Sri Kailasanathar Temple - Srivaikuntam - History, Timings & Entry Fee
Pilgrimage
#18 of 23 Places to Visit in Tirunelveli
Distance (From Tirunelveli): 30 Kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 30 Mins
Place Location: At Srivaikuntam
Transportation Options: Cab / Walk/Trek
Travel Tips: None
At a distance of 1 km from Sri Vaikuntanatha Swamy Temple, 30 km from Tirunelveli and 39 km from Thoothukudi, Sri Kailasanathar Temple is another important Hindu temple situated in Srivaikuntam town of Tamilnadu.
Sri Kailasanathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is the 6th Nava Kailasam temple which is dedicated to Planet Saturn. The temple is originally believed to be built by the Pandiya king, Chandrakula Pandiya. He built the central shrine and vimana of the temple. Veerappa Nayak (1609-23 AD), a ruler of Madurai Nayak dynasty built the Yagasala, flag staff and Sandana Sababathy hall.
According to the legend, Sage Romasa wanted to install the Shivalingas on the banks of the Thamirabarani. So, he asked his guru Agasthiya about this, who advised to throw flowers used for Shiva puja on the river and do the installations wherever the flowers reached the shores. Based on his advice, sage Romasa threw lotus flowers, nine of these flowers reached the bank. One lotus flower reached Srivaikuntam and is dedicated to one of the planets Sri Sani Bhagawan.
The temple was constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. It has three precincts. Shiva is worshipped as Kailasanathar and his consort Parvati as Sivakami. Sri Sani Bhagawan Sannidhi is situated separately. Those who are affected by Sani dosha pray to Sri Kailasanathar and Sri Sani to get the curse relieved. It is a belief that this is equal to Thirunallaru Sani Bhagawan temple. A guardian deity, by name Bhoothanathar is one of the major shrines in the temple. The image of Bhoothanathar is made of wood and the deity is given the primary role during the Chittirai Brahmotsavam festival.
The Brahmotsavam festival celebrated during the Tamil months of Chittirai (April - May) and Aippasi (October - November) are the most prominent festivals of the temple. Sivarathri, Arattu festival, Thirukalyanam and Kanthasasthi are the other festivals celebrated with great devotion here.
Timings: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 7 PM
