Unveiling Puraveli Nathar Temple: A Hidden Gem of Keezhakkalloor

Keezhakkalloor, a secluded village near Tirunelveli, holds a hidden gem that once supplied vital offerings to prominent temples in the region. Let's delve into the intriguing history of Puraveli Nathar temple.

Known for yielding the high-quality Kodakan Samba rice, Keezhakkalloor and its neighboring villages caught the attention of Rajaraja Chola I. Impressed by the rice's longevity and taste, he decreed that one-sixth of their cultivation be offered as tax, known as Puravu vari, to the Dhenupureeswarar temple in the village. This rice was then distributed to revered temples such as Sankaran Kovil, Sri Vaikuntham, Papanasam, and Brahmadesam. As Lord Shiva of this temple assumed the role of a revenue officer, locals began referring to him as Puravu Vari Nathar, eventually evolving into Puraveli Nathar.

Legend has it that a miraculous cow would regularly milk at a specific spot. When its owner aimed a stone at the cow, it accidentally struck a bleeding stone. Upon investigation, a self-manifested Shiva Linga was discovered. Informed of this divine event, the king erected the temple, naming the deity Dhenupureeswarar (with "Dhenu" meaning cow). It's said that the Linga still bears the marks from the cow's inadvertent strike.

Puraveli Nathar, also known as Chidambareswarar, stands majestically in the form of a grand Shiva Linga within the east-facing shrine, while his consort Azhagambikai graces a south-facing shrine. Nandi adorn the Ardha mandapa and another one at the exterior near the bali peetha.

Guarding the entrance to the main shrine are small images of Ganesha and Subramanya-Valli-Devasena. The images of Surya, Chandra, Bhairava, Chandikeswara, and Dakshinamurti are also present in their customary locations. Notably, the temple features an exquisite sculpture of Magilampoo Shasta, seated in his characteristic posture, holding a Magilampoo flower, a symbol of timeless beauty. Another remarkable sight is Bhootattar, positioned at the shrine entrance. Shasta's vahana, the elephant, faces his shrine.

The vimana, above the main shrine boasts exquisite craftsmanship, and the sacred Bilva tree stands as the sthala vruksha, offering a serene atmosphere for spiritual exploration.

Happy travelling.