatreeswarar in ten verses in Tevaram, compiled as the Fifth Tirumurai. As the temple is revered in Tevaram, it is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 276 temples that find mention in the Saiva canon.[14] Muthuswami Dikshitar composed one song (Sri Kantimatim) on this temple goddess Kanthimathi Amman.This song is considered to be a rare song set in the rare raga Hemavathi.[6]


References

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  1. ^ Reddy, G.Venkatramana (2013). Alayam – The Hindu temple – An epitome of Hindu Culture. Mylapore, Chennai: Sri Ramakrishna Math. p. 10. ISBN 978-81-7823-542-4.
  2. ^ Sthala Varalaru book published in 2004 by temple administration
  3. ^ Pillai, S. Subramania (2019). Tourism in Tamil Nadu: Growth and Development. MJP Publisher. p. 75. ISBN 978-81-8094-432-1.
  4. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 19 December 2017. Retrieved 15 April 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  5. ^ a b Ayyar, P. V. Jagadisa (1993). South Indian Shrines: Illustrated (2nd ed.). New Delhi: Asian Educational Service. p. 24. ISBN 81-206-0151-3.
  6. ^ a b "Muthuswami Dikshithar". Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  7. ^ Thirukkoilkal vazhikaatti, Tirunelveli District; tnhrce; August 2014;page 11
  8. ^ "Arulmigu Nellaiappar Temple,Tirunelveli". kanthimathinellaiappar.tnhrce.in. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  9. ^ Branfoot, Crispin (1 June 2008). "Imperial Frontiers: Building Sacred Space in Sixteenth-Century South India". The Art Bulletin. 90 (2). College Art Association: 186. doi:10.1080/00043079.2008.10786389. JSTOR 20619601. S2CID 154135978.
  10. ^ T. G. S. Balaram Iyer, T. R. Rajagopalan (1987). History & description of Sri Meenakshi Temple. pp.39
  11. ^ Rajeshwari Ghose. The Tyāgarāja cult in Tamilnāḍu: A Study in Conflict and Accommodation . pp. 69
  12. ^ "Arulmigu Nellaiappar Temple,Tirunelveli". Archived from the original on 5 December 2018. Retrieved 13 December 2015.
  13. ^ "Sri Nelliapaar temple". Dinamalar. 2014. Retrieved 24 November 2015.
  14. ^ a b R., Dr. Vijayalakshmy (2001). An introduction to religion and Philosophy – Tévarám and Tivviyappirapantam (1st ed.). Chennai: International Institute of Tamil Studies. pp. 315–7.
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