Kulasekharanathar Paadhai

Kulasekharanathar, Paadhai

Saivite Temples - Tirunelveli District

God

Kulasekharanathar, facing east

Goddess

Sukandakundalambikai (Aavudainayaki Amman), facing east

Other Deities

Pallathudayar, Vinayaka, Naagar, Sapthakanniyar, Yogiswarar, Muruga with consorts, Saneeswara, Kala Bhairava. Sanctum niches – Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeswara

Kulasekharanathar Paadhai is an east-facing temple that was completely dilapidated till some years back. Efforts by locals and outsiders have resulted in the temple coming back to its glory. The entrance is from the south through a gateway. The sanctum sanctorum is entered after crossing a flagstaff, balipeedam, and Nandi on the east side. The large Mahamantapam houses the sanctums of two Shiva Lingams and their consorts – the main deity and that of Pallathudayar. Pallathudayar (one in a depression of the ground) is surrounded by water that oozes out of the ground. The main deity has the marking of Jadai (hair) in the back. Both have separate Nandis and both Lingams are facing east. The goddess of the main deity is in a separate sanctum on the south side of the temple. A single Prakaram houses all the shrines and the sanctums of this beautiful and peaceful temple. The Pachai River flows north of Kulasekharanathar Paadhai.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Pachai Aar (River)

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

History

Kulasekharanathar Paadhai was in a dilapidated state till recently. At present, the temple has been beautifully restored and presents a lovely sight. There are several inscriptions seen in the sanctum walls of Kulasekharanathar Paadhai, but the exact details of the same are not available as of now. It is said the Temple has been served by all three major empires of the period – Chera, Chola, and Pandya.

Legend

A cow that got lost in the forest and fell into a pit was rescued and upon orders of the local ruler the area was cleared. During the process, a crowbar fell on something solid and blood started oozing out. The Lingam was discovered and the temple was built. Lord Rama is believed to have visited this temple on his way to locate Sita and rescue her.

Directions

Kulasekharanathar Paadhai is about 5 kilometers north of Kalakkad via Karuvelankulam where another important Shiva Temple and a Perumal temple are there. This road goes on to Manjuvilai and the Pachaiyar Reservoir.

Stay and Food

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

Saivite Temples

Tamilnadu Temples