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
Location
References