Mar

Kayathuru, Thirunelveli.

Posted by Shamala Krishnan

Kayatharu:

This place is about 30 Kms from Thirunelveli on NH to Madurai.

Veera Pandya Kattabomman statue.

This is the place where, the great Veera Pandya Kattabomman was hanged to death.

He sowed the seed for Freedom and earned the Eternal Fame. He had devotion to Lord Murugan. He was a courageous person, who never bowed before the then collectors.
Kayathuru: Siva temple.

The temple is as old as 1200 years, situated on the banks of River Gajatharu. Now the present name is known as Kayathuru.

Main deity: Swayambu Lingam known as Kodanda Rameswarar and his consort Ananda Valli. This is a small temple with single prakaram.

As we enter in we see Ganesha and 63 Nayanmars to one side. There is a stone sculpture of Nataraja with Sivakami Ammai. Near by to side we see Karaikal ammai and to the other side Patanjali Muni.

Subramanya Swamy with Valli and Devani is seen in separate sanctum. Saneeswarar is seen with Avudiar, on his vahana Crow. This is something unique about this temple.
Navagrah’s are seen separately here.

Purana says Sri Rama on his way to Sri Lanka worshipped Lord Siva of this place and obtained Kodandam (Bow) from Lord Siva, and was blessed by him. Hence the name for the deity is Kodanda Rameswarar.

King Raja Shekara Pandyan of Manapadai Veedu was blessed by Lord Siva of this place. The King used to visit the temple of Madurai Sunderaseswarar frequently. As year passed he was finding it difficult to visit the temple and he prayed. Siva was pleased and he wanted to help his devotee. King heard an Akashwani to worship Rameswarar at Kayatharu which is closer to his place. King did so and he renovated the temple.

After a long time, (more than 100 years) now the temple is been renovated by devotees recently and well maintained. All poojas are performed properly by the committee members with the help of Poojari.