Nellaiyapper Temple, also known as Sri Krishnapuram Temple, is a famous Hindu temple in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here in the form of Nellaiyappar and his consort Goddess Parvati as Kanthimathi Amman.
The temple is renowned for its stunning Dravidian-style architecture and intricate carvings on the walls and pillars. The temple's main entrance, Rajagopuram, stands tall at around 120 feet and is one of the tallest towers in Tamil Nadu. The temple complex houses several smaller shrines dedicated to various deities like Vinayaka, Muruga, and Nataraja.
The temple also has a holy tank called Sivagangai, considered sacred by the devotees. The tank is believed to have healing powers, and taking a dip in the sacred water is said to cure various ailments.
The temple has historical and mythological significance. The temple is said to have been built by the Pandya kings and has undergone several renovations. It is also believed that the temple was visited by several saints and sages, including Adi Shankaracharya, who is said to have worshipped Lord Nellaiyappar here.
There are several other places to visit near Nellaiyapper Temple, including the Gandhi Memorial Museum, Tirunelveli Junction Railway Station, Papanasam, and Courtallam Waterfalls. The Gandhi Memorial Museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and showcases several artefacts and photographs related to his life. Papanasam is a small town on River Tamirabarani's banks, a popular local picnic spot. Courtallam Waterfalls is a scenic waterfall located in the Western Ghats, which is a popular tourist destination and a pilgrimage site.
Places To Visit Near Nellaiyapper Temple:
Tirunelveli:
Tirunelveli is the city of Nellaiyapper Temple and offers several attractions worth visiting. You can explore the Agasthiyar Falls, a scenic waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Visit the Kanthimathi-Nellaiyapper Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, adjacent to the Nellaiyapper Temple. Other places of interest in Tirunelveli include the Tirunelveli Palace Complex and the Tamirabharani River.
Courtallam:
Courtallam, known as Kutralam, is a famous hill station near Tirunelveli. It is known for its numerous waterfalls, each with unique medicinal properties. Visitors can take a refreshing bath in these waterfalls and enjoy the serene natural surroundings.
Manimuthar Dam is a picturesque reservoir located near Tirunelveli. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and is great for picnics and boating. The nearby Manimuthar Waterfalls is another attraction worth visiting.
Kanyakumari, located at the southernmost tip of India, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning sunrises and sunsets. You can visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, and the Kanyakumari Temple. The beaches in Kanyakumari, such as Kanyakumari Beach and Sanguthurai Beach, are also worth exploring.
Thoothukudi:
Thoothukudi, or Tuticorin, is a port city along the Bay of Bengal. It is known for its beautiful beaches, including the picturesque Pearl City Beach. Thoothukudi has a rich cultural heritage and is famous for its diverse culinary delights, especially seafood.
These are just a few suggestions, and more places exist to explore in and around the region. Check the opening hours and any travel restrictions before planning your visit.