Temples of Tirunelveli
Tirunelveli has a rich Hindu tradition. Though the roots of the city are deeply entrenched in Hindu mythology, Tirunelveli is populated by people of all religions, with Hindus, Christians, Muslims and Jains forming a major proportion of the local people. However, the cultural heritage of Tirunelveli is overwhelmingly Hindu and one of the most important reasons that it is famous among tourists and art and architecture enthusiasts. Despite having a pluralistic population, Tirunelveli in general, enjoys religious, racial and cultural harmony.
Popular Temples
Nellaiappar Temple
Nellaiappar Temple is famous as one of the largest Shiva Temples of Tamil Nadu. The temple is situated in the centre of the city at a distance of two kilometres from the railway station in Tirunelveli Town. The main Railway station is situated in Tirunelveli Junction railway station. It is a twin temple dedicated to Parvati and Shiva.
Sri Kalakodi Dharma Sastha Temple Karakurichi
This is near Tirunelveli. Nearest location is Ambasamudram. When travelling towards Karakurichi from Nagercoil, we pass through Thovala, Ervadi, Kalakkad, Cheranmahadevi and next Karakurichi and road goes to AmbaSamudram and from there to Papanasam.
A famous Ayyappa temple is situated in karakurichi, Sri Kalakodi Dharma Sastha Temple near a river, people call it koovam. Lord Ayyappa is the main deity, sub deities are Ganapathy,Shiva,Navagrahas and Veera Bhadran. Here Navagrahas are present along with their wives, that is Dampathy Sametha. Kumbhabhisekam of the temple was conducted recently. Two festivals are important here; that is during mandala pooja and panguni utthra. A Laksharchana is conducted during Mandala Pooja with other abhisekhams.
Sri Chekkadi Saasthaa Temple
Between Nellai appar sannadhi and Ghandimathi amman sannadhi there is a small lane near saraswathi ambaal temple. If you go through that lane you will find Chekkadi saastha temple (Lord Ayyappan with poorana, pushkala). It is One of the ancient temple.
Sri Varadharaja Perumal Kovil
Sri Varadharaja Perumal Kovil is situated at Tirunelveli Junction. This temple is an ancient and reputed Vishnu temple. It lies on the banks of the Thamirabarani River.
Mela Thiruvenkatanathapuram Temple
The Mela Thiruvenkatanathapuram temple's sanctum has a Lord Srinivasa statue. The temple is located about 10 km south west of Tirunelveli, also beside the banks of Thamirabarani river. This temple is also called Thirunankovil.
Keezha Thiruvenkatanathapuram Temple
Sri Varadharaja Perumal Kovil is located in "Keezha Thiruvengadanaadhapuram", which is just half a kilometer from the famous "Then Thirupathi Shri Venkataachalapathy temple". Due to presence of red soil in the area where the temple is located, it derives its name of Sengani - Sen meaning Red and Kani meaning Land in Tamil. The name was later changed to Sangani. This temple lies to the east of "Then Thirupathi Perumal", about 6 km from Tirunelveli.
Azhagiya Kootthar and Sivagami Ambal Temple
Sri Azhagiya Koothar Temple at Rajavallipuram near Tirunelveli is a famous Natarajar temple situated on the banks of Tamirabarani River. Locals also refer to it as Sepparai. Lord Natarajar and Sivagami Ambal are the main deities while Nellaiappar, Gandhimathi Ambal amongst others, are minor deities. Kumbhavisekam was conducted on January 2007. Two important festivals here are Aani Therottam and Margazhi Thiruvadhira.
Vaithya Lingam Temple
Vaithya Lingam Temple is located at Aladipatti, which is 30 km from Tirunelveli on the way to Tenkasi. The temple's sanctum has sri vaithya lingam swami and goddess yogambigai. The other deities of the temple for various castes of people are Sudalai Madan Samy and Karuppa Samy.