Nellaiappar Temple, Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu

I must had been very small when I visited Nellaiappar temple last time (should be at least 20+ years :); By then, I did not have the age to realize the marvelous architecture nor didn’t feel anything special about the temple till visited yesterday. But now, I realize this wonder , am totally blown by the beautiful architecture of the temple.

The temple has so many intricate sculptures that are unimaginable unless you see it for yourself. The temple campus itself is so huge campus, supported by hundreds of stone pillars, each uniquely sculptured. I would say, It is mere impossible to find even a single pillar/wall which does not have an art work on it.

The musical pillars in the main mandapam is one of the highlights of the temple – each pillar creates sound in different tones and pitches when you knock them.

The temple also features a “Aayiram Kaal Mandapam” (Hall with thousands pillars) with it’s fine carvings & arts on each and every pillar, and the congregation hall with intricate wood work are some of the unique features in this temple. I must say that it’s one of the unique architecture wonder which you can’t see in all the temples of India – this one is really unique.

Quick History of the Temple:
This temple is known to have been built in 7th century A.D. According to the history & records, both the towers were built by the Pandiya king “Muluthukanda Rama Pandiyan” and the other significant parts of the temple were constructed later by Nindraseer Nedumaran who came-in-power in the 7th century A.D. Originally the Nellaiappar and Kanthimathi temples were two autonomous constructions with spaces in between but later around 16th century were conjoined by building a mandapam and a garden.

Share this

Pon Paulraj