Kailasanathar, Theroor

Saivite Temples, Kanyakumari District

God

Kailasanathar, facing east

Goddess

Sivakami Amman, facing south

Other Deities

Bhairavar, Ganesha, Subramanya, Chandikeswara, Saptha Naagar, Dakshinamurthy

Kailasanathar Theroor is a small and beautiful east facing temple located amidst lush green fields. Entrance is from the east and the priest is quite specific about this as there is a small door open on the north too. His point is that as we enter, most of the times we miss to see Bhairava who is present on your right and is considered important to see him. The carvings on the main sanctum sanctorum and the front mantapam are beautiful and intricate. Dakshinamurthy is seen here installed on the Vimaanam and he is said to be in view of the Suchindram temple to the south. He is seen depicted here with a crown of Rudraksha. On the four corner of the sanctum sanctorum wall are found Adhikara Nandis which is not common. The vimaana has the images of Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma and Subramanya along with the faces of 27 Sidhdhars all around the top of the walls. When you lean your ear inside the shrine of Chandikeswara we seem not to hear even the noise of the wind, as pointed out by the priest. Navagraha are carved on the ceiling of the Artha Mantapa along with eight Sidhdhas. The main deity is said to be installed on the Jeeva Samadhi (burial spot) of a Sage called Karoorar Rishi. The goddess idol was installed in later times. An ancient idol recognizable as Vinayaka is seen here.  The Theertham tank outside is said to be a Jalasamadhi (Water Grave) of a Sidhdhar.

Holy Water – Eesana Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Maha Vilwam (Aegle marmelos)

History

Kailasanathar Theroor is an ancient temple. An incomplete inscription found here is dated to the 3rd year of Rajendra Chola I (1013-45 CE). Another inscription found in a temple elsewhere mentions the temple, but the name of the Siva Temple at Therur is not ascertainable as the record is damaged and some parts missing. Mention is made of Land and Paddy donations. An inscription mentions this as an unfinished temple at that time.

Legend

Kailasanathar Theroor Dakshinamoorthy here is believed to have blessed Devendra. Th Lingam is installed on the grave of Karoorar Rishi and hence is called Kailasanathar, we were told.

Directions

Kailasanathar Theroor is about 3 kilometers east of Nagercoil and can be reached by road from both Nagercoil and Suchindram. The road from Theroor to the temple goes past the Theroor Bird Sanctuary and is a beautiful place. At a small division you have to go down in the road taking off on the left to reach the temple.

Stay and Food

None locally except tea shops. Closest place for food and stay is Nagercoil.

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