The Tirunelveli Temple revered by Muthuswami Dikshitar

Many might be aware of Shri Muthuswamy Dikshitar, one of the Carnatic music trinity, having composed a kriti in praise of Kantimati, the presiding Devi of Tirunelveli's primary temple. However, within this same town, Dikshitar penned compositions in reverence of both the God and Goddess of a temple, a lesser-known fact even among the locals. This temple's significance deserves to be celebrated!

Nestled along the enchanting banks of the Tamraparani River, near the Thaippoosa Mandapam, within the locality of Kailasapuram, stands the grand Kailasanathar Temple. Despite its impressive size, this temple houses a limited number of deities and attracts relatively few regular visitors.

Dating back to the 1700s, the temple is believed to have been constructed by a wealthy individual named Kuruththu Chettiar. He built this temple, along with its fortification, as a gesture of gratitude to the one who relieved him of his stomach ailment. You can find his likeness on a pillar near the flagstaff.

Historical records indicate that Nallakkannu Mudaliar oversaw renovations, while Murugesa Mudaliar was responsible for constructing the Mukha Mandapa.

The sanctum, facing east, houses a modest Shiva Linga known as Kailasanathar, inspiring Dikshitar's composition, "Kailasa Nathena," set in the Kambhoji raga.

In a south-facing shrine, a petite image of the Goddess Soundaravalli resides, with Dikshitar composing "Parvata Rajakumari Sri Parvati" in the Sri Ranjani raga in her honor.

While the Moolasthana, Ardha Mandapa, and Maha Mandapa are compact, the Mukha Mandapa stands out with its remarkable size, featuring ample space and large pillars crowned with lion motifs. Numerous captivating carvings adorn the pillars.

Images of Ganesha and Subramanya grace the entrances of both the Maha Mandapa and Mukha Mandapa, and these deities are also honored within separate shrines in the prakara. Other deities found within the temple include Dakshinamurti, Chandikeswara, three Shiva Lingas, Vishwanatha-Vishalakshi, and Nalvar. Notably, the metal icons of Somaskanda and Uma-Chandrasekhara, showcase exquisite artistry.

The temple comprises two prakaras, with the outer prakara open to the sky, providing a sense of expansiveness and serenity.

Happy travelling.