Tirunelveli temple

Tirunelveli Temple History, Timings, Darshan details

Tirunelveli Temple History

The word Nelveli has derived from Puranas that the Lord Siva safeguarded the granary from submerging in the river floods. Lord did fencing around the granary where Paddy was kept for His worship. As per the Legend, an ardent of Lord Siva, A Brahmin, Veda Sanman had spread the paddy on the floor for drying up when the floods came. It was then Lord Siva built the fence around the granary and thus protected the paddy from the river floods; hence the name Tirunelveli.

The deities of Tirunelveli are Nellaiyappar, Venuvananathar, Nelveli Nathar, Salivatisar and Veymutha Nathar. Tiruvilayadal Purana says that the Lord is called Veymuthanathar as he self-manifested himself in Bamboo.

The Goddess is called Kanthimathi Amman and Vadivudai Amman. There is a separate shrine for God and Goddess in the temple complex. The tower of the Amman was built in 1626 AD.

As per the local folklore, the Linga was established by a Muslim chieftain when his wife recovered from the illness after praying the Lord. The Linga is called by Anavarada Nathar. It is also said that the Linga worshipped by Anwar-Udin-Khan came to be known as Anavardanathan as time passes by.

There are 32 Theerthas in this holy place of which 9 are most important. The Theerthas are, Porrlamarai, Karumari, Vairava Tirtha, Sarva Tirtha are located inside the temple, Kambai, Teppakulam, Sindhu Poonthurai, Durga Tirtha and Kuruku Theertha are outside the temple.

This temple was built in 7th Century AD. This temple received huge contributions from Veera Pandya in 950 AD, Rajarajendra I during 1011 – 1014 AD, Kuluthunga Chola I, Sundara Pandya and many other Kings.

Tirunelveli temple timings

Morning Hours: 5:30 am – 12:30 pm

Evening Hours: 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm

How to reach Tirunelveli temple?

By Air

The nearest airport is at Tuticorin which is 41 km away.

By Train

The nearest railway station is at Tirunelveli which is 5 km away.

By Road

Tirunelveli is well connected with all parts of Tamilnadu and nearby states.

Tirunelveli temple images

Reference Link: History