Kuttralam Chitra Sabai Sivan Temple

Chitra Sabai Sivan Temple or the Hall of Painting is located at a walkable distance from the main falls of Coutrallam in Tenkasi District. The place is a treasure trove of beautiful mural art and hence the name Chitra Sabhai. It is one of the five locations where Lord Shiva is said to have performed his Cosmic Dance.

Pancha Sabhai

Pancha Sabhai refers to the temples of Lord Shiva located in Tamil Nadu. It marks the place where Lord Shiva performed the Cosmic Dance in the form Lord Nataraja. The five temples are found at Thiruvalangadu (Rathina Sabhai), Chidambaram (Por Sabhai), Madurai (Velli Sabhai), Tirunelveli (Thamira Sabhai) and Coutrallam (Chitra Sabhai). Each of the temple names is associated with a particular dance form or Thandavam of Lord Shiva.

Legend behind the temple

According to the legend, once there had been imbalance on Earth due to the multitude of crowd present to witness the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi in the Himalayas. At the Lord’s request, Sage Agastyar went southward to balance the instability. The sage came down to Coutrallam but was dejected that he was not able to witness the divine wedding. Lord Shiva, on understanding the sage’s desire, is said to have presented himself before the sage along with Goddess Parvathi. The Lord then performed the Thirupura Thandavam.

The Temple Structure

Chitra Sabai Sivan Temple is a rectangular structure with a wooden entrance and pyramid style of roofing.

The hall within the Sabha is classified broadly into two compartments in the form of two rings. The two rings are adorned with artistic mural paintings on the wall.

The paintings in the Sabha are of various sizes and represent some very beautiful stories. Some of the paintings found in the hall symbolize the history of Coutrallam, the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture (Anantha Sayanam), scenes from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata and many other depictions of mural arts.

How to reach Chitra Sabai Sivan Temple

Chitra Sabhai Sivan Temple is located at a distance of around 7 kilometres from Tenkasi and around 65 kilometres from Tirunelveli. Tenkasi Railway Junction at a distance of around 7 kilometres connects the temple to all major cities in the State. Madurai Airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 161 kilometres from the temple.

Other Tourist Attractions in Kuttralam:

• Kuttralam Main Falls
• Thirukutralanathar Temple

Sri Thirukutralanathar Temple, Kuttralam

Sri Kutralanathar temple, located adjacent to Coutrallam Main Falls is one of the prominent temples in Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thirukutralam or Trikootachalam represents one of the five Pancha Sabhas of Lord Nataraja. The temple is located 7 kilometers from Thenkasi in Tirunelveli district.

The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Govt. of Tamil Nadu.

Kutralanathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva worshipped as Sri Kutralanathar and his consort Goddess Parvathi worshipped as Kuzhalvoimozhi Amman. It is believed that the worship of Kutralanathar has been in practice since the Sanga period.

Legend behind the temple

According to the legend, the temple was originally a Vaishnava temple. At Lord Shiva’s request, Sage Agastyar went southward to balance the instability caused by the multitude of crowd present at the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi in the Himalayas. Sage Agastyar is believed to have converted the Vishnu shrine into a Shiva Lingam.

This temple is one of the Pancha Sabha Kshetram of Lord Shiva (in the form of Lord Nataraja) known as Chitra Sabha. The other four dance halls are found in Chidambaram, Madurai, Tiruvalankau and Tirunelveli. The Chithra Sabha or the hall of pictures located in a picturesque locale, 500 metres away from the temple is decked with hundreds of murals.

The Temple Deities

Kutralanathar temple is conch shaped and is referred to as Sangakkovil. The presiding deity Lord Shiva is worshipped in the temple as Kutralanathar and his consort Goddess Parvathi as Kuzhalvoi Mozhiamman. Lord Shiva shrine in the temple is a Swayambumurthi i.e it is self-manifested. There is a separate shrine for Lord Vishnu, Kasi Viswanathar, Kasi Visalakshi, Adi Parashakti, Tenkasi Kasi Viswanathar, Nellaiyappar Gandhimathi Ambal and Navagrahas. Lord Ganesha and Lord Murugan also grace this holy place.

Reference to Literature

Thrikooda Rasappa Kavirayar’s well known work Kutrala Kuravanji glorifies the shrine at Thiru Kutralam. The temple has been revered in two pathigams by Saint Tirugnanasambandhar of 7th century A.D. The four great poets Appar, Sundarar, Gnanasambandhar and Manikkavasahar have sung about this holy place.

