Introduction :
Sage Uromasamunivar, the grandson of Brahma, who was afflicted with the Brahmahatti dosha, went to many places to worship Lord Shiva to get rid of his dosha. He came to this area, which was a forest full of linden trees. At the base of a tamarind tree, the Lord appeared in the form of a self-manifested (Swayambhu) idol. Later, a sacred tank was created at that spot, and the Lord was consecrated there. After performing worship with devotion and offering his prayers, the person who did this was freed from his Brahmahatya (killing of a Brahmin) sin. The Shiva idol consecrated by him is now revered as Kailasanathar in this temple, where the Lord continues to bless devotees with grace.
Temple History and Legends:
In the Navakailayams, the temple known as “Adhikalayam” is believed to grant the same merit as visiting Kashi and Rameswaram if one worships Lord Shiva here. It is believed by devotees that worshiping Shiva in this temple gives the same benefit as visiting those holy places.
Among the Navagraha temples, the one dedicated to the Sun God is here, where the Sun God is enshrined in a separate sanctum and presides over the temple. During the Dakshinayanam and Uthrayanam periods, the Sun God spreads his rays over the self-manifested idol of the Lord, which is a unique feature not found in other temples. This place is considered significant because it is the temple where Lord Shiva is believed to have removed the curse of Brahma’s grandson. Therefore, the town is known as “Brahmadosham”, and later it became known as “Brahmadeesam”.
It is also called “Ayaniswaram” (Ayan meaning Brahma; Varam meaning blessing) and later was given to the scholars who chanted the four Vedas by King Rajaraja Chola, which led to it being called “Rajaraja Chaturvedi Mangalam”.
The temple’s Rajagopuram is designed in such a way that its full reflection falls in the water tank in front of it. Like the Big Temple in Thanjavur, the temple is adorned with detailed painting work, and the architecture reflects the grandeur of Chola architecture.
The sculpture work in the temple was done during the Chola dynasty, woodwork during the Chera dynasty, mandapam work during the Pandya dynasty, and the fortification work during the Nayak dynasty.
This temple, which is distinguished by its grand tower, has three towers - the Rajagopuram, the Madhyagopuram, and the Melagopuram - and six vimanas.
When standing on the lotus-shaped circular stone in the temple prakaram (corridor) and looking around, everything comes into view in a single perspective, which is remarkable. The Lord, the temple, and the sacred tank all add to the unique significance of this place. The main deity, Lord Shiva, was previously worshiped in a magnificent form, adorned with a large necklace, chains, and jewelry, standing at a height of seven feet. Also, a beautiful sculpture of the Pichadanar is placed to the right of the goddess at the same height, which astonishes all who see it.
Devotees here believe that if they eat the tamarind fruit with devotion, they will be blessed with a child. As a result, many of the devotees residing here name their children after Nandi.
Festivals and Celebrations:
Kailasanathar Temple celebrates several grand festivals throughout the year, with Maha Shivaratri being the most prominent. During this festival, the temple sees an influx of devotees who observe fasting, night vigils, and prayers to Lord Shiva. The temple is adorned with flowers, lights, and special decorations, creating a spiritual atmosphere of devotion and celebration.
- Maha Shivaratri: On this auspicious night, devotees chant mantras and perform various rituals to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. The atmosphere is filled with chanting, singing, and rituals, making it one of the most spiritually charged times in the temple.
- Navaratri and Other Festivals: The temple also celebrates other festivals like Navaratri, Thai Pongal, and Vaikasi Visakam, attracting devotees from all over Tamil Nadu. During these times, special pujas and processions take place, filling the temple with vibrancy and devotion.
Location : Brahmadesam Kailasanathar Temple , Ambasamudram , Tirunelveli.