Sivasailanadar Sivasailam

Saivite Temples, Tirunelveli District

God

Sivasailanadar, facing west

Goddess

Paramakalyani, facing west

Other Deities

Kodavasal Vinayaka, Adhikara Nandi, Suryan, Chandran, Annapurani, Mahalakshmi, Juradevar, Bhairava, Kasi Voswanathar, Visalakshi, Navaneetha Krishnan, 63 Nayanmar, Saptha Kanniyar, Naalvar, Arulnandi, Umapathi, Selva Vinayakar, Nellaiappar, Gandhimathi. Sanctum niches – Dakshinamurthi, Vishnu Durga

Sivasailanadar Sivasailam is a large west-facing temple with 2 Prakarams. The outer Prakaram encloses the complete temple and all the shrines and sanctum sanctorum are inside the second Prakaram. A large Mantapam leads into a larger Mahamantapam with high ceilings and excellent carved pillars. The main deity is a beautiful lingam with snake armor and other ornaments. The Lingam has hair like marks at the back which can be seen through the gaps behind. The Nandi here is particularly beautiful. The Gadanathi River flows north and east of the temple. On its banks is a Mani Mantapam of the temple.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Gadanathi (River)

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Sivasailanadar Sivasailam is an ancient temple, Vaippu Sthalam, that has been mentioned in the Thevaram Hymns of Thirunavukkarasar (7th Century CE).

Legend

Sivasailanadar Sivasailam is a Suyambu Lingam discovered as a herd of cows belonging to a local chieftain showered milk on it. It is believed that Lord Indra, to get relief from a curse, was advised by Lord Shiva to install a Nandi facing east in a temple where he faces west. Indra asked the sculptor Mayan to create the Nandi Idol. It was so realistic and looked as if it is about to get up. The sculptor carved a scratch on its back to ensure it stays seated. The mark can be seen on Nandi’s back here at Sivasailanadar Sivasailam.

Directions

Sivasailanadar Sivasailam is 3.5 kilometers west of Alwarkurichi. Awarkuruchi is about 13 kilometers northwest of Ambasamudram on the road to Tenkasi.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest is Ambasamudram for food and stay.

Saivite Temples

Sivasailanadar, Sivasailam