Arulmigu Nellaiappar Temple
Arulmigu Nellaiappar Temple things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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One of the famous temples in Tamilnadu steeped in tradition and history and also known for its musical pillars , Thamira sabai and other brilliant sculptural splendours. This temple houses a shrine to Shiva ( Nellaiappar @ venda valarndhanathar ) and Parvati ( Gandhimathi @ vadivudaiamman ) dating back in time covering a 14 acre area. Shiva is said to have been worshipped by Agastya in a bamboo grove and by Rama after having killed Mareecha some nine miles away at Manoor. There is also a shrine to Vishnu near the sanctum, signifying the belief that Nellai Govindan (Vishnu) visited Tirunelveli to officiate the divine marriage of Shiva and Kantimathi. There are several other legends associated with this temple. The temple dates back to 700 AD and has been sung by the Saivite saint Tirugnana sambandar. Supposedly there were two distinct temples for Shiva and his consort both built by the Pandyan kings and the Sangili Mandapam linking these two were built in the 17th centuries. The towers also date back to early 17thcentury. There are inscriptions dating all the way back to 950 AD in the temple.Vast in area, this temple never ceases to surprise visitors for the wealth of detail it has to offer. The musical pillars in the Mani Mandapam which produce sound in various pitches when struck (7th century AD by Nindrasir Nedumaran or Koon Pandyan), the Somavara Mandapam, the 1000 pillared hall, and the Tamra sabha with intricate wood work, and the Vasantha Mandapam are some of the noteworthy points in this temple. Lifelike sculptures adorn several of the mandapams in the temple, noteworthy ones being in the Sangili Mandapam which links the temples of Nellaiappar and Kantimathi in this vast temple complex. The Copper Hall of Dance is a brilliant work of art, and is housed within the inner precincts of the temple. On the occasion of Arudra Darisanam (occuring in the Tamil month of Margazhi - Dec 15 - Jan 15), the idols of Nataraja and Sivakami are housed here, and elaborate worship protocols are observed during the enactment of the Cosmic Dance of Shiva. A shrine to Sandana Sabhapati (adorned with sandal paste) is located right behind the Tamra Sabha and to a visitor walking towards the Tamra Sabha, the combination of these, i.e. the vision of Sandana Sabhapati seen through the Tamra Sabha presents a brilliant spectacle. There is yet another shrine to Nataraja here, the Periya Sabhapati shrine. Religious services are carried out here on special occasions, and this festival idol is never moved from this shrine. A must visit place @Tirunelveli ..
Swaminathan SubramanianSwaminathan Subramanian
10
What a marvelous temple. Both divine and our ancient rich heritage meets in one place. Very very big temple. One can't imagine the pillar carvings, sculpture designs. Our ancestors and kings dedicated their time & money for making this temple with 200% perfection which we can't see in any part of world. Each statue is different and lots of stone embossed letters. I wondered how it is possible to image and executed even without any paper, plan , tools etc.. We need to bring our children here often to showcase our rich heritage and made them proud of our India. I have visited in normal week day so no rush and I have a opportunity to worship God very near close and satisfied. Siva lingam is very old and not like the shape we see in photos. It is real perfect linga. With minimal decoration, Siva looks beautiful. Also, worshipped Ambal and seen big elephant Gandhimathi. Near theppakulam, around more than 6 Kasi viswanathar linga was placed very close each other. Never seen in any other place. Also very big nandhi infront of Nellaiappar - mesmerizing. Some cracks seen in the top roofing in main entrance. Since age old structure , it is obvious. Need Government attention immediately to plug those to ensure cracks doesn't spread further to protect our golden temple. For eating, I would suggest to walk little bit around and eat at Vishaka bhavan hotel located end of pothys silks road (near corner of temple wall). Príce is good and don't hurt stomach. Iruttaki kadi halwa shop infront of Temple entrance doesn't offer hand made halwa no more. So standing in the queue in evening hot sun, no use. Better walk a little bit right side and buy the same authentic iruttukadhi halwa from Visakham sweets (their own branch only). Infact, it is written in their notice board as well. They went to advance machine packing so even if you stand & buy evening also you get the old packed items only, I mean 2 or 3days old but expiry date 10days more
Vijayakumar JayabalVijayakumar Jayabal
00
I recently visited the Arulmigu Nellaiappar Temple in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the largest and most important Shiva temples in South India, and it is said to be one of the five places where Lord Shiva performed his cosmic dance. The temple complex is massive, covering an area of fourteen and a half acres. The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Nellaiappar. His consort, Parvati, is depicted as Kanthimathi Amman. There are also shrines to other deities, including Vishnu, Ganesha, and Murugan. The temple is beautifully decorated, with intricate carvings on the pillars and walls. The gopurams, or entrance towers, are particularly impressive. The tallest gopuram is 170 feet tall, and it is said to be the tallest in Tamil Nadu. I visited the temple on a weekday morning, and it was not too crowded. I was able to take my time exploring the complex and enjoying the atmosphere. I felt a sense of peace and tranquility as I walked around the temple, and I was impressed by the beauty of the architecture. I would definitely recommend visiting the Arulmigu Nellaiappar Temple if you are in Tirunelveli. It is a beautiful and historic temple that is well worth a visit. Here are some of the things I liked about the temple: The sheer size and scale of the temple complex is impressive. The intricate carvings on the pillars and walls are beautiful. The tallest gopuram in Tamil Nadu is a sight to behold. The atmosphere at the temple is peaceful and tranquil. Here are some of the things I would like to see improved: The temple could be better signposted, as it can be easy to get lost. The temple could be more accessible to people with disabilities. The temple could offer more educational materials about its history and significance. Overall, I had a very positive experience visiting the Arulmigu Nellaiappar Temple. It is a beautiful and historic temple that is well worth a visit.
