The Unique Temple of Tirugnana Sambandhar

Tirunelveli, often celebrated for its grandeur and cultural heritage, is not just a city of history but also a city of temples. Amidst the renowned temples like Nellaiyappar Temple that grace this region, there exists a hidden gem, a temple of unparalleled uniqueness, which we shall explore in this article.

Tirugnanasambandhar, the revered child prodigy and poet-saint of the 7th century, shares a profound connection with Tirunelveli. His lyrical devotion to Nellaiyappar, the deity of Tirunelveli, finds expression in eleven hymns that form a part of the Devaram. Tirunelveli is blessed with several temples associated with this illustrious saint, but one stands out as particularly exceptional.

Legend has it that as Sambandhar journeyed from Tirunelveli to Courtallam to compose hymns for Courtalanathar, he rested for a few days by the tranquil banks of the Kamba River. Today, this sacred spot has transformed into a temple, erected in the 13th century by Maravarman Sundara Pandya II. While Kanchipuram boasts a temple dedicated to Sambandhar, it is relatively modest, featuring a solitary shrine. In stark contrast, the Tirunelveli temple is expansive, housing multiple deities and sub-shrines, making it the only comprehensive temple dedicated to Sambandhar in the world.

The temple faces east and enshrines Sambandhar as the presiding deity. Adjacent to him, a shrine venerates Nellaiyapper in the form of a Linga. Another shrine to the south is dedicated to Kantimati. Each of these three sanctums boasts resplendent vimanas (towering superstructures), with Nellaiyappar's vimana being particularly striking, thanks to its graceful circular design.

Typically, Shiva temples feature a section in the prakara or maha mandapa known as the Nalvar, which hosts the saints Appar, Sambandhar, Sundarar, and Manickavasagar, facing north. Since this temple's primary deity is Sambandhar, the remaining three saints find their abode in the Maha mandapa, a testament to the rich spiritual heritage of this unique temple.

Within the prakara, numerous divine manifestations grace the devotees. A sacred Koshta  within the temple is dedicated to Dakshinamurti, and Chandikeshwara resides in his customary abode. As one approaches the entrance to Nellaiyappar's sanctum, one is greeted by the divine presences of Ganesha and Kartikeya. Notably, both the shrines of Nellaiyappar and Kantimati have Nandi facing them with unwavering devotion.

The outer walls of the temple bear witness to its age-old legacy through intricate decorative and architectural motifs. It's evident that the temple has undergone expansions and renovations during the Nayaka dynasty and in later eras.

The pantheon of deities within the temple extends to Bhairava, Shaneeswara, Vishnu accompanied by his two divine consorts, and the radiant figures of Surya and Chandra. A relatively newer addition to the temple is the icon of Mahalakshmi, radiating her benevolent grace. Near Kantimati's shrine, the divine form of Gnana Saraswati is venerated.

Exploring the prakara further, one encounters shrines dedicated to Kanni Moola Ganapati and Subramanya along with Valli and Devasena. A remarkable ancient sculpture of Jwara Deva, the deity associated with the alleviation of ailments, stands as a testament to the temple's antiquity. Additionally, a separate shrine houses the resplendent bronze icons of Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, and Sivakami, his divine consort, offering devotees moments of profound reverence and spiritual reflection.

Happy travelling.