Nellai Govindan

Continuing with my series about Tirunelveli's Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple, let's delve further into its intriguing aspects. In my preceding article, I provided an elaborate account of Nellaiyappar, the principal deity of this sacred temple. The temple boasts a distinctive attribute. Adjacent to the northern side of Nellaiyappar's sanctum, there stands another shrine dedicated to Vishnu. Facing eastward, this sanctuary houses Vishnu in the form of the reclining Sayana murti. He is reclining on a gigantic five hooded Adi Sesha. Referred to as Nellai Govindan, his head lies to the west, while his feet extend towards the east. With two arms, his right hand is extended toward a small Shiva Linga, as if engaged in offering floral archana to the Linga. The monumental stone image of Vishnu stands out as a prominent highlight within the temple premises. Notably, both the sanctums of Shiva and Vishnu are situated upon the same platform, sharing a common antaralam. Furthermore, the expansive Ardha mandapa at the front serves as a shared space for both sanctums.

As documented by Shri S.R. Balasubramanyam, a scholar with extensive insights into temples from the Chola period, it is revealed that this imposing stone depiction of Nellai Govindan dates back to the era of Rajaraja Chola I.

How is the connection between Vishnu and Shiva established? How did Vishnu attain an equivalent status, even having a distinct sanctum shared with Shiva? From a historical perspective, this remains unclear.

Nevertheless, there exist legends that propose Vishnu's involvement in orchestrating the divine union of Nellaiyappar and Kantimati. This is the reason behind the presence of a vessel in the hands of the metal icon of Govindan within this shrine—a symbolic gesture akin to pouring water to formally hand over a sister or daughter during a wedding. In this context, Govindan is regarded as Kantimati's brother.

According to another facet of the Sthala Purana, after the great deluge, when Shiva embarked on the process of cosmic re-creation, he brought forth Vishnu. Vishnu, in turn, created a sacred reservoir using his conch and conducted daily abhisheka (ritual bathing) for the Moola Linga of Tiruneveli for around a millennium. Following his intense penance, Shiva and Uma revealed themselves to Vishnu. As an emblem of their harmonious connection, Govindan was joyfully placed on Shiva's left side within this temple.

Happy travelling.

This article is Part 18 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.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10

Part 11

Part 12

Part 13

Part 14

Part 15

Part 16

Part 17