Nellaiappar Temple is a very old and famous Hindu temple in Tirunelveli city of Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Nellaiappar and Goddess Parvati as Kanthimathi Amman. The temple complex spreads over nearly 14 acres, which makes it one of the largest temples in South India. The temple is more than 1,300 years old, and major construction happened around the 7th to 9th century.
The main gopuram height is around 45 meters, and the temple has more than 850 stone pillars with beautiful carvings. The musical pillars are very special. When tapped, they produce different sounds. Every day, nearly 5,000 to 10,000 devotees visit the temple. During festivals, the number can go beyond 1 lakh devotees.
The temple follows traditional Shaiva rituals and has 6 main daily pujas. Maha Shivaratri, Brahmotsavam, and Aani Thirumanjanam are the biggest festivals here. The temple is managed by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. Devotees believe that darshan here brings peace, health, and family happiness.
Temple Overview Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Nellaiappar Temple |
| Location | Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu |
| Main Deity | Lord Shiva (Nellaiappar) |
| Goddess | Kanthimathi Amman |
| Area | About 14 acres |
| Age | Around 1,300 years |
| Architecture | Dravidian style |
| Main Gopuram Height | Around 45 meters |
| Daily Visitors | 5,000–10,000 |
| Management | TN HR & CE Department |
Dress Code at Nellaiappar Temple
A. Dress Code for Men
- Wear dhoti or veshti with shirt or angavastram
- Pants and full-length trousers are allowed
- Avoid shorts, lungi, or sleeveless vests
- Dress should cover knees properly
- Simple and clean traditional dress is preferred
B. Dress Code for Women
- Saree, salwar kameez, or long skirt with top
- Dress should cover shoulders and knees
- Avoid sleeveless tops and short dresses
- Dupatta is recommended
- Traditional and modest dress is advised
C. Dress Code for Kids
- Full-length pants or skirts are preferred
- Avoid shorts above knee
- Comfortable traditional wear is good
- Clean and simple clothes
- Dress should be respectful to temple rules
Sevas and Darshans at Nellaiappar Temple
The temple offers many sevas and darshans for devotees. These rituals are performed as per Agama rules. Morning abhishekam starts early around 5:30 AM. Special abhishekam is done on Pradosham days which come twice every month. Archana can be done in devotee names. On Mondays and Pradosham, crowd is usually higher.
Special darshan tickets are available on festival days. Free darshan is always available but waiting time may increase during peak hours. Annadanam is provided on special occasions and festival days. Rudrabhishekam is popular among devotees seeking health and peace. Most sevas are affordable, ranging from ₹50 to ₹1,500.
Seva and Darshan Table
| Seva | Price (₹) | Timings | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abhishekam | 500 | 6:00 AM | Holy bath to Shiva |
| Archana | 50 | All day | Name chanting ritual |
| Rudrabhishekam | 1,200 | 7:30 AM | Special Shiva pooja |
| Pradosha Pooja | 300 | Evening | Monthly special worship |
| Sahasranama | 200 | Morning | 1,000 names chanting |
| Special Darshan | 100 | All day | Faster darshan |
| Deeparadhana | 150 | Evening | Lamp offering ritual |
| Annadanam | Free | Noon | Free food service |
Temple Timings Table
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Temple Opening | 5:00 AM |
| Morning Pooja | 5:30 AM |
| Noon Closing | 12:30 PM |
| Evening Opening | 4:00 PM |
| Evening Pooja | 6:30 PM |
| Temple Closing | 9:00 PM |
History of Nellaiappar Temple
The history of Nellaiappar Temple goes back more than 1,300 years. The temple is mentioned in Tevaram hymns sung by Shaiva saints between 6th and 9th century. The original structure was built by early Pandya kings. Later, Chola and Nayak rulers expanded the temple.
The famous musical pillars were added during the 16th century. Stone inscriptions inside the temple give information about donations, land grants, and festivals. The temple survived floods of the Thamirabarani River many times. Legends say Lord Shiva protected the city from floods, giving the name “Nellai”.
The temple complex grew over centuries. Today it stands as a living example of Tamil architecture and devotion. Daily worship has continued without break for more than 1,000 years.
How to Reach Nellaiappar Temple
Nellaiappar Temple is easy to reach by road, rail, and air. Tirunelveli Junction railway station is only 2 km away. Autos and buses are available every 5 to 10 minutes. Tirunelveli has good rail connections to Chennai, Madurai, and Trivandrum.
By road, Tirunelveli is connected through National Highways. Tamil Nadu buses run frequently from major cities. Private taxis are also available. Tirunelveli New Bus Stand is about 4 km from the temple.
The nearest airport is Tuticorin Airport, about 40 km away. From there, taxis take around 1 hour. Madurai Airport is 150 km away and well connected to major cities. Clear signboards guide devotees to the temple easily.
Vrathams, Festivals, and Celebrations
Many vrathams and festivals are celebrated here. Pradosham comes twice a month and attracts thousands. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated once a year with night-long poojas. Brahmotsavam is a 10-day festival with chariot procession.
Aani Thirumanjanam happens in June–July. Navaratri is celebrated for 9 days. Special abhishekam is done during Tamil months. These festivals bring together lakhs of devotees.
Important Festival Dates Table
| Festival | Month | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Maha Shivaratri | Feb–Mar | 1 day |
| Brahmotsavam | Mar–Apr | 10 days |
| Aani Thirumanjanam | Jun–Jul | 1 day |
| Navaratri | Sep–Oct | 9 days |
| Pradosham | Monthly | 2 days |
Key Guidelines for Visitors
Visitors should follow temple rules strictly. Phones are usually not allowed inside. Photography is restricted. Devotees should maintain silence and cleanliness. Follow dress code carefully.
Footwear must be removed outside. Use temple counters for offerings. Avoid crowd pushing during darshan. Elderly people can ask for assistance. Follow queue system properly.
Do not touch idols or pillars. Respect priests and volunteers. Avoid carrying plastic items. Drinking water points are available. Annadanam should be taken respectfully. These guidelines help everyone have a peaceful darshan.
Contact Details of Nellaiappar Temple
The temple office is located inside the temple complex. Office timings are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Phone numbers are available on the official notice board. Postal address includes Tirunelveli city pin code 627001.
Devotees can contact for sevas, donations, and festival details. Online booking is limited. Emergency help desks are available during festivals. Lost and found counter works during temple hours. The administration ensures safety and cleanliness for all visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Where is Nellaiappar Temple located?
In Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. - What are temple opening timings?
From 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. - Is free darshan available?
Yes, free darshan is always available. - Are special darshan tickets available?
Yes, on selected days. - What is the temple age?
About 1,300 years. - Which river flows nearby?
Thamirabarani River. - Is annadanam provided?
Yes, on special days. - Nearest railway station?
Tirunelveli Junction. - Is parking available?
Yes, near temple roads. - Best time to visit?
Early morning or evening.