Tirunellikka Nellivananathar Temple – The Temple
The temple is facing west with 5 tier Rajagopuram. The
temple inscriptions reveal the existence of this temple from the period of Raja
Raja Chozha regime. Presiding Deity is called as Nellivananathar / Thirunellikkavudaiyar
/ Amalakeswarar with his consort Goddess Mangala Nayaki / Amalakeswari. Theerthams
of this temple are Brahma Theertham, Surya Theertham, Sankara Theertham, Chakra
Theertham and Roganivarana Theertham. Sthala Vriksham is Nelli (Gooseberry).
Lord Shiva is a Swayambumurthy in this temple. The rays
of Sun fall on the Lord for a week from Masi 18 (February-March) on the Lord
during the evenings when Surya Puja is performed in the temple. There is a
separate East-facing shrine dedicated to Lord Saneeswarar at Tirunelikkaval and
that attracts hundreds of devotees and those impacted by the effects of Saturn
make a trip to this sacred spot trying to find solace and security.
In the mandapam roof paintings of Navagrahas, 12
Rasi and Ambal Avatharams can be seen. Vinayagar, Dhakshinamoorthy, Brahma and
Durgai are located in Koshta. Sannidhis for Lord Ganesha, Lord Nandikeswara,
Lord Subramanya with his consorts Goddess Sri Valli & Deivanai, Nalvar,
Goddess Sri Gajalakshmi, Lord Saneeswara, Lord Bhairava, Navagrahas, Somaskandar,
Lord Nataraja & Goddess Sivakami, Amruthalingam / Amalalingam / Amalakesan
Lingam are found in this Temple.
