Kailasanathar Koil - Srivaikuntham

Very close to the Kallapiran temple in Srivaikuntham that we just saw in the previous post, is this ancient Sivan temple. It is again one of nine Sivan temples along the Thamirabarani river called the Nava Kailasam temples. The Sivan in all these temples carries the name Kailasanathar and each one is dedicated to a Navagraha. This one is the Saneeswaran temple dedicated to Saturn.

It is a beautiful old temple originally built by the Pandian kings and added on to by Vijayanagar and Nayakkan kings. The sculptures here although less in number than at the Perumal temple, are equally awe inspiring. Note the intricate work done in granite on the warrior sculpture in the Muhamandapam. To the right is the shrine for a beautiful Nataraja idol that is called the Santhana Sabapathy covered in sandalwood paste. Also note that this temple has a large flat topped granite entrance way without the customary gopuram on top. Perhaps the builders never got around to building one or they never meant to build one. 

You may have noticed most temples that we went to were rather empty and devoid of people, which was nice for us to experience these places in peace. These are small towns and villages after all. But the people do flock to these temples on special days and times. We visited this particular temple during the Pradosham, which is the 13th day of every fortnight and occurs twice a month. The 3 hours that span the sundown are auspicious to worship Sivan.

Srivaikuntham - Kallapiran Thirukoil

This is an ancient Divya Desam Vishnu temple on the Thamirabarani River. There are nine important Vishnu temples along the Thamirabarani which are called the Nava Thirupathi Temples, each associated with a Navagraham. Some of the best granite sculptures of the 16th century Nayakkan era are found here at Srivaikuntham. The life size sculptures are exquisitely carved in granite which is a difficult medium to carve as it fragments easily.

The Lord here is known as Kallapiran because he once aided a bunch of robbers who stole from the rich and aided the poor. A Robin Hood kind of story. 

Solidly built granite temple, it is indeed worth visiting both for the blessings and to admire the art. 

The Thiruvengadamudayan hall to the right as you enter through the main entrance way is very beautiful.

Look for the simple elegant columns or pillars of the Pandian era and the more elaborately carved ones from the Nayakkan era. 

AlwarThirunagari is another one of the beautiful Nava Thirupathi temples very close to here which unfortunately we could not visit due to the lack of time.

Srivaikuntam

Thoothukudi / Tuticorin

Our next stop was Thoothukudi or Tuticorin, the port city. It was an easy 3.5 hour drive along the coast from Rameswaram. Decent road. Miles upon miles of salterns along the way. Never realized that the production of salt was such a big industry here.

We stayed at the Regency Tuticorin Hotel belonging to the GRT chain. We have stayed at GRT hotels before and we knew what to expect. Although rated only 3 stars, it is a clean, comfortable hotel with a decent restaurant. Thoothukudi being a busy port city I would have expected some classy business digs but this was the best in town and it served our purpose well. 

It was a good hub to visit Srivaikuntham, Thiruchendur, the historic sites of Panchalankurichchi, Adichanallur and others.