The Original Deity of Tirunelveli Nellaiyappar Temple
Continuing my exploration of Tirunelveli's Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple, I've previously delved into intricate details about the Kantimati temple itself, as well as the towering structure, several outer mandapas, the central shrines of Nellaiyappar and Nellai Govindan, and the adjoining mandapas. Now, I shift my focus to the shrines and sculptures gracing the first prakara that surrounds Nellaiyappar.
Upon the southern prakara, a significant sculpture of Dakshinamurti stands as the prominent Koshta deity. In the realm of the Pandya land, Koshta murtis are a rarity. Nevertheless, a few temples make an exception, placing Dakshinamurti alone within the southern niche.
Nestled at the southwest corner, known as Kanni Moolai, resides the Kanni Moola Ganapati shrine. Transitioning to the western prakara, one encounters three sub-shrines containing exquisite metal icons of Gnana Sambandhar, Ganesha, and the Somaskanda Murti. Towards the northwest corner, a sub-shrine presents Subramanya flanked by Valli and Devasena.
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The western outer wall of the main shrine diverges from the usual Koshta design, instead featuring a hollow false niche crowned by a torana. This ornate torana showcases a bas-relief depiction of Lingodbhava, accompanied by Brahma and Vishnu.
Moving along the wall of the west prakara, an array of miniature bas-relief images come into view. These include the dancing Sundarar, Appar in the Anjali mudra pose with folded hands, a Pandya King with hands on his queen's shoulders, a lady accompanied by a goat, two wrestlers grappling, a lone wrestler, and a girl cradling an infant.
Particularly noteworthy is an image portraying Siva emerging from a Linga to confront Kala, safeguarding Svetaketu, who clings to the Linga. This scene bears a resemblance to the depiction of Markandeya's encounter. A local legend links this holy site to the tale of Svetaketu, a king who embraced vanaprasta and ventured into the forest. Seeking solace after his wife's tragic demise, he sought the guidance of sage Agastya in Tirunelveli. Agastya recounted the story of Pingala Rishi, who embraced a Shiva Linga, shielding himself from Yama's grasp. Similarly, Svetaketu fervently performed poojas to Nellaiyappar. When Kala attempted to seize his life, he clung tightly to the Shiva Linga. Shiva emerged and thwarted Kala's advance, ensuring his devotee's safety.
A notably spacious shrine dedicated to Kankalamurti graces the same prakara. The figures of Kankala and its surroundings are all crafted from stucco. Kankala is accompanied by a menagerie including deer, Gundodara (dwarf Gana), Sapta Rishi Patnis, a Bhuta gana sheltering Kankala with an umbrella, as well as Ganesha, Kartikeya, Brahma, Rudra, Nandi, and Vishnu—all six adopting the Anjali mudra pose. Sapta Rishis, Surya, Chandra, Ashtha Dik Palas and their respective vahanas, along with music-playing Rishis and Ganas, complete this intricate composition.
On the northern outer wall, a similar niche absence is noted, replaced by a hollow one crowned by a torana. This torana features a small figure of Brahma flanked by his two consorts.
Situated on the northern prakara is the diminutive shrine of south-facing Chandikeshwara. Notably, a shrine houses two pairs of metal icons—Nataraja and Sivakami. One pair is smaller while the other is larger. A bas-relief portraying a king and queen graces the wall. Additionally, an east-facing Prithvi Linga, accompanied by a front-side mandapa, finds its place within the prakara.
Of great importance is a shrine adorned with a splendid circular Vesara vimana at the northeastern corner. This shrine enshrines the Moola Maha Linga, the original presiding deity of the temple predating the discovery of Nellaiyappar. Tradition holds that all other significant Shiva Lingas in holy sites were formed from this Linga. It stands as the foremost among the Nine Lingas known as Nava Lingas.
Another significant presence is the Mahisasuramardini shrine. The eight-armed Goddess commands a monumental figure, standing atop a buffalo's head, accompanied by a deer and lion. A female warrior stands alongside Durga in this sacred space.
Bhairava, too, finds his abode within this prakara, completing the array of divine presence and artistic marvels that grace this sacred site.
Concluding this comprehensive journey through the first prakara, a final gem awaits discovery. Adjacent to the colossal Ganesha known as Mukkurni Vinayaka, a shrine within the eastern prakara unveils a captivating sight. Here, the shrine houses the exquisite metal icons of Uma and Chandrasekhara, crowning this remarkable spiritual haven with yet another layer of divine splendor.
This article is Part 20 of the series of articles I write about Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple.
The other parts of the series can be accessed through the below-listed links.
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