Thirukutralanathar Temple, Kuttralam

Sri Kutralanathar Temple, stands majestically beside the Coutrallam Main Falls. As one of the most prominent Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu, it attracts devotees throughout the year. Moreover, Thirukutralam, also called Trikootachalam, represents one of the five Pancha Sabhas of Lord Nataraja. The temple is located about 7 kilometres from Tenkasi in the Tirunelveli district.

Currently, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Kutralanathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Sri Kutralanathar, and his consort Goddess Parvathi, revered as Kuzhalvoimozhi Amman. Importantly, worship at this sacred shrine is believed to date back to the Sangam period.

Legend Behind the Temple

According to legend, this shrine was originally a Vaishnava temple. However, at the request of Lord Shiva, Sage Agastyar travelled southward to balance the earth when the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi caused cosmic imbalance in the Himalayas. Subsequently, Sage Agastyar transformed the Vishnu shrine into a Shiva Lingam, establishing Shaivite worship here.

Furthermore, the temple forms one of the Pancha Sabha Kshetrams of Lord Shiva in his cosmic dancer form, Lord Nataraja. This sacred dance hall is known as the Chitra Sabha. The other four Sabhas are located at Chidambaram, Madurai, Tiruvalangadu, and Tirunelveli. Notably, the Chitra Sabha, situated about 500 metres from the main temple, is adorned with hundreds of exquisite murals.

The Temple Deities

Architecturally, the temple resembles a conch shape and is therefore known as Sangakkovil.
The presiding deity Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kutralanathar, while Goddess Parvathi is worshipped as Kuzhalvoimozhi Amman. Significantly, the Shiva Lingam here is a Swayambumurthi, meaning it is self-manifested.

In addition, the temple complex houses shrines for Lord Vishnu, Kasi Viswanathar, Kasi Visalakshi, Adi Parashakti, Tenkasi Kasi Viswanathar, Nellaiyappar Gandhimathi Ambal, and the Navagrahas. Moreover, Lord Ganesha and Lord Murugan also grace this holy abode.

Reference to Literature

Literary works have richly glorified this sacred temple.
Notably, Thrikooda Rasappa Kavirayar’s Kutrala Kuravanji praises the spiritual grandeur of Thiru Kutralam.
Additionally, the shrine finds mention in two pathigams sung by Saint Tirugnanasambandhar during the 7th century AD. Furthermore, the revered Shaiva saints Appar, Sundarar, Gnanasambandhar, and Manikkavasagar have all sung in praise of this divine temple.

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