Gaja Lakshmi Panels in Nellaiyappar Temple

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I have been writing an extensive series on the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, exploring its architecture, layout, iconography, deities, shrines, and other significant elements. In this episode, I will document all the icons of Lakshmi found in this temple, employing a unique documentation style. It is not widely known that this temple houses a large number of Gaja Lakshmi panels.

1) Large icons of Ashta Lakshmis, with Gaja Lakshmi in the center, flanked by seven other forms of Lakshmi on both sides, located in the prakara of Nellaiyappar.

In addition to these eight stone sculptures of Lakshmi, the rest are relief images found on lintels or other parts of the temple, as detailed below.



2) Gaja Lakshmi on the lintel of three shrines (no deities inside) in the Mukha mandapa of Kantimati.

3) Gaja Lakshmi on the lintel of the sub-shrines of Ganesha and Subramanya at the entrance of the Maha mandapa of Kantimati.

4) Gaja Lakshmi on the lintel of the empty sub-shrine next to the Yagasala in the Mukha mandapa of Kantimati.

5) Gaja Lakshmi panel near Ammaiyappa Ganapati.

6) Gaja Lakshmi panel at the southern end of Sangili Mandapa.

7) Gaja Lakshmi panel in the Shankara Nayinar shrine.

8) Gaja Lakshmi flanked by the sculptures of Vali-Sugreeva and Bheema-Purusha mriga on the ceiling of the inner entrance of the west tower.

In total, there are eight Lakshmi sculptures and ten Gaja Lakshmi panels scattered throughout the magnificent temple of Nellaiyappar.

Happy travelling.

This article is Part 41 of the series of articles I write about Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple. 

Location: 162, E Car St, Tirunelveli Town, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627006, India

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