The
ancient twin temples dedicated to Kantimati and Nelliyappar have
adorned many pages of legends and history
due to demonstration of many Sivalilas here. The Sivan Tirukkovil is
regarded as one of the five Sabhas called Tamrasabha. Many royal
families endowed it lavishly and made it an exquisite gem of
sculptural art. Besides it is possessing rare jewels gifted by
rulers and philanthropists. The thousand pillared Hall is adorned
with beautiful carvings of high craftsmanship and the
parivaradevathas are fittingly installed in grand niches. The
musical pillars emitting distinct sounds lure the visitors and wring
their admiration. It has many fascinating tales.
The
town Tirunelveli owes its origin to a devout priest living and
adoring this Lord in an exemplary way, and he was called Veda Sarma.
As his dedicated life won the appreciation of people, they were
regularly gifting him paddy during the harvest season for his
maintenance. In a certain year the farmers gave him liberally due to
bumper harvest. He heaped it up in his compound. All on a sudden
there was a heavy down pour and the river overflowed its banks. His
paddy was threatened to be engulfed by the flood and would soon be
carried away by it. He then ripped open his heart and prayed to His
istadaivam piteously to come to his succor. Soon a stockade - Veli
was materialized in a flash around his Nel-paddy and protected it
from being washed off: The overjoyed crowds hailing his devotion
called this place Nel-veli. Later, it became Tirunelveli due to
addition of prefix Tiru to praise its glory. With the passage of
time, a big temple came up and around it a big town too that became
the head quarters of district.
The
temple lies in the heart of the Tirunelveli town, the head quarters
town of the same name enjoying all transport facilities.
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