MEHULRAJ NADARMEHULRAJ NADAR
10
Hi guys I'm from Bangalore visited this temple on 24/11/21. Really it's a good temple to visit once in life time. Here Nelliappar god (In the form of Shiva LINGAM) is worshipped as main god and don't forget to see Lord VISHNU which is right next to Nelliappar god. It is only temple where you can find 1)Both Gods SHIVA AND VISHNU are present side by side which tells lord VISHNU is Worshipping Lord SHIVA. 2)1000 pillars( Musical Pillars)which is just out side the main lingam (Gharbagudi). 3) To Buy Famous HALWA in IRRATHU KADAI HALWA SHOP which is just opposite to temple towards Right side of temple Gopuram. 4) you will find both Luggage keeping stand and Chappal stand just opposite to temple Gopuram (Left Side beside MAY I HELP YOU Counter) whi take 10rs for everything. 5)Timings is 5.30am to 12 and 4pm to 9pm all 7 Days. 6) Mobile are Allowed so enjoy Clicking your Photos. 7) Visit Kanthimathi goddess temple inside temple Corridor only. 8) Don't forget to visit Nataraja Statue so beautiful and it's the one of PANCHASABHA(TAMARA SABHA) Here Lord SHIVA Performed COSMIC DANCE. 9) There is No Rooms near by the Temple So its better to Stay near RAILWAY STATION ONLY. 10) From RAILWAY STATION just walk towards Main Road were FLYOVER u can see from there u will get Pleanty of Buses to Temple which takes just 5rs per person And its only 5min journey. 11) Auto people will ask 150rs or more from RAILWAY STATION so its better to go by bus. 12) NOTE 📝 Make your Rooms in such a way that it should be in middle for both RAILWAY and BUS STAND. 13) Numbers of good Hotel for food are present near and just outside RAILWAY STATION lane only a) Muthu Mess (Veg) really super 👌 for satvik food just 500mts from railway station just google for maps for location. b) Gomathi hotel (veg) in railway station lane only Guys if you felt above information useful please hit like 👍button and u can also follow me for other places also
Raghu BRaghu B
280
A must visit temple. This is a temple for Swayambhu murthi Sri Nellaiappar (Lord Shiva)and his consort Kanthimathi Ambal. Uniquely you will find Lord Vishnu in a sleeping pose, next to the Shivan temple - signifying the oneness of Shiva & Vishnu. Understand that once upon a time, these were two separate temples adjacent to each other, but later these two were connected by building necessary structures by the reigning King, leading to a one big temple complex. Here you will find multiple small temples within the complex for Lord Vinayaka, Murugan, Devi, Ayappan, Kasi Viswanathar etc other than the temples for the two main dieties. The temple is full of unique sculptures including that of animals and demigods. Proof of the high level of artistry and skills the artisans who built the temple had. The main entrance to the temple has lot of unique carvings done on the wooden roof, which you cannot miss. Must see and hear are the "stone pillars" which give out the 7 notes of Carnatic music when tapped with the hand and a few pillars give the sound of south Indian musical instruments - just amazing.. For a huge temple, it's maintained quite well, especially in terms of cleanliness. However, more lighting in a few places would help devotees see and appreciate the amazing and the intricate carving done on stone. Also a better place needs to be made for footwear, currently all footwear are left at the main entrance, making it quite difficult to retrieve yours, they would have moved quite a bit or lying under a pile of other's footwear, when you come back after Darshan. All said and done if you are passing by Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu, this is a must visit place. Better, plan a trip to this temple.
C ShashidaranC Shashidaran
00
The Nellaiappar Temple is Hindu Temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Tirunelveli, a city in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Nellaiappar (also called Venuvananathar) represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Kanthimathi Amman. The deity Vishnu is also worshipped here, having witnessed their wedding according to legend. Hence, this temple is regarded as an abhimana kshetram of Vaishnavism. The temple is located on the northern banks of Thamirabarani River in Tirunelveli district. We had visited during the weekend Sunday. There wasn't much crowd. Main Sanctum Nellaiappar is very powerful, you will feel positive vibes. And his consort called as Kanthimathi Amman. You get archanai ticket for 5/- bucks per person. For commuting to this temple if any one staying in hotel stays , I would suggest to go by Local bus. Here auto driver's charge around minimum 100-150 bucks depending on your stay location. Here the priest don't act rudely, very polite, we get ample time worship the God. They don't rush things in this temple. That's really good. The sculptures in this temple is just mind-blowing. Highly recommend Om Namah Shivaya🙏
Shanmuga Narayanan.RShanmuga Narayanan.R
90
Nearby Attractions Of Arulmigu Nellaiappar Temple
Arultharum Ganthimathi Ambaal Temple
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Nearby Restaurants Of Arulmigu Nellaiappar Temple
Aryaas Sweets & Bakery's
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Address
162, E Car St, Tirunelveli Town, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627006, India
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Description
The Nellaiappar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Tirunelveli, a city in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Nellaiappar represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Kanthimathi Amman.
attractions: Arultharum Ganthimathi Ambaal Temple, restaurants: Aryaas Sweets & Bakery's, Nellai Saravana Bhava, Vairamaligai Non-veg, Vinjai Vilas (since 1924), Vairamaligai Parotta Stall, Sri Visaha Bhavan, Kasi Vilas Non veg restaurant, Abul Parotta Stall, Hotel Manohara, Aruvi Bakery and Sweets - Town Branch
