 This
is a seashore temple
of Lord Subramanian
located in Tirunelveli
district. It’s
on the shore of
the Gulf of Mannar
which is shallow
and safe. It has
a beautiful natural
setting in that
the sea washes the
foot of the temple.
A dip in the bathing
ghat is said be
very auspicious
as it is said to
have nine Teerhams
with miraculous
qualities.
According to legends
this temple is said
to have been formed
when Lord Kartikeya
halted at Tiruchendur
on his way to kill
the demon Surapadmam.
At Tiruchendur he
desired to have
a temple to worship
Siva and a temple
was constructed
on the seashore.
The temple may also
be considered as
a commemoration
of victory over
Surapadman. In the
course of the years
the temple had many
additions and alterations
done by the chera
and the pandya kings
and other administrators
from time to time.
One significant
feature of the temple
is that the Gopuram
is in the west when
normally gopurams
are in the East.
It is a nine storied
structure. There
are scenes depicted
in the gopuram which
are taken from its
history. There are
three circular corridors
round the temple
and several shrines
in them for Gods.
A lot of festivals
are celebrated here
throughout the year
and the temple is
very rich through
its cash offerings
from pilgrims.
The shrine is connected
to Tirunelveli Junction
by train. Buses
also ply here from
Tirunelveli and
Tuticorin.
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