Kutralanathar Temple Timings

The temple remains open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

Pooja Timings of Kutralanathar

Kutralanathar Temple Festivals

The major festivals observed in the temple are:

• Vishu Festival – 10 days festival during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May)
• Brahmotsavam – 10 days festival during the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November)
• Thiruvadhirai Festival – 10 days festival during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January)
• Navarathri Festival – 9 days festival during the Tamil month of Purattasi (September-October)

Other festivals observed in the temple include Adi Ammavasai, Avani Moolam, Aippasi Thirukalyanam, Kandha Shasti, Karthigai Deepam, Thai Maha Theppam, Maasi Sivarathri and Panguni Uthiram.

How to reach Kutralanathar Temple

Kutralanathar temple is located at a distance of 14 kilometres from Tenkasi bus station and 65 kilometres from Tirunelveli. Tenkasi Railway Junction at a distance of around 16 kilometres connects the temple to all major cities in the State. Madurai Airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 161 kilometres from the temple.

Other Tourist Attractions near Kuttralam:

• Tenkasi Kasi Viswanathar Temple
• Chitra Sabai Sivan Temple – Kuttralam

Kuttralam Main Falls / Coutrallam Main Falls – The Spa of South India

Kuttralam situated in Tenkasi District is popularly called the “Spa of South India”. The beauty of this exotic location is enriched by thundering waterfalls, vast stretch of greenery and pristine surroundings. Kutralam is adorned with ancient temples and many other places of interest. Also known as the herbal hill, water flowing from the magnificent waterfalls is said to have medicinal values owing to which many health resorts and clinics have come up in and around the town. Several perennial rivers such as Thamirabarani River, Chittar River, Manimuthar River and Pachaiyar River originate is this region of Tirunelveli.

Coutrallam Location

Coutrallam/Kuttralam is a panchayat town situated at an elevation of 160 metres on the Western Ghats in Tenkasi District of Tamil Nadu.

Reference to the Literature

The word Kutralam is derived from the word “Kuru aal” meaning dwarf banyan trees. The region came to be known as Kutralam as the forests of this area were full of dwarf banyan trees. The famous poet Thiurkudarasappa Kavirayar glorifies the beauty and magnificence of this quaint town located near Thenkasi in the South of Tamil Nadu. It also finds a place in Sangam Literature, where its beauty is compared to the beauty of a woman.

Major Waterfalls in Kuttralam

There are nine major waterfalls in Kutralam. People from across the country visit this place to soak in the essence of herbs and rejuvenate in the waters of Kutralam falls.

Coutrallam Main Falls (Peraruvi)

One of the prime attractions, Peraruvi is the biggest among the nine falls. At Kuttralam Main Falls, waterfalls from a height of 60 metres and slows down due to a natural crater named Pongumakadal (19 metres deep). The water flows through rocks with sculptors of Shiva Lingams and various other Gods. This aspect along with the healing properties that the water possesses, makes a bath in the falls a truly divine and refreshing experience. It is also normal practice to comfort oneself with a body massage after the bath.
During peak season, the falls become crowded and tourists line up in queues for a bath. The huge falls can accommodate around 300 people simultaneously.

Small Falls (Chitraruvi)

Chitraruvi is a small falls lying adjacent to the kuttralam main falls. A walk up the hill from Chitraruvi leads to other falls like Shenbaga Devi and Thenaruvi. Tourists can have a milder shower here as the water flow is very thin. There are facilities for men and women to bathe separately.

Shenbagadevi Falls

Trekking through the Chitaruvi Forest for a distance of 2.5 kilometres and at a height of 40 feet above the Chitaruvi Falls is the Shenbagadevi Falls. The water at Shenbagadevi Falls flows through Shenbaga trees. There is a temple here dedicated to Shenbagadevi Amman. During full moon days, a throng of pilgrims visit this temple.

Thenaruvi (Honey Falls)

Thenaruvi is at a distance of 3 kilometres from the main falls. It is 40 metres high falls cascading between two large stones. The Falls gets its name from the honeycombs found on the hills. The horseshoe-shaped waterfall is at the end of a trail that find its way through dense woods and steep mountain paths. The trek is risky and so the place is restricted for public.

Aintharuvi (Five Falls) in Kuttralam

Yet another popular spot in Kutralam, Aintharuvi is located at 4 kilometres from Kutralam town. As the name suggests, the falls cascades down through five separate sections to become one stream is it flows downhill. Of the five sections, two are allotted to women and three for men to bathe. Tourists can also visit the Eco Park and boat house around the area apart from several popular nearby temples.

Pazhathotta Aruvi (Orchard Falls)

Found above the Aintharivu, flowing from the orchard above and surrounded by picturesque aura is the Pazhathotta Aruvi. It is also referred to as the VIP Falls as entry was permitted only to politicians and bureaucrats. However, entry is now restricted to everyone.

