Thimbileshwarar Temple, Ponmanai, Kanyakumari
Thimbileshwarar
Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Ponmanai in
Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The temple is a part of the famed Shivalaya
Ottam conducted during Shivaratri. It is the fifth temple in the run sequence.
Legends
Swayambu Lingam:
It is
said that a shepherd by name Theembil Adhipan when cutting grass for
the calf’s, was shocked to note the outpouring blood from a stone. When he
removed the covering bushes, he saw a self-appeared lingam (Swayambu). He
started worshipping the Lingam. Hence, the lord is called as Thimbileshwarar. Later
the temple was built up the Chozha and Pandiya kings.
Sage Vyakarapadhar worshipped Lord Shiva here:
Sage
Vyakarapadhar visited this place and worshipped Lord Shiva here.
The
Temple
The
Temple is situated on the banks of river Thamiraparani facing east. The temple
of Thimbileshwarar is a very ancient one as seen by the architecture here. The
temple has a Kodimaram and a tiered granite lamp in the front. The stone
pillars, corridors, mandapams, tiled roofs all point to the architectural style
of the bygone eras.
Presiding
Deity is called as Thimbileshwarar. The Sanctum is round in shape. The nine
planets are carved nicely on the roof of the Nandhi Mandapam. Theertham
associated with this temple is Thamirabarani River. The temple is believed to
have undergone renovations during the period of Chola and Pandiya kings.
The
Temple remains open from 5.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM.
Festivals
·
Shivalaya Ottam
·
Shivaratri
·
Thiruvadirai
·
Chittirai kodiyetram
Peruvizha
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 19 Kms from Kumaracoil,
26 Kms from Vilavancode, 20 Kms from Marthandam, 24 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 12
Kms from Thiruvattaru, 20 Kms from Nattalam, 16 Kms from Thuckalay, 27 Kms from
Colachel, 30 Kms from Nagercoil, 20 Kms from Eraniel, 53 Kms from Kanyakumari
and 62 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Eraniel
and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram.