List of Ganeshas in Nellaiyappar Temple
I have been writing an extensive series on the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, delving into its architecture, layout, iconography, deities, shrines, and other significant elements. In this episode, I will document all the icons of Ganesha found in this temple, employing a unique documentation style. Interestingly, in this Shiva temple, there are more icons of Ganesha than of the Shiva Linga.
1) Mukkurini Vinayaka, a large stone image from the Chola period, near the southern Dwarapala in the Maha mandapa of Nellaiyappar.
2) Ten-armed Pottramarai Vinayaka with Siddhi on his lap near the Pottramarai tank, a very popular deity of this temple.
3) Polla Pillayar in a separate shrine in the prakara of Nellaiyappar, popular among pregnant women due to a local traditional belief.
4) A massive stone image of Ganesha facing the western tower.
5) A large stucco image of Ganesha atop the massive stone Ganesha facing the western tower.
6) Ganesha in a small sub-shrine at the entrance of the Raja gopura of Kantimati.
7) Ucchistha Ganapati in the Ayirankaal Mandapa.
8) Ganesha in a sub-shrine at the entrance of the Maha mandapa of Kantimati.
9) Three Ganeshas in the Ardha mandapa of Kantimati.
10) Nine small circular structures called Peethams representing Ganesha, Veerabhadra, and Sapta Matas in the southern prakara around Kantimati.
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11) Kannimoola Ganapati shrine in the southwest corner of the prakara around Kantimati.
12) Two Ganeshas at the entrance of Kannimoola Ganapati shrine in Kantimati's prakara
13) Ganesha in the southern outer prakara of Kantimati.
14) Ganesha near Karumari Teertham.
15) Ammaiyappa Vinayaka near the Goshala.
16) Bas-relief of Nardana Ganapati on the inner wall of the Maha mandapa of Kantimati.
17) Bas-relief of Ganesha in the Mani mandapa of Kantimati.
18) Bas-relief of Ganesha in the Kasi Viswanatha sub-shrine in the Sangili Mandapa.
19) Bas-relief of Ganesha in the Shiva Linga sub-shrine in the Sangili Mandapa.
20) Sub-shrine of Ganesha in the Ardha mandapa of the Mahalinga shrine in the Sangili Mandapa.
21) Ganesha in a sub-shrine atop the chariot stand.
22) Ganesha in a small sub-shrine at the entrance of the Raja gopura of Nellaiyappar.
23) Ganesha in the bas-relief panel of Ravana Anugraha Murti in the Mani mandapa of Nellaiyappar.
24) Kannimoola Ganapati in a separate shrine in the southwest corner of the inner prakara of Nellaiyappar.
25) Bronze icon of Ganesha in a separate sub-shrine next to Kannimoola Ganapati in the inner prakara of Nellaiyappar.
26) Stucco image of Ganesha in the Kankalamurti shrine.
27) Ganesha near the Muzhuthum Kanda Rama Kon icon in the prakara of Nellaiyappar.
28) Ganesha near the Sthala Vruksham.
29) Ganesha next to Adhikara Nandi in the space connecting the second and third prakaras of Nellaiyappar.
30) Ganesha in a separate sub-shrine at the entrance of the main section of Nellaiyappar.
31) Two Ganeshas near the sub-shrine of Subramanya at the entrance of the main section of Nellaiyappar.
32) Ganesha in the prakara of the Arumukha Nayinar shrine.
33) Ganesha in a standing posture in a separate shrine near the main entrance of the Nellaiyappar temple.
34) Ganesha accompanying Gaja Lakshmi on the lintel of a shrine in the Mukha mandapa of Kantimati.
Thus, there are 28 stone images, 2 stucco images, one small circular peetham, 6 bas-relief images, and one bronze icon. In total, there are 38 icons of Ganesha. This list does not include the images on the pillars, vimanas, or towers unless explicitly mentioned above.
Happy travelling.
This article is Part 42 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.
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