Thai Poosa Mandapam – A Historic Pavilion of Nellaiyappar Temple

The grand Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli extends beyond its main complex, encompassing several mandapas situated at a distance from the temple. These mandapas play a vital role in various rituals and festivals associated with the temple. One such significant structure is the Thai Poosa Mandapam, located approximately 3.5 km away from the main temple, in the Sindu Poonthurai/Kailasapuram area. A key landmark near this mandapam is the Kailasanathar Temple, revered by none other than the great composer Muthuswami Dikshitar.

Architectural Significance

Dating back to the 1700s, the Thai Poosa Mandapam stands on the banks of the sacred Tamraparani River. The ghat at this location, known as Sindupoonthurai Ghat, is considered one of the holy water bodies of the Nellaiyappar Temple. Over time, the mandapam has been enclosed with grill gates and whitewashed externally, but its original beauty remains remarkable.

The mandapam features a raised platform adorned with Vyala pillars on all sides, and this platform occupies the central space of the structure. The pillars are embellished with intricate carvings, showcasing the artistic finesse of the era. A striking element of the mandapam is its curved stone kapota, which extends outward from the upper portion. A sculpted monkey’s face with extended front legs emerges from the kapota, possibly serving as a water spout (pranala). The kapota is further adorned with kudus (horse-shoe-shaped motifs), and above it, a prominent miniature sculpted frieze runs along the upper portion. Unusually, besides the typical elephant frieze, there are friezes of Nandis and horses.

Festivals and Religious Importance

Thai Poosa Mandapam hosts several grand festivals, adding to its religious significance:

• Chithirai Theerthavari: On the full moon day of Chithirai month, the deities, including Nellaiyappar, Kantimati Amman, Tamraparani Amman, Astira Devar, Astira Devi, and Chandikeswarar, are ceremoniously brought to this mandapam for the Theerthavari festival.
• Aippasi Thirukkalyana Utsavam: On the 10th day of this festival, Goddess Kantimati is brought to the Thai Poosa Mandapam for a sacred water ritual.
• Thai Poosam Theerthavari: On the full moon day of Thai month, coinciding with the Poosam star, the same deities arrive at the mandapam for another grand Theerthavari festival.

While the mandapam once hosted several other religious festivals as per the Sthala Purana, many of these are now conducted at the Pottramarai tank within the temple premises.

A Hub for Historical Events

Beyond its religious significance, the Thai Poosa Mandapam has played a role in India’s freedom struggle. In 1908, the renowned freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaram Pillai delivered a speech about the independence movement from this very mandapam. It is also believed that the great poet and nationalist Subramania Bharati addressed gatherings here, adding to its historical legacy.

Surroundings and Other Features

The area around the Thai Poosa Mandapam is dotted with several intriguing structures. Numerous Mada Swami stone figures, characteristic of the Tirunelveli region, are found in abundance nearby. These frustum-shaped stone structures lack a distinct form but hold religious and cultural importance.

Along the banks of the Tamraparani River, several smaller mandapas can be seen. One such mandapa even houses a small shrine with a Shiva Linga and relief carvings of Ganesha and Subramanya, indicating its sacred nature.

While the mandapam continues to serve as an integral part of temple festivities, it also remains a symbol of the town’s deep-rooted traditions and its role in the nation’s past. Whether as a sacred venue for grand temple processions or as a silent witness to historic speeches, the mandapam retains its significance through the ages.

Happy travelling.