Concluding the Series on Kantimati Nellaiyappar Temple
I have been extensively documenting the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, delving into its remarkable architecture, layout, iconography, deities, inscriptions, festivals, waterbodies, and other notable aspects. In this concluding episode, I will outline key construction milestones and significant additions to the temple over the centuries.
Photo Courtesy - Vijay Bhat |
The temple, believed to have originated in the early Pandya period, has evolved through contributions from various dynasties, patrons, and devotees. Below is a chronological list of notable structures and features, supported by historical records where available:
- The original temple is believed to have been constructed in the 6th century CE or earlier.
- Mukkurini Vinayaka near the southern Dwarapala in the Maha Mandapa of the Nellaiyappar shrine dates to the Chola period (11th century CE).
- Nellai Govindan, as per some records, belongs to the Rajendra Chola period (11th century CE), though this date is debatable.
- Kubera (now referred to as Muzhuthum Kanda Rama Kon) in the prakara of Nellaiyappar belongs to the Pandya era (11th century CE).
- Various bronze images, including Periya Sabapati, two sets of Natarajas, Somaskandas, Kankala Murti, and others, appear to be from the Chola period.
- Moola Linga and Prithvi Linga likely date back to the 10th or 11th century CE.
- Nellai Murugan in the prakara of the Nellaiyappar shrine is estimated to belong to the 14th or 15th century CE.
- The main chariot, an architectural marvel standing 82 feet tall and weighing 45,000 kg, was first launched in 1505 CE. The four temple streets (Ratha Veetis) surrounding the temple were also constructed in the early 1500s.
- The Dwajastamba (flagstaff) was installed in 1555 CE.
- Arumukha Nayinar shrine was built in the mid-1600s by Vadamalaiyappa Pillai.
- The Raja Gopuram of Nellaiyappar was constructed in 1606 CE.
- The Raja Gopuram of Kantimati was completed in 1626 CE.
- The Oonjal Mandapam was built in 1635 CE by Cherukula Vallal Piravi Peruman Pillaiyan.
- The Sangili Mandapam was constructed in 1647 CE by Vadamalaiyappa Pillai.
- The eastern prakara and the adjoining mandapa, adorned with life-sized sculptures, was constructed in 1654 CE by Sivanthiappa Naicker.
- The Anuppu Mandapas in front of the two Raja Gopurams were added during the 1700s.
- Wooden ceilings and sculptures at the entrances of Kantimati and Nellaiyappar, as well as the Navagraha and Dakshinamurti shrines, were crafted by Kerala kings in the 1700s.
- The peethams representing the Sapta Matas, Ganesha, and Veerabhadra in the inner prakara of Kantimati were also added in the 1700s by Kerala kings.
- The Vasanta Mandapam was constructed in 1756 CE by Venkata Krishna Mudaliar.
This extensive timeline showcases the temple’s evolution through centuries of patronage and devotion, highlighting its unique blend of architectural and artistic contributions from various periods.
With this, I conclude the series on the sacred and magnificent temple of Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar. This journey has taken nearly two years to complete. While there are comprehensive books detailing temples like Srirangam, Tirupati, and Madurai Meenakshi, I have yet to come across a similarly detailed work that covers all aspects of the Kantimati Nellaiyappar temple. This inspired me to undertake this endeavor.
With photography prohibited, limited resources available, no influence to access temple records or icons for a deeper exploration, and as someone who is not a scholar, this is the best I could achieve. I have no intention of publishing this as a book—it might sell 100 copies if a publisher were even interested. The idea of publishing a book, inviting celebrities for a launch, promoting it with exaggerated claims, or chasing awards simply isn’t my style.
That said, this series of articles contains more detailed information than most books typically provide. Instead of restricting it to a limited audience who can afford to purchase a book, I wanted to make this accessible globally.
I acknowledge that this series is not exhaustive—there is still much more to explore and document. However, with a sense of both humility and pride, I can confidently say that this work stands as one of the most detailed resources available on this remarkable temple.
Happy travelling.
This article is Part 52 (and the last) 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.
Comments
Post a Comment