Kulashekharanatha Mahalingam Temple, Pathai,
Thirunelveli
Kulashekharanatha
Mahalingam Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located in the village of
Pathai near Kalakkad in Thirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. The Village Pathai is situated at the foot of Western Ghats
and on the banks of Pachai river. The village is located amidst sylvan settings.
Presiding Deity is called as Kulasekhara Nathar. Mother is called as Sugandha
Kundalambikai / Avudai Nayaki.
Legends
For
brief details, please refer below link;
History
The
temple is a unique blend of the three major regional influence — the three
major rulers of the South India - Chera dynasty — as the Lord is known as
the Lord of King Kulasekhara (Kulasekhara Natha) - Chola dynasty — the Goddess is known by the same
name - Sugandha Kundalambikai - the Consort of Lord
Matrubhuteshwara at Tiruchchirapalli in the heart of
Chola land - Pandya dynasty — the temple located in the Pandya
land with its unique architectural style.
The
Temple has many inscriptions on the walls waiting to be studied by the scholars
to understand the hoary history of the temple and greatness of the shrine. The
latest inscription near the entrance after the Nandi Mandapa informs of the
Consecration or the Kumbabishekam done on 31 January 1971 AD by the
citizens of Pathai village. According to epigraphic findings, the village was
known as Mullinattu Chadurvedi Mangalam during the rule of kings.
The
Temple
There
are two Shivalingas – presiding deities – of which that of Lord Kulasekhara
Nathar also praised as Kulasekharam Udayar is the principal one. The Shiva
Mahalingam is unique with five-faced as is the Lord Himself. Main Goddess of
the temple is Mother Sugandha Kundalambikai located in a separate shrine. A
separate niche may be seen inside the temple for goddess Sugandha Kunthalambal
The temple is facing west.
The
other presiding deity is at a lower level pit – Pallam in Tamil – is a Swayambumurthy
commonly known as Pallathu Udayar and praised also as Tirupura Hareswarar, Adhi
Nathar, Thanezhundha Nayanar and Pazhayon. Mother Avudai Nayaki praised also as
Gomathi Amman and Tiripura Sundari graces in a standing posture from the shrine
south of this sanctum sanctorum. These two shrines are located at a
slightly lower level than the plinth of the main Sanctum Sanctorum.
According
to Puranas, Divine Cow Kamadenu worshipped this Swayambu Shiva Linga. It
is said that Lord Aadhi Nathar existed here even before Kulasekhara
Nathar. When monsoon fails, the villagers fill the Pallam-Pit of Pallathu
Udayar, perform pujas praying for rain. People of Keel Pathai village are
staunch devotees of Pallathu Udayar.
Apart
from the main deities, there are separate shrines for Subramanya with
his consorts Valli & Devasena, Chandikeswara, Saneeswara (Shani/Saturn
God), Kanni Moola Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Yogeeswara and Kala Bhairava on
the outer corridor (prakaram) (outer courtyard) around the main
Sanctorum. Dakshinamurthy or the South facing Universal Teacher
avatar of Shiva is on the south side of the outer wall of the Sanctum Sanctorum
of the main deity as per the tradition. The idol of Lord Dakshinamurthy was
installed by his Holiness Kodaganallur Sundara Swamigal.
The Dwajasthambam or
the Flag pole and an intricately carved Nandhi or the Sacred Bull,
the divine mount of Lord Shiva, sits facing the main deity —
Kulashekharanatha Mahalingam. There are several Vahanam or the divine
mounts in the temple indicating the festivals in the past with pomp and glory,
but now in dilapidated condition. The processional idols or the Utsava Vigraha are
now kept in the Nellaiyappar Temple in Thirunelveli, after a foiled theft
attempt, for safe-keeping.
Worship
is offered once a day by the priest coming from a neighboring place. Village
manages to offer the Pradosham Puja/offering without fail. (The
Thirteenth Evening twilight after the new moon, is considered is a very holy
and auspicious day for the worship of Lord Shiva). The temple is said to be
several thousand years old and the present structure is about 1,200 years old.
This ancient temple, with rich ancient carvings and inscriptions, was lying in
a state of disrepair.
Temple
Opening Time
The
temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Besides
monthly Pradosha pujas, the temple celebrates Maha Shivarathri grandly in
February-March.
Prayers
People
pray here to realize their various wishes and for good health free from
illness. Devotees perform abishek and Aaradhanas to Lord and Mother and offer
vastras.
Contact
Sri
Kulasekhara Nathar Temple,
Keela
Pathai, Thirunelveli District,
Mobile: +91 94866 43260 / 98840 28541
Connectivity
Keela
Pathai village is located at about 5 Kms far from Kalakkad. Kalakkad is located
on the Cheranmahadevi – Valliyur Road. Kalakad is located at about 12 kms West
of Nanguneri, 21 Kms from Cheranmahadevi, 37 Kms from Ambasamudram, 23 Kms from
Valliyur, 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.