Pillar from Mecca in the Temple of Nataraja

Tirunelveli, a city adorned with ancient temples and rich in spiritual heritage, never fails to reveal hidden wonders. Nestled near Tirunelveli is the village of Manur, home to an ancient Shiva temple named Ambalavana Swami. While the 9th-century Pandya period temple itself is famous for its Nataraja, it is the seven-foot-high black stone pillar in front of it, known locally as "Tiruvadi Pottri," that holds a captivating tale.

This pillar, unlike the conventional deepa stambhas found in temples, boasts a distinctive name, shape, and a history enveloped in legend. Local lore suggests that this sacred pillar was brought from Mecca by a Pandya king, endowing it with mystical significance and extraordinary powers.

A detailed account of this enigmatic pillar is found in the Madras District Gazetteers: Tinnevelly, Vol. I, authored by H. R. Pate in 1917. The book narrates the prevailing local beliefs of that era, capturing the essence of the mysterious Tiruvadi Potri.

The below paragraph is from that book, as written by the author.

"In front of the Ambalavanaswami temple stands a granite pillar, about seven feet high, locally known as 'Tiruvadi-Potri.' By a curious tradition, it is supposed to contain the spirit of Muhammad, having been brought over from Mecca by a Pandya king. It bears inscriptions in a mixed character, which have not been deciphered. Daily puja is performed by the Othuvan of the temple, and the thick coating of ghee with which the stone is plastered is evidence of long-continued devotion. Vows for the cure of diseases and for rain in its season are made to the pillar."

As we gaze upon the Tiruvadi Potri, we are not just witnessing a pillar but unraveling the mystique that connects us to centuries past, bridging the gap between ancient legends and our contemporary understanding of spirituality.

Happy travelling.