Pazhaya Courtalla Aruvi (Old Coutrallam Falls)

At a distance of around 6 kilometres from the Main Falls is the Pazhaya Courtalla Aruvi also called as Shivamathungai Falls. The Falls were made suitable for bathing by changing the course of water which originally flowed into a valley formed between two large rocks. Steps have been cut into the rocks to make it safe for bathing under this Falls which flows down from a height of 200 metres. There are separate areas for men and women to have a bath along with oil massages.

Puli Aruvi (Tiger Falls)

Puli Aruvi gets its name from the fact that it was a watering hole for tigers in the past. It is a mild waterfall formed on private property, around 2 kilometres from the Courtallam bus stand. The water flowing down accumulates in a lake and then is streamed along canals for irrigation. Sastha Temple, a bathing Ghat and an old palace which now is private property is found near the Falls.

The Private Falls

There is another small falls found above the Five Falls inside the Government Horticulture park, but it is not open to public. The Main Falls, Five Falls and Courtallam Falls can be reached by road, however, Shenbaga Waterfalls and Honey Falls can be reached only on foot by mountain trekking.

Places to Visit in Coutrallam or Kutralam

Some of the other places of interest that could be visited near Kutralam are:

• Palaruvi (Milk Falls) – It lies at the Tamil Nadu – Kerala border at the mountain pass named Aryankavu.
• Gundaru Aruvi – Located at a distance of 10 kilometres from Kutralam, near Sengottai. Traveling 2 kilometres inward from the Gundaru Dam will take you to Gundaru Aruvi.
• Kannupuli Mettu – Located at a distance of 5 kilometres to the west Sengottai Taluk Office at the top of Gundaru Reservoir.
• Recreational Spots – Children’s Park, Aquarium and Snake park near Main Falls, Eco Park near Five Falls, Therkumalai Estate, around one hour travel from Honey Falls, Boat Houses near Five Falls and Old Courtallam Falls, Gundam Dam & Reservoir near Senkottai.
• Major Pilgrimage Centre –
  The Chitra Sabha at Kutralam is one of the five sabhas where Lord Nataraja (a form of Lord Shiva) is said to have performed his divine dance. The historical paintings and other religious events are very significant here.
  The Kutralanathar Temple near to the Main Falls is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is around 2000 years old and Tamil inscriptions of Chola and Pandyan periods can be found here.
• Other temples near Kutralam include
  • Thirukutralanathar Temple
  • Chitra Sabai Sivan Temple – Kuttralam
  • Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Tenkasi (6 kms from Kutralam)
  • Thirumalai Temple, Panpoli (8 kms from Kutralam)
  • Kumaran Temple, Ilanji (3 kms from Kutralam)
  • Dakshinamoorthy Temple, Puliyarai (12 kms from Kutralam)
  • Ulagaambigai & Lord Shiva Temple, Papanasam (35 kms to the Southeast of Kutralam)
  • Ariyankavau Ayappan Temple (35 kms to the Northwest of Kutralam)
  • Sri Siddheswari Peetham, Courtallam
• Papanasam River at a distance of 35 kms from Kutralam
• The Banatheertham Falls and Agasthiyar Falls near Papanasam
• Lower Papanasam Dam, Kaaraiyar Dam, Servalar Dam and Manimuthar Dam near Papanasam
• Kalakaddu – Mundanthurai Tiger Sanctuary near Papanasam
• Kumbavuruti Aruvi – Located at a distance of 32 kms from kutralam, on the way to Achan Koil in Kerala.

Unique Attributes of Coutrallam

• Flora & Fauna – Apart from the rare herbs, Kutralam is rich with diverse flora and fauna found around the place. Around 2000 varieties of flowers and plants have been identified in the hills at Kutralam.
• Tourists savor in the fresh and hot Halwa prepared and sold at shops on the way to Kuttralam Main Falls.
• The aromatic masala milk sold usually in the evenings is very popular among the tourists.
• The towel made up of thin fiber and pure organic cotton, called the Aruvi Thundu, is a unique accessory that dries up very quickly and is very useful for having a bath in various falls. Tourists can get it in the nearby textile shops.
• The famous Border Kadai is at a distance of just 5 minutes from Kutralam. It is well known for its parottas and non-vegetarian cuisine.
• Tourists looking out for an elegant meal can drop at Vinayaga Dosa Kadai, located at Melagaram on the road from Thenkasi to Kutralam. One can relish the several varieties of Dosa available here.
• Courtallam encompasses hotels, lodges, and resorts according to the budget.

Ideal time to visit Kuttralam or Coutrallam

Best time to visit would be from June to December from the onset of South West Monsoons. If due to heavy rains the falls get flooded, people would not be allowed to take bath in the falls.

How to reach Coutrallam Falls?

Senkottai is the nearest bus stand. Frequent buses ply to Coutrallam. The nearest railway hub is at Thenkasi (5kms) and the nearest airport is Tuticorin Airport and Trivandrum International Airport.

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