Kartheeswarar Pappankulam

Saivite Temples, Tirunelveli District

God

Kartheeswarar, facing east

Goddess

Azhagambal, facing east

Other Deities

Suryan, Adhikara Nandi, Vinayaka, Sapthakanniyar, Juradevar, Vinayaka, Naagar, Kasi Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Sastha, Muruga with consorts, Saneeswara, Chokkanadar, Meenakshi Amman. Sanctum niches – Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeswara

Kartheeswarar Pappankulam is an east-facing temple in a large spacious compound. The entrance is through a gate in the east. Before the entrance is a Mantapam. There are some dilapidated old and large Mantapams inside. The Mahamantapam is a beautiful structure as is the separate shrine for the goddess with its Mantapam. Around the single Prakaram is a cloistered Mantapam where several deities are installed and the Vahanas (Mounts) are kept. The idols are old and beautiful works of art. There are several beautiful pillars in the old Mantapas.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No information

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Kartheeswarar Pappankulam is an ancient temple built by the Pandya King Aditha Varma. There are several stone inscriptions in the front walls of the Sanctum Sanctorum which proves the antiquity of the temple.

Legend

Kartheeswarar Pappankulam was originally knowns as Katcheeswarar (the one who gave darshan). The lord’s name came about as he is believed to have given Darshan to Lord Rama here at Kartheeswarar Pappankulam.

Directions

Kartheeswarar Pappankulam is about 12 kilometers west of Mukkudal in the Tenkasi Road. Thiruvenkadu Pappankulam is about 12 kilometeres northwest of Ambasamudram via Edaikkal. Kartheeswarar Pappankulam is on the Tenkasi main road and is visible as you turn a curve.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest is Ambasamudram for food and stay.

Saivite Temples

Kartheeswarar, Pappankulam