Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Kottrallishwarar temple-Koviloor, Karaikudi,Tamil nadu

The Kottarleeshwarar temple is about 1000 years old, built by Pandya kings and is situated in pristine surroundings at Koviloor near  Karaikudi, 

First time, when I visited the temple it appeared neglected and was in bad shape . My second visit, a few months ago left me  speechless as the temple had transformed into a magnificent structure. The sparkling bright colors  made it easy  to recognize the well carved statues on the tower and around the temple. Lord Siva, here, is known as Kottralishwarar and the  Goddess is known as Tirunellai Amman. More information about the temple can be read at this link .http://www.kovilur.com/temple.htm
The temple recently had a Kumbabhishekam . The temple tank is right in front of the temple and is maintained well with its circular pillared  mandapam in the center. There is yet another  beautiful mandapam in Southern side of the temple which has fabulous paintings on the ceiling made with natural dyes. In the center of the ceiling the Rasi chakra is depicted. Go through my album and enjoy the visual treat.

This temple is just about 6-7 Kms from the famous Pillayarpatti temple.

How to reach-
 Karaikudi,Can be reached from Madurai and Trichy which is  at a distance of 70 Kms and 82 Kms respectively.

Buses ply from all the towns in Tamil Nadu to Karaikudi and all the above temples are on regular bus routes and are easily reachable.

Karaikudi town has good number of hotels for boarding as well as lodging.

Pictures here.










43 comments:

Mridula said...

As you said the water tank is very beautiful and the reflection pictures are amazing.

charlotte's menagerie said...

I've never seen anything like these. Gorgeous!

R Niranjan Das said...

Colourful and brilliant art.

http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2012/07/night-safari.html

The Chair Speaks said...

Beautiful! The colours are so vivid! I think I've been here more than 20 years ago. Thanks for sharing. :)

chitra said...

Mridula..thanks a lot.

chitra said...

Charlotte..Welcome... thanks..

chitra said...

Niranjan. thanks .

chitra said...

The chair Speaks,
I am sure it would have made you nostalgic.

Bikram said...

wowowo I love all the color and all that decorating
beautiful pictures

Bikram's

chitra said...

Bikram
thanks a lot.

Shri said...

Lovely Chitra; it is a pleasure to be able to 'see' these places through your posts

SG said...

Thanks for the info. Been to Pillayar Patti but never knew this was one is sooo close. Will keep this in mind on our next visit.

ashok said...

This is one of my most favorite temple architecture...the proportions are fantastic...The entire setting, the pond is enjoyable...and hardly any crowd too. a very photogenic place!
http://ashokism.blogspot.in/2006/05/koviloor-trip.html

chitra said...

Shri, thanks a lot.

chitra said...

SG, Long time..no see..Hope you are fine..thanks for the visit.

chitra said...

Ashok. But on my last visit 4-5 years back it was in very bad shape. now it is attractive.But don't you think the natural colors have replaced the synthetic ones now?

KParthasarathi said...

The ceiling is fabulously done.The temple tank is magnificent.Everything is clean and spotless.Thanks for enabling me to have an idea of the beautiful place

Felicity Grace Terry said...

Good grief, so ancient. I wonder what stories this temple would tell, what changes its walls have seen.

sm said...

nice pics
beautiful architecture

Sridharan said...

Superb..!

P.N. Subramanian said...

Beautiful. I loved the ceiling depicting the zodiac signs.

Arti said...

I have always been fascinated with the intricate detailing and the colors of South India. Wonderful post, loved my virtual tour as always!

Insignia said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Insignia said...

I only knew Pullayarpatti and Kundrakudi temples there! This is new; thanks for sharing Chitra ma'am

Ramakrishnan said...

Beautiful temple,very neat & clean. Colorfully painted Gopuram and exquisite ceiling painting.The water tank is fabulous and the central mandapam and its reflection the water is wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

chitra said...

thanks KP. there is also a palace near this temple.

chitra said...

PW, thanks for the comment. I was away.

chitra said...

thanks SM.

chitra said...

Sridharan, thanks

chitra said...

PNS, thanks . The mandapam was really fabulous.

chitra said...

thanks Arti, Come and visit a few temples here too.

chitra said...

thanks Bindu. There many more:)

chitra said...

Ramakrishnan
thanks lot.

R. Ramesh said...

always admire yr effort chitraji...

indiamap said...

I went to Pillayarpatti temple once in my childhood with our whole family. The temple was very pleasant and peace.

chitra said...

thanks Ramesh

Mayur Patel said...

I've never seen anything like these. Gorgeous! Colourful and brilliant art. Also watch Somnath Temple hindugodworshippicture.blogspot.in

chitra said...

Thanks Patel mayur

Abhilash Pillai said...

Hai Chitra,

:) I am back.

Nice to read about this temple. The tomb in the center of the pond appears like the one in Padmanabha swami temple.

I am planning to visit mookambika temple after Onam. Will post something regarding that after my visit.

Thanks for sharing the post.

Regards,
Abhi

HaRy!! said...

Hi Chitra.... yes its me the Ghost :) back again. My wife's college AC TECH is in karaikudi and she used to say about this temple ... ah she confirms it :) . am still struggling to write one post even after yu gave me a hint.. yep almost months back!

chitra said...

Abhi, kure nalayi kandittu..hope you are fine. Mookambiga is my fav. Goddess . shall wait for your post.

chitra said...

Hary--Long time...really a ghost you have become..
Never heard the wedding bells..:(('
Karaikudi is one place I love to visit. I love the bright chettinadu saris;)

Anonymous said...

Amazing the visit was worth…
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