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
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.
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.
43 comments:
As you said the water tank is very beautiful and the reflection pictures are amazing.
I've never seen anything like these. Gorgeous!
Colourful and brilliant art.
http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2012/07/night-safari.html
Beautiful! The colours are so vivid! I think I've been here more than 20 years ago. Thanks for sharing. :)
Mridula..thanks a lot.
Charlotte..Welcome... thanks..
Niranjan. thanks .
The chair Speaks,
I am sure it would have made you nostalgic.
wowowo I love all the color and all that decorating
beautiful pictures
Bikram's
Bikram
thanks a lot.
Lovely Chitra; it is a pleasure to be able to 'see' these places through your posts
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.
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
Shri, thanks a lot.
SG, Long time..no see..Hope you are fine..thanks for the visit.
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?
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
Good grief, so ancient. I wonder what stories this temple would tell, what changes its walls have seen.
nice pics
beautiful architecture
Superb..!
Beautiful. I loved the ceiling depicting the zodiac signs.
I have always been fascinated with the intricate detailing and the colors of South India. Wonderful post, loved my virtual tour as always!
I only knew Pullayarpatti and Kundrakudi temples there! This is new; thanks for sharing Chitra ma'am
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.
thanks KP. there is also a palace near this temple.
PW, thanks for the comment. I was away.
thanks SM.
Sridharan, thanks
PNS, thanks . The mandapam was really fabulous.
thanks Arti, Come and visit a few temples here too.
thanks Bindu. There many more:)
Ramakrishnan
thanks lot.
always admire yr effort chitraji...
I went to Pillayarpatti temple once in my childhood with our whole family. The temple was very pleasant and peace.
thanks Ramesh
I've never seen anything like these. Gorgeous! Colourful and brilliant art. Also watch Somnath Temple hindugodworshippicture.blogspot.in
Thanks Patel mayur
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
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!
Abhi, kure nalayi kandittu..hope you are fine. Mookambiga is my fav. Goddess . shall wait for your post.
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;)
Amazing the visit was worth…
saadepunjab.com
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