Ever heard of a small town that gathers more attention than most of the popular cities in Tamil Nadu? Let’s introduce to Tirunelveli, the land of temples, where devotees and admirers of art visit in masses from all over the world. Known for the sheer number of temples it is home to, this place has the aura of spirituality and tranquillity unlike anywhere else you’ll see. If you can understand and sense vibes, Tirunelveli is a place that you will love for the positivity it emits. The temples in Tirunelveli always leave every visitor in awe.
Visiting Tirunelveli is like stepping into a time capsule because it has preserved the memory and heritage of the Tamil people over thousands of years. These cultural gems are often displayed in the form of beautiful and intricate carvings and sculptures all around the town. Most of the famous temples have Gopuram, that each depicts stories of their own from the Hindu Mythology.
If ancient architecture and spirituality appeal to you, visiting the temples in Tirunelveli will be your definition of a perfect break from reality. Here is everything essential you need to know about the temples in Tirunelveli.
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Spanning over 14 acres, this huge temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Devi Parvathi, also known as Kanthimathi Amman. This temple is one of the most famous in the city, being built 2,500 years ago! Nellaiappar temple is said to be one of the 5 Shiva temples that are the 5 sabhais or performance halls in Hindu Mythology. Lord Shiva danced as Natraja in these sabhais; the dance in this temple is known as the Gowri Thandavam and the sabhai is called Thamira Sabhai i.e. the copper hall. Following are the 5 places you must visit in this grand temple complex:
Built more than 300 years ago, this temple is known to be one of the 6 abodes of the Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva, also referred to as Arupadai Veedu. It is located 60 Km from Tirunelveli. The eleven-tiered Gopuram here is majestic and a sight to be in awe of.
10 Km away from Tirunelveli, this small temple is dedicated to Lord Balaji of Tirumalai. This temple is known as ThenThirupathi, which means the South Tirupathi.
Nine Temples Dedicated To The Planets and Celestial Bodies:
Pluto’s position as a planet may have been a controversy for us in the present, but there is a set of temples in Tirunelveli dedicated to the planets and important celestial bodies of our solar system. The presiding deity at these temples is Lord Vishnu. Located within 10 Km of each other, these temples are perhaps the most fascinating ones you will visit. Following are the names of the 9 architectural and astronomical wonders:
Located about 50 Km away from Tirunelveli, this temple in the ancient city of Sankaran Kovil is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The deity represents half of Lord Shiva and Half of Lord Vishnu. The left side of the deity is seen with a Lakshmi mala, a dangling earring, and a conch, symbolizing Lord Vishnu. The right side of the deity shows a crescent moon, rudraksha, and the Mazhu, all symbolizing Lord Shiva.
This temple is special as it is the official symbol of the Tamil Nadu Government. It is known to be the birthplace of the only female saint among the 12 Alwar Saints, Sri Andal. It is believed that she married the Lord in her mind through her act of unwavering faith and devotion.
The Raja Gopuram with its magnificent appeal cannot be missed. It is the tallest Gopuram in Tamil Nadu and is worth appreciating before you enter the temple.
Situated about 100 Km away from Tirunelveli, this temple is also known as Thanumalayan Temple. The deity of this temple is a combination of three of the mightiest deities, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma. There are three parts to the temple, where the top, or Sthanu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, The middle “Mal” represents Lord Vishnu and the bottom known as “Ayan” is for Lord Brahma. The temple also has an 18 feet tall statue called Anjaneyar, which depicts Lord Hanuman in his giant form known as Viswaroopam. There is also a 130 feet tall Gopuram that showcases sculptures depicting the Hindu Mythology.
Kanyakumari is the southernmost tip of India. The name originates from the Devi Kanya Kumari Temple in the vicinity. The Kumari Amman Temple is another interesting temple in Tirunelveli. Located at the rocky shore of Kanyakumari, this temple garners a lot of worshippers throughout the seasons. Also called Shakthi Peetha, the goddess Amman is said to be a young maiden holding a rudraksha in one hand wearing a dazzling nose ring that is visible even from the sea. There is a legend stating her bright nose ring was mistaken for a light from the lighthouse, which as a consequence led to a boat crashing on the shores. Since then, the Eastern Door to the temples remain closed and are opened during festivities.
There are two famous rocks situated on the shore of Kanyakumari. The Vivekananda rock is said to be the one on which Swami Vivekananda meditated upon. The second rock is famous because the statue of the famous Tamil poet Tiruvulluvar has been erected upon. When you visit this unique temple, also take in the beauty of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean blending into one.
Even though Tirunelveli is known as the land of temples, there are other interesting places that you need to visit to have the complete experience of being immersed in a town tour. These are the top 3 places one must visit apart from the beautiful temples in Tirunelveli for a truly enriching trip.
Tirunelveli would be incomplete without the mention of its famous Krishnapuram Sculptures and should be on the top sites to visit for any tourist. You will notice a lot of attractive sculptures all around the town, but these are unlike any other you will have ever seen. Researchers, sculptors, and connoisseurs of art are drawn to this attraction in large numbers throughout the year. The Venkatachalapathy temple is considered to have the treasure of the best Krishnapuram sculptures as well as impressive architecture. The statues and handicrafts are dedicated mainly to Lord Venkatachalapathy along with Bhu Devi and Sri Devi among other deities. These sculptures narrate the life and times of Tamil civilization. A guide will be able to explain the story of heroics and tragedies of the history which are immortalized beautifully in the Krishnapuram statues.
Manjolai is a beautiful hill station in Tirunelveli situated at an altitude of 1162 sq meters. Compared to the queen of hill stations, i.e. Udhgamandalam, Manjolai gives a tourist the rest and rejuvenation they crave so badly. The overall climate is heavenly and finding a great place to stay is easy due to an array of options. The place is known for all the tea plantation estates situated there, the most famous one being the Bombay Burma Tea Estate. Taking a tour of these plantations is a unique experience one should witness. The tea plantation and processing industry here employs about 4,000 people and creates more employment opportunities for the locals constantly. You can take a walk around the lush paths and breathe in the crisp air as you appreciate the stunning beauty of the land before you.
Dasan Pool is a water body located between Manjolai and Manimuthar. The cool water amidst the greenery is a sight to behold and is an amazing place to leverage your photography skills. The hill goes upwards towards two more beautiful locations in proximity to the pool. Kakkachi and Nalumukku are two of the other beautiful lakes present in Manjolai that will lighten your spirits.
This particular place is a must-visit since it is an important landmark in the Indian struggle for freedom. Pulithevar, the first chieftain of Tamil Nadu used this palace as his headquarters during the freedom struggle. He is also believed to be responsible for the uprising and revolution of Tamil Nadu against the Britishers.
By Air: The airport nearest to Tirunelveli is Tuticorin, which is situated 35 km away from Tirunelveli. There is a daily flight scheduled from Chennai to Tuticorin, so tourists who prefer flights can come to Chennai airport and take a connecting flight to Tuticorin.
By Railway: Rail is also a convenient option for tourists if they want to enjoy the journey and change in the landscape. All you have to do is come to Chennai, which is well connected by trains to all the major cities in the country. More than 13 trains run between Chennai and Tirunelveli daily and the journey takes about 11 hours.
By Road: Well connected to all the major highways of the country, Tirunelveli is easily accessible by roads. The quality of the roads is good which means you can have a comfortable journey.
Tirunelveli is truly the home of temples and destination for devotees. Every year, thousands are drawn to this town, all bound by faith and the belief in higher powers that guide and protect them. Some come to fulfill a promise, while others come in gratitude. This beautiful and spiritual location also attracts a lot of visitors who admire the architecture, history and the rich culture of the Tamil people. Whatever your reasons, visiting the temples in Tirunelveli is an experience unlike any other one, should embark on!
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