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Tirunelveli Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Tirunelveli

  • 01Nellaiappar Temple

    Nellaiappar Temple in Tirunelveli is the largest Shiva Temple in the whole of Tamil Nadu. It was constructed in 700 A.D by the Pandyas and is composed of two distinct shrines for Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvathy. These are connected by the Sangili Mandapam which was constructed during the 17th century.

    The temple towers were also built in the 17th century. According to the myth, the temple was one of the places where Shiva danced the Tandava and hence is an important centre for classical dance and other art forms.

    Inside the temple is the Thaamirai Ambalam or “copper stage” which celebrates this belief. Visiting Nellaiappar Temple during the festivals of Tirukkalyanam, Navaratri and Arurdra Darisanam would be a rewarding experience.

    These happen during the period between October 15 and November 15, during the Tamil month of Aippasi. The Thaipoosam Festival is another famous festival that is celebrated in the Temple. Visitors will not have any trouble finding the temple as it is right in the middle of the town.

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  • 02Mela Thiruvenkatanathapuram Temple

    Mela Thiruvenkatanathapuram Temple

    Mela Thiruvenkatanathapuram Temple is located in a quaint little village which goes by the same name. The place is also known as Thirunankovil and is located on top of a hillock. Legend has it that Sage Pilor, student of Maharishi Vyasa, meditated here on the banks of the Thamarabarani river.

    Mahavishnu, appeased by his penance, appeared before him as Lord Srinivasa and blessed him. At the request of Sage Pilor, the deity agreed to be present at the place permanently. The sage is responsible for the building of the temple initially, but the temple as we see it today was constructed by King Venkatappa Naicker.

    The bathing area near the temple in the river Thamirabarani is known as Srinivasa Theertha Ghat. The most important festival that is celebrated here is the “Garuda Sevai”. This is celebrated during the Thiruvonam day and on every Saturday of the Tamil Month of Vaikasi, which comes between September and October every year. This would be the best time to visit the temple.

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  • 03Kappal Matha Church

    Kappal Matha Church

    Kappal Matha Church is dedicated to the worship of St. Mary. It is located on the seashore and is designed to resemble a ship. The original Kappal Matha Church was destroyed due to sea erosion. A newer Church was built over the ruins of the original Kappal Matha Church in 1974.

    The Church has its fair share of customs and beliefs. One of those customs is that young women visit its nunnery and stay over there for the night. It is said that once a light appeared above the statue of Selvamatha, even when no lamps or candles were lit and continued to shine for an entire hour.

    Hence, 18th September, the date when this happened, is celebrated every year in the Church, with great pomp and splendour. The Church was run by the Goa Mission for many years. The Church is located 75 km from Tirunelveli, in a coastal village called Uvari.

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  • 04Sri Alzhiya Mannar Rajagopala Swamy Temple

    Sri Alzhiya Mannar Rajagopala Swamy Temple

    Sri Alzhiya Mannar Rajagopala Swamy Temple is at least a thousand years old and is one of the oldest temples in South India. Devotees come in large numbers from all parts of the country to this temple, to pay their respects to the presiding deity.

    It is generally believed that a visit to the temple cures any serious illnesses that the devotee suffers from. The devout also believe that their sins wash away after they pay their respects to the deity in the temple.

    They believe visiting the temple, at least once in their life can cure them and help them to lead a normal life again. The temple architecture is beautiful and is one of the reasons for its popularity among tourists as well as the locals.

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  • 05Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple

    Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple was constructed many centuries back by King Krishnavarma who was a staunch follower of Sri Varadaraja Perumal. According to legend, the deity came to the aid of the king as Veeraraghavan when he was attacked by the king of a neighbouring kingdom. This temple was built by the king in honour of the deity.

    A city was also built by the king around the temple, called Veeraraghavapuram. The temple lies on the banks of the river Thamirabarani. The main deity of the temple or “Moolavar” is Veeraraghavan and the “Ustava Moorthy” is Sri Varadharaja Perumal, after whom the temple is named.

    The best times of the year to visit this temple would be during the festival seasons. Visiting during the Brahma Utsavam, celebrated during the Tamil month of Chitarai (mid-April to mid-May) would be a rewarding experience. The temple timings are from 7.00 am to 11.00 am and 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm.

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  • 06Keezha Thiruvenkatanathapuram - Keezha Thirupathi

    Keezha Thiruvenkatanathapuram - Keezha Thirupathi

    Keezha Thiruvenkatanathapuram is a village located some 10 km away from Tirunelveli. The temple that is located here was known as “Sengani”, which literally translates to Red Land. But the title has since been changed to “Sangani”.

    The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is noted for its resemblance to the famous Tirupathi Temple. It was built in the 12th century by King Verapandian. It is also to be noted that the main tree of the temple is bamboo, unlike other Hindu temples.

    This is close to the Mela Thiruvenkatanathapuram Temple, where Lord Vishnu is the presiding deity. It is also extremely close to the Taen Kalahasthi Temple, which lies 250 m away, to the east of the Sangani Temple.

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