This expansive yet tranquil Temple is nestled just one kilometer away from Nellaiyappar temple in Tirunelveli