Indian Columbus

I have been extensively documenting the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, exploring its detailed architecture, layout, iconography, deities, and other noteworthy aspects. In this episode, I will present a consolidated summary of all the unique or special features of the temple. Although I have covered most of them already, this will serve as a comprehensive overview. 1) The temple spans 14 acres, measuring 850 feet in length and 756 feet in width 2) The longest Sannadhi street of any temple, approximately 3 km long (Sannadhi street is the street facing the sanctum sanctorum.) 3) The temple has 32 sacred water bodies (Teerthams), of which nine are considered the most important. Among them are the Pottamarai, Karumaari, Vairava, and Sarva Teerthams, all located within the temple. Outside the temple, the other five are Kambai, Teppakulam, Sindu Poondurai, Durga Teertham, and Kurukkuthurai. 4) This is one of five primary venues where Lord Nataraja performed his divine da

I have been thoroughly documenting the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, delving into its intricate architecture, layout, iconography, deities, and various other significant aspects. In this episode, I will turn my focus to the temple's rich musical heritage. Muthuswami Dikshitar , one of the trinity of Carnatic music, composed a song in the 1830s that pays homage to Kantimati: Ragam: Hemavati Talam: Aadhi Pallavi: Sri Kanthimatim Shankara Yuvatim Sri Guruguha Jananeem Vandeham Charanam: Hreemkara Beejakaara Vadanaam Hiranya Maimaya Shobaa Sadanam Paaka Shasanaadi Deva Vinutham Parashurama Natha Hima Shaila Suthaam Shuka Shounakaadi Sadaaraadhithaam Shudhha Thaamrapamee Thatasthitham Shankadyashtothhara Sahasra Kalashaabhisheekha Modaam Surahithaam Translation: Pallavi: I bow to Sri Kanthimati, the young wife of Shankara (Lord Shiva), I salute the mother of Sri Guruguha (Lord Muruga). Caranam: She has a face that embodies the sacred syllable 'Hreem' and

I have been extensively documenting the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, exploring its architecture, layout, iconography, deities, and various significant elements. In this episode, I will focus on the large sculptures found on the temple's pillars. Here is a list of notable sculptures: Two life-size female sculptures in front of the Shanmukha shrine in the inner prakara of Kantimati. A female monkey holding her infant in the Sangili Mandapa. A male monkey  in the opposite direction of the female monkey in the Sangili Mandapa. Two males holding deepams in their hands in the Sangili Mandapa. Vali and Sugreeva  facing each other in the opposite pillars in the Sangili Mandapa. Arjuna in the Sangili Mandapa. Bheema with Purusha Mriga behind him in the Sangili Mandapa. Kurathi carrying a child in the Mukha Mandapa of Nellaiyappar. The Noble Warrior in the Mukha Mandapa of Nellaiyappar. A female dancer in the Mukha Mandapa of Nellaiyappar. Pagadai Raja in the