Siva Temples In Tamilnadu
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TIRUNELVELI - KANTIMATI NELLIAPPAR TIRUKKOVIL

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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About Tirunelveli - Kantimati Nelliappar Tirukkovil
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