Nemam Jayamkonda Chozheeswarar Temple, Chettinadu - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 14 Km from Chettinad, and 17 Km from Karaikudi, Sri Jayamkonda Chozheeswarar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Nemam near Karaikudi. It is one of the top Chettinad places to visit.

Sri Jayamkonda Chozheeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is honored here as Chozheeswarar or Soleeswarar, along with his consort Soundara Nayaki. Commonly referred to as Nemam Sivan Temple, this temple is one of the nine Nagarathar temples, which are ancestral temples of the Nattukottai Nagarathars located in the Chettinad region, established by tradition in the year 714 CE. Additionally, the temple is recognized as a Thevara Vaippu Sthalam, as it is mentioned in the Devaram hymns.

Jayamkonda Soleeswarar Temple is believed to be approximately 1500 years old. While the majority of Nagarathar temples were originally constructed by the Pandya Kings, this particular temple was built by the Cholas, likely in the 11th or 12th century, but underwent extensive renovations by the Pandya King Varaguna Pandiyan. Nevertheless, most of the temple's current structure reflects the classic Nagarathar/Chettinad architectural style.

According to legend, the devas were once tormented by the asuras and sought protection from Siva. At that time, Siva was in a state of yoga, and to gain his attention, the devas requested Kama to awaken the Lord. Kama fashioned an arrow from flowers and shot it at Siva, hoping it would be perceived as an act of worship rather than a disturbance. However, despite this noble intention, Siva was disturbed from His Yoga and incinerated Kama to ashes! As Shiva resisted the allure of Manmatha, He earned the name Jayamkondan, and since the temple was constructed by the Cholas, He became known as Jayamkonda Soleeswarar. This location is also referred to as Jayamkonda Cholapuram, Jayamkondapuram, Madhunadhipuram, and Kulasekarapuram. It is said that Agastyar worshipped here on his journey to the Podhigai hills.

The temple is oriented towards the east and features a 5-tier Rajagopuram. Following the Rajagopuram, one can find the Dwajasthambam, balipeedam, and Rishabam situated under the mandapam. The southern side of the Rajagopuram consists of 3 tiers. Within the sanctum sanctorum of the temple resides the Sivalingam. Ambal Soundarya Nayaki is located in a separate sannidhi, also facing east. Ambal is depicted in a standing position with abhaya varada hastam. It is noteworthy that Bhairavar is oriented towards the west, which is an unusual arrangement. Additionally, there are distinct shrines dedicated to Jayamkonda Vinayakar, Murugan, Vishwanathar, Visalakshi, Gajalakshmi, and Durga. This temple is also home to nearly 125 sculptures of remarkable beauty, some of which are quite rare. For example, there exists a sculpture featuring a head resembling Vinayaka, a female body, one leg of a lion, and another leg of a bullock. Sculptures illustrating the Meenakshi Kalyanam, Kalasamharamurthy, Urdhva Thandavam, and Markandeyar can also be found within this temple.

There is a temple tank known as Chola Teertham, which is regarded as auspicious by devotees. It is believed that after taking a dip in this tank, one must offer garlands to all the deities of the temple, which is said to ensure the fulfillment of their wishes.

Timings: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM

Entry: Free