Ashta Lakshmis and Sahasra Lingam of Nellaiyappar Temple

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This article continues the series on the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli. In the previous segments, we explored the eastern, southern, and western sections of the second prakara surrounding the sanctum of Nellaiyappar. Now, let's delve into the northern side of the prakara encircling the Nellaiyappar shrine.

An intriguing and exquisite image of Lakshmi flanked by two elephants, known as Gaja Lakshmi, greets visitors facing the south direction. On either side, facing east and west, are seven forms of Lakshmi - Adi Lakshmi, Dhana Lakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, Santana Lakshmi, Dhariya Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi, and Vidya Lakshmi, collectively forming Ashta Lakshmi, the Eight Lakshmis. Adjacent to these forms of Lakshmi, Shaneeswara resides.

Photo courtesy - Mr. Suresh Priyan


Further ahead, there is an east-facing sub-shrine for Kubera Linga. A notable shrine beside the Kubera Linga is the Sahasra Linga, located along with a Mukha mandapa. This grand Linga is adorned with 1000 smaller Lingas, giving it the name Sahasra, meaning one thousand.

In the southeast corner, a substantial shrine with a long mandapa houses a majestic Nataraja panchaloha icon, accompanied by Sivakami and the devoted Karaikal Ammai, all facing southward. This Nataraja is known as Periya Sabhapati, and during the Tamil month of Markazhi, the shrine hosts a ten-day Tiruvadirai festival.

On the east prakara, facing the Nellaiyapper shrine, the smaller dhwajastambha and bali peetha are seen.

With this, the description of the four prakaras is complete. At the entrance linking the second and third prakaras, visitors will find images of Veda Bhattar, Adhikara Nandi, Ganesha, and a Shiva Linga, all facing the north direction.

Happy travelling.

This article is Part 25 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

Part 18

Part 19

Part 20

Part 21

Part 22







Location: Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India

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