Indian Columbus

This article is a continuation of my series on the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli. In the previous two installments, we explored the monumental Ravana and the serene Tamra Sabha. Now, let's delve into the remaining deities and sub-shrines located on the western side of the prakara surrounding the Nellaiyappar shrine. On an elevated platform reminiscent of a traditional thinnai, supported by graceful pillars, an array of divine murtis awaits your reverence. Here, you'll encounter Vayu Linga, Vinayaka, Muzhuthum Kanda Ramakon, and his divine consort. Interestingly, the Kubera icon, believed to date back to the Pandya era, has been affectionately referred to as Ramakon. To further solidify this connection, a female figurine has been placed nearby, symbolizing his devoted wife. Photo courtesy - Vijay Bhat As previously mentioned, the entire temple grounds were once a lush bamboo forest, making the bamboo tree the sacred sthala vruksham. You can find this revere...

One can embark on a spiritual journey to witness divine manifestations in various sacred places like Pandaripuram for the enchanting Panduranga, Pillayarpatti for a unique encounter with Karpaga Vinayaka, and Tirupati to seek blessings from Balaji. However, if one desires to experience the essence of all these deities in a single destination within Chennai, then a visit to the Adampakkam Temple is an absolute must. This spacious, well-maintained, serene temple, facing east, welcomes devotees with a gracefully adorned entrance tower. The central sanctum is graced by the presence of Karpaga Vinayaka, an exquisite replica of the revered Pillayarpatti Ganesha. Here, one can also find Valampuri Ganesha, seated with two arms, cradling a Shiva Linga in one hand. Within the temple's prakara, you'll discover the rare form of Medha Dakshinamurti. Anjaneya, with folded hands, resides in a small shrine. The front mandapa is adorned with vibrant stucco images, depicting an array of deities....

Village deities, known as Grama Devatas, Minor deities, or Siru Theivangal, and Guardian deities, referred to as Kaaval Theivangal, go by various names. Listing all the minor deities of Tirunelveli would require a substantial tome, and providing a comprehensive account of each deity would demand nothing less than a small library. Among these, Muppidaththi Amman stands out as a prominent minor deity in Southern Tamil Nadu, particularly within the Tirunelveli region. Though she is commonly referred to as Muppidaththi or Muppidaari, her original name likely is Muppidari. The Tamil term "Pidari" signifies the nape or the back of the neck, and "Muppidari" translates to "three napes." Given that the Goddess possesses three heads, a more fitting name for her would indeed be Muppidari Amman. In a few places, she is also called Tripura Sundari. Throughout Tirunelveli, one can discover temples dedicated to Muppidari, ranging in size from modest to substantial. The o...

In this article, part of my series on the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, I will shine a spotlight on the Tamra Sabha. There exist five primary venues where Lord Nataraja showcased his celestial dance, collectively known as the Pancha Sabhas. These include the Por Sabhai or Kanaka Sabha (the golden hall) in Chidambaram, Rajita Sabha or Velli Ambalam (the silver hall) in Madurai, Ratna Sabha (the hall adorned with rubies) in Tiruvalangadu, Chitra Sabha (the hall adorned with paintings) in Courtallam, and the Tamra Sabha (the hall of copper) in Tirunelveli. Photo Courtesy - Vijay Bhat However, it's worth noting that the Sthala Purana of Tirunelveli's Nellaiyappar Temple presents a slightly different list, claiming it as a statement from Lord Shiva himself. In this version, there are 21 sabhas, with seven among them being the foremost. These are the Veda Sabha in Tirumaraikkadu, Manicka Sabha in Devamaasabha, Kanaka Sabha in Chidambaram, Akasha Sabha in Kanchi...

This expansive yet tranquil temple is nestled just one kilometer away from Nellaiyappar temple in Tirunelveli Town, bearing the distinctive name of Thondargal Nayinar , which means the Lord of His devotees. The origins of this name are steeped in a fascinating legend. According to the legend, Tirugnana Sambandhar's encounter with Agastya in Tirunelveli drew a throng of devoted onlookers eager to witness these revered individuals together. These devotees fervently implored Sambandhar to establish a new temple in their town. Responding to their plea, Sambandhar sought the counsel of Agastya, who identified a location within the Bilva forest as the ideal site for the temple's construction. Acting upon this recommendation, Sambandhar approached King Deva Pandyan , who promptly commissioned the construction of a Shiva temple. In gratitude for the devotees' heartfelt request that led to the temple's creation, the deity within is venerated as Thondargal Nayinar. An alternate ...

You may find yourself as a casual observer, perhaps not inclined to delve into the intricacies of sculptures. Alternatively, you might be accompanied by your playful child, whose attention might not be drawn to the temple's details. However, in both cases, what I'm about to describe demands attention. It's a spectacle of magnificence, an embodiment of grandeur that cannot be overlooked. Resuming my narrative within the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar temple in Tirunelveli, I now transition from the southern second prakara to the western second prakara, encircling the revered Nellaiyappar sanctum. Directing my gaze to the southwest, a location known as Kanni Moolai, I anticipate encountering the familiar Kanni Moola Ganapati shrine. Yet, this time, the norm is broken. What captures my attention is a striking statue of Ravana. Ravana, depicted here, commands attention with his imposing presence – large, substantial, and profound. His figure embodies both ferocity and complexity...

In the region of Kantimati - Tirunelveli, an ancient temple of Kamakshi resides, though it remains relatively lesser known. This temple, seemingly standing for several centuries, houses a splendid image of Kamakshi as its primary deity. She is depicted in her customary posture, seated gracefully. Positioned to her right, a little beyond direct view, is Ekambareswara embodied in the form of a small Shiva Linga. Within the Ardha Mandapa, the icons of Ganesha and Subramanya are enshrined. Additionally, the metallic representations of Nataraja and Sivakami can be observed. An inscription on the lintel of the Mukha Mandapa commemorates the names of select individuals from the Achari community. These individuals contributed a sum of Rupees Five Hundred towards the construction of the mandapa during the Bhava Tamil Year, corresponding to the period of 1934-35. Happy travelling.