Thiripuranathar Temple, Thenmalai, Thirunelveli
Thiripuranathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thenmalai Village in Vasudevanallur Taluk in Thirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Thiripuranathar and Mother is called as Sivaparipoorani. The Temple is considered equivalent to Kalahasthi Temple. The Temple is famous for Sarpa Pariharam. People in Thenmalai and nearby villages used to keep the name of Lord for their first-born children. The Temple is maintained by Sivagiri Jamin.
This is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalams around Sankarankoil. Pancha Bhoota Sthalam refers to five temples dedicated to Shiva, each representing a manifestation of the five prime elements of nature: land, water, air, sky, and fire. Pancha indicates "five," Bhoota means "elements," and Stala means "place." The temples are located around Sankarankoil in Tamilnadu. The five elements are believed to be enshrined in the five lingams of the temples, with each lingam named based on the element represented. This Sthalam is called as Vayu Sthalam (Air Element).
Pancha Bootha Sthalams around Sankarankoil are;
1. Sankara Narayanan Temple, Sankarankovil, Thirunelveli (Land Element)
2. Nachadai Thavirthu Aruliya Nathar Temple, Devadanam, Virudhunagar (Sky Element)
3. Mathiyasthanathar Temple, Dharugapuram, Thirunelveli (Water Element)
4. Thiripuranathar Temple, Thenmalai, Thirunelveli (Air Element)
5. Palvanna Nathar Temple, Karivalamvandanallur, Thirunelveli (Fire Element)
The Temple
The Temple is west facing. Presiding Deity is called as Thiripuranathar and Mother is called as Sivaparipoorani. There is no window in the Sanctum. But the Lamps in the sanctum will glow brightly one time and suddenly it will become dim as if air is disturbing. People believe that this rare occurrence is happening of Lord Shiva’s breath. The Main entrance is facing the Mother shrine. But devotees should worship Thiripuranathar and then only should worship Mother. Sthala Vriksham is Vilva Tree.
Festivals
Pournami Girivalam around the Temple is very famous here. All Shiva related festivals are celebrated here.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 9 Kms from Sivagiri, 11 Kms from Karivalam Vanda Nallur, 14 Kms from Devathanam, 19 Kms from Dharugapuram, 22 Kms from Sankarankovil, 22 Kms from Sankarankovil Railway Station, 31 Kms from Rajapalayam, 55 Kms from Tenkasi, 86 Kms from Tirunelveli and 173 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram Airport. The Temple is situated in Rajapalayam to Tenkasi Route. People coming from Rajapalayam should take a left turn at Sivagiri and the Temple can be reached at about 9 Kms. Regular buses are available from Rajapalayam to this Village.