Sri Kaalahasthiishwara
Swami Temple, Theni
Sri
Kaalahasthiishwara Swami Temple is situated on the banks of the Periyar River,
in the Uthamapalayam Taluka. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and is
surrounded by green paddy fields.
As per a legend, it
is believed that a devotee used to visit Kaalahasthi regularly, but could not
continue due to his growing age. One day, God appeared in the village for his
devotee and hence, earned the place its names, Dhakshina Kaalahasthi and
Thenkalathasthi.
The paintings of
the Naayakkar Dynasty can be seen in the temple. Tourists can also visit the
Sri Narasimha Swami Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Uthamapalayam is a
small town situated at 110 km from Madurai on the way to Kambam, Kottayam. This
town has two old temples one dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sri Kaalahasthiishwara
Swami temple, and the other one to Lord Vishnu, Sri Narasimha Swami temple.
Sri
Kaalahasthiishwara Swami temple is situated on the bank of river periyaaru,
where it runs uththaravaahini (towards north), which is considered quite
auspicious. It is amid of green paddy fields.
It is also said
that three kings who ruled the nearby regions came to a war pact and started
constructing the temple at this place. The temple also lodges some nice
paintings belonging to Naayakkar dynasty. Sri Narasimha Swami temple is
situated inside the town. Renovation work is going on in these two temples.