Sri Neelamaninathar Temple

Overview

Sri Neelamaninathar Temple is situated at a place called Kadayanallur, in the Tirunelveli District of the south Indian state Tamil Nadu. The temple is primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

About the Temple

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu who graces here as Lord Neelamani Nathar, who is also known by the name Karia Manicka Perumal. He blesses his devotees from the main sanctum sanctorum of the temple in a standing posture, along with his divine consorts Sri Bhoodevi and Sri Neeladevi Nachiyars. People, who are unable to fulfill their prayers of tonsuring in the much venerated Tirupati, can execute their prayer here. Sri Sudarsana (also called the Chakrathazhwar in Tamil) graces from a separate shrine here and appears with 16 hands. Two lions below the peeta are bearing Lord Sudarsana and Lord Yoga Narasimha is found behind him. On other unique feature of this temple is the presence of a five hooded serpent beneath Lord Narasimha. Devotees customarily perform the Sudarsana Homa to get relieved from impending threats and to attain success in all their endeavors.

Despite being a Vishnu temple, it also houses separate shrines for Lord Dakshinamurthi (A deity with the combined attributes of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma together). The Lord graces here along with two of his disciples (generally Lord Dakshinamurthy appears with four disciples in many other places). The other significance difference in his image here is that the Muyalagan found under his feet (symbol of ignorance) is seen resting his head to the left side against the usual right. There are a couple of Anjaneya images on the pillars, one as Bhaktha Anjaneya and the other with his left hand on the chest, while the right hand upward. People pray Sri Anjaneya here for attaining success in all their endeavors.

Legend and Stories

Arujuna, one among the Panch Pandavas is believed to have visited this place. Sometime after the end of Kurukshetra war, Arjuna is said to have visited a number of holy places in an attempt to cleanse himself from the sins of killing several lives during the war. Accordingly, he had also visited the revered Pothigai hills, where he is believed to have bathed in the Holy River Tambiraparani. On his way to the hills, he stayed under a Marudha tree for resting. That is when Vishnu appeared in his dream and had instructed Arjuna to find him in a nearby Marudha tree. He also advised the Pandava to worship Him there which would cleanse his sins completely. Upon waking up, Arjuna found the Lord’s vigraha together with his consorts. He offered prayers to the deity there for whom a king ruling that region later built a temple.

Festivals

The Chithirai Brahmmotsavam falling in the month of April-May is a grandly affair in this temple.

Prasad and Offering

Special Tirumanjanam is performed to the Perumal and Thayar here. Devotees also offer rice made of curry leaves and porridge (payasam) to the deity on the day of Tiruvonam nakshatra (star).

Significance

Those facing obstacles in matters pertaining to wedding, child welfare, ect pray the deity here seeking relief from the problems.

How To Reach Sri Neelamaninathar Temple, Kadayanallur

Airport

The nearest airport is the Madurai airport.

Railways

The nearest railway station is the Kadayanallur and Tenkasi Railway stations.

Road

Kadayanallur is situated about 135 kms from Madurai, on the Madurai- Tenkasi road.

Temple Address

Sri Neelamaninathar Temple,
Kadayanallur, Tirunelveli district,
Tamil Nadu, Pincode - 627 751.