Kasi Viswanathar Agaram

Kasi Viswanathar, Agaram

Saivite Temples - Thoothukudi

God

Kasi Viswanathar, facing east

Goddess

Kasi Visalakshi, facing south

Other Deities

Kanni Vinayakar, Muruga with consorts, Navagraha, Bhairava, Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeswara

Kasi Viswanathar Agaram is a small east-facing temple with an entrance gate that leads into the single Prakaram. The sanctum of the main deity faces east and that of the goddess faces south. Both idols are visible from the same spot. Nandi and Balipeedam are in front. The temple has been renovated in recent times, and we could find a few old idols kept outside. The Tamiraparani River flows from north to south behind Kasi Viswanathar Agaram similar to the Kasi (Varanasi) temple and is hence considered as Dakshina Gangai and Dakshina Kasi by many.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Kasi Theertham section of Tamiraparani River

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Kasi Viswanathar Agaram is an old temple that has been mentioned in the Tamiraparani Mahathmaeyam by Sage Vyasa.

Legend

Saathyan, husband of a nymph called Saathyai of the Devalokha was once burned in anger by Lord Shiva’s third eye. Saathyai was cursed to be borne as a human being on earth. She was borne as a child, Kanchanamalini, to a couple, Surudhidhama and Kamalini who lived in today’s Agaram area. She grew up as a devotee of Lord Shiva and became a disciple of Sage Kanwa learning many important scriptures and mantras. Pleased with her devotion the Lord appeared with his consort, resurrected Saathyan, and took both of them back to Devalokha. This is the legend behind Kasi Viswanathar Agaram temple.

Directions

Kasi Viswanathar Agaram is 15 kilometers east of Tirunelveli off the Thoothukudi Highway. Take the left after crossing the Tamiraparani River Bridge when going from Tirunelveli. It is a small side road that leads inside. Ask for Dasavatara Perumal Temple which is better known and near Kasi Viswanathar Agaram.

Stay and Food

None locally. The closest for food and stay is Tirunelveli.

Saivite Temples

Tamilnadu Temples