Mahadevar Kappiarai

Mahadevar, Kappiarai

Saivite Temples, Kanyakumari District

God

Mahadeva, facing east

Goddess

None

Other Deities

Ganesha

Mahadevar Kappiarai is a small but beautiful and immaculate temple set on a rising mound. The temple has a single spacious Prakaram with a raised platform on one side. The Nandi is in a Mantapam and the Shiva Lingam is about 1.5 feet tall. Lord Ganesha is on the left in a small shrine as you enter the Sanctum Sanctorum. The sanctum is in circular shape. The old Vimaanam has been replaced with a regular concrete structure on top. There is a temple pond east of the temple. The surroundings are beautiful and tranquil. The stone vessel to collect the ablution water is a fine old piece. There is also a small but worn out Vinayaka idol kept outside.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Temple tank

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Mahadevar Kappiarai is an ancient temple and could go back several hundred years. Historical information is not available as of now. But we found several places where the ancient stone inscriptions have worn away largely.

Legend

The local caretaker told a couple of strange instances involving Mahadevar Kappiarai including that of a devotee who demanded and threatened the priest to take and give the food offering made to the Lord from the closed Sanctum Sanctorum. This was done and the receiver never got up after consuming it.

Directions

Mahadevar Kappiarai is in a remote location and the temple will not be open mostly. However if you ask nearby someone will open the temple for you. To reach the temple you have to reach Palliadi first which is 8 kilometers south east of Marthandam. From there reach Alathur Junction and take a sharp right to get into a very small road. The road is beautiful in terms of trees, birds and a large lake on the way. From here you have to proceed for 3 kilometers to reach the Mahadevar Kappiarai temple. Ask people as you go along so as not to miss the temple, which is a little to the right from this small road. Refer to our map below for exact location.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest is Palliadi for tea and snacks. Marthandam has a few restaurants. It is advisable to stay in Nagercoil.

Saivite Temples - Kanyakumari District

Tamilnadu Temples