Kothandarameswarar Kayathar

God

Kothandarameswarar, facing east

Goddess

Akhilandeswari, facing south

Other Deities

Dwara Vinayaka, Sethu Bandana Anjaneya, Ujjaini Mahakali, Adhikara Nandi, Suryan, Vinayaka, 63 Nayanmar, Kannimoolaganapathi, Venkatachalapathi, Varula Ganapthi, Panch bhootha Lingams, Bhoodevi, Kasi Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Subramanya with consorts, Saneeswara, Kala Bhairava, Chandran, Natarajar, Sivakami, Sages Pathanjali and Vyakrapadar, Karaikkal Ammaiyar. Sanctum niches – Dakshinamurthy, Carvings of Yoga Narasimhar and Brahma, Durga, Chandikeswara

Kothandarameswarar Kayathar is an east-facing temple with an entrance and a large mandapam in the south side. There is a small entrance doorway in the east that faces the Kayathar River. Kothandarameswarar Kayathar has an inner Prakaram around the sanctum sanctorum and an outer Prakaram. The mandapam on the east side has a carving of Ujjaini Mahakali considered a deity worshiped by the ancient King Vikramaditya. The famous King Veerapandya Kattabomman who fought against the Britishers was hung to death in a Tamarind Tree here in Kayathar. His memorial is in front of the Kothandarameswarar Kayathar temple near the highway.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Kayathar River

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Kothandarameswarar Kayathar is an ancient temple as is evident from the idols, carvings, and architecture. Historic information is not available as of now.

Legend

Lord Rama is believed to have worshiped Lord Shiva here at Kothandarameswarar Kayathar to get relief from the curse of killing Ravana in Sri Lanka. The lord here wears a Tulsi (Indian Basil) Leaf Garland which has a bitter taste. The name of the River Kayathar means bitter river and it is believed that the name of the place came from this aspect.

Directions

Kothandarameswarar Kayathar is outside and on the north side of Kayathar Village on NH44. The Veerapandya Kattabomman Memorial is on the main road and you can reach Kothandarameswarar Kayathar from both sides of the memorial as it is behind it and across the Kayathar River. Kayathar is 35 kilometers north of Tirunelveli and 30 kilometers south of Kovilpatti on the National Highway 44.

Stay and Food

None locally. The closest is Tirunelvei and Kovilpatti depending on your travel plan.