Meikandeswarar Kayalpattinam

God

Meikandeswarar, facing west

Goddess

Meignanavalli, facing east

Other Deities

Vinayaka

Meikandeswarar Kayalpattinam is a small west-facing temple occupying a large area. The main deity faces west. The goddess is in a separate east-facing sanctum.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No information

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Meikandeswarar Kayalpattinam is an ancient temple that had been dilapidated till some years back. A small amount of work has been done to bring it to its present condition. Historical information is not available as of now. Kayalpattinam is known for its many mosques, some of which are very old. Kayalpattinam (old name Korkai, Kayal) was a famous port dating back to the first century CE, finding mention in ancient scriptures including that of Marco Polo.

Legend

No information

Directions

Meikandeswarar Kayalpattinam is about 9 kilometers north of Tiruchendur. Take the Thoothukudi road and continue straight without turning left to Arumuganeri to reach Meikandeswarar Kayalpattinam. There is another Shiva temple and a Perumal temple also at Kayalpattinam.

Stay and Food

None locally. The closest is Tiruchendur where there are many hotels, lodges, and restaurants for a comfortable stay and good food. Tiruchendur is about 40 kilometers south of Thoothukudi and 55 kilometers southeast of Tirunelveli. It is a well-connected coastal town.