Nageswarar Periyamanali

God

Nageswarar, facing east

Goddess

Sivakami Ambal, facing south

Other Deities

Surya, Naalvar, Vinayaka, Kalyana Subramanya with consorts, Naagar, Bhairava, Saneeswara, Navagraha, Chandran

Nageswarar Periyamanali is an east-facing temple with a 3 tiered Rajagopuram at the entrance in the east. Outside the Rajagopuram is a stone Dwajasthambam with a small mandapam at the base and a Mukha Mandapam. On the sides of the entrance are Vinayaka and Muruga. A Balipeedam, Flagstaff, and a beautiful Nandi face the main deity. A mandapam open in the sides leads up to the sanctum sanctorum of the main deity and the south-facing shrine of the goddess. A small Ardha Mandapam is before the main deity. The lingam is on a pedestal and reaches a total height of about 4 feet at the top. the idol of the goddess in standing posture is also about 4 feet tall. Nageswarar Periyamanali is situated in a single large and beautiful prakaram in the same campus as the adjoining Venugopala temple on the north side. The campus is filled with flowering plants and impeccably maintained. Outside and nearby is a famous and large temple for Kari Kaliamman. These temples are more like models for cleanliness and excellent maintenance.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No information

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

History

Nageswarar Periyamanali is an ancient temple that has been almost completely rebuilt by including some of the old elements. Historical information is not available as of now.

Legend

Nageswarar Periyamanali is connected with the legend of a widow called Pappathi who used to pray to the Lord all the time. One day the Lord appeared before her and at the same time, a snake came out of the lingam and went back inside. Thus the name of the main deity is Nageswarar (Naga means snake).

Directions

Nageswarar Periyamanali is about 25 kilometers southwest of Rasipuram and northwest of Namakkal.

Stay and Food

None locally. The closest is Salem or Namakkal depending on your travel plans.