Thenkasi Kasi Viswanathar Temple

Overview and Location of Kasi Viswanathar Temple

Kasi Viswananthar Temple is located in Thenkasi in Tirunelveli District. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva worshipped as Kasi Viswanathar and his consort Goddess Parvathi as Ulagamman. The temple, also known as Dakshina Kasi, comes under the administration of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Legend and History of Kasi Viswanathar Temple

The temple is believed to have been built by Pandyan ruler Parakkirama Pandian during the 13th century. The temple is constructed in the Dravidian architectural style with later additions made by Madurai Nayaks.

According to legend, King Parakkirama Pandyan desired to worship Kasi Viswanathar and was about to start his journey to Kasi, when Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and instructed him to follow an army of ants and built the temple where the anthill ended.

The Temple Architecture of Kasi Viswanathar Temple

The sanctum sanctorum houses Kasi Viswanathar in Lingam form. Lord Shiva Lingam graces the temple as a Swayambumurthi i.e in self-manifested form.
The idols of Lord Ganesha and Lord Murugan are located on either side of the hall leading to the sanctum. In the precinct around the main shrines are smaller shrines of Dakshinamurthy, Arumugar, Durga, Navagrahas and Nataraja.

The gopuram or temple tower of the temple is seven-tiered and 180 feet tall. The impressive tower was built in the year 1990. The deities in the temple are enshrined in concentric granite walls.

Festivals of Kasi Viswanathar Temple

Maasi Magam Festival during the Tamil month of Maasi (February-March) is the most prominent festival celebrated in the temple. Tirukalyaman festival, Moola festival, Navrathri, Karthikai festival, Thiruvathirai, Thaipoosam, Sivarathri, Panguni Uthiram are the other festivals observed in the temple.

Temple Timings in Kasi Viswanathar Temple

• Morning Hours – 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Evening Hours – 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM

The temple is open for full day during new moon days (Amavasya)

Pooja Timings in Kasi Viswanathar Temple

How to reach Kasi Viswanathar Temple

The temple is about 1.5 kilometers away from Tenkasi bus stand. Tenkasi at a distance of about 55 kilometers from Tirunelveli, is the nearest railway station. Thenkasi is well connected to all major cities across South India. Madurai Airport (about 156 kilometres away) and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (about 124 kilometres away) are the nearest airports