Saturday, April 1, 2017

Sathya Vageeswarar Temple, Kalakkad, Thirunelveli

Sathya Vageeswarar Temple, Kalakkad, Thirunelveli
Sathya Vageeswarar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located in Kalakkad village in Thirunelveli in the South Indian state of Tamilnadu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple has three precincts. Shiva is worshipped as Sathya Vageeswarar and his consort Parvathi as Gomathi. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines. The temple has a 135 ft. (41 m) gateway tower containing 1,500 stucco images. The temple was originally built by Pandyas during the 13th century and Nayak kings commissioned pillared halls and major shrines of the temple during the 15-16th century.





The temple has artistic sculptures representative of Nayak art. The temple has close to 200 paintings in the temple depicting Indian epic tales. The temple also has a granary made of masonry, which is believed to be commissioned during the 13th century. There is a hall of musical pillars, commissioned by the king of Travancore, Boothala Veera Udaya Marthanda Varman during the 16th century. Sunlight falls on the main deity on 20, 21 and 22 of March and September every year.





The temple is open from 6 am - 12 pm and 4-8 pm on all days except during festival days when it is open the full day. Four daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Vaikasi Visakam festival during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May - June) being the most prominent. Tamil Saivite Saint Appar has recited songs in praise of the deity. Hence it is called as Thevara Vaipu Sthalam.





In the stone inscriptions found around the temple, the lord is referred to as Puramerichchuvarudaiviyya Nayanar. The Rajagopuram renovation and temple Kumbha Abishekam (ritual consecration) was performed on 14 July 2011 by Bhakthar Peravai (Devotees Forum). The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious & Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu.





As per Tamirabarani Mahatmiyam, five important Shiva temples in Tirunelveli region were considered as Pancha Aasana Sthalams. This Temple is considered to be part of Pancha Aasana Sthalams of Thirunelveli District.
Pancha Asana Sthalams are as follows;
Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
History
For brief details, please refer below link;
The Temple
For brief details, please refer below link;
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 6 am - 12 pm and 4-8 pm on all days except during festival days when it is open the full day.
Festivals
For brief details, please refer below link;
Connectivity
Kalakad is located at about 12 kms West of Nanguneri, 37 Kms from Ambasamudram, 44 Kms from Thirunelveli, 135 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 203 Kms from Madurai. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nanguneri and Thirunelveli. Nearest Airport is located Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.


Location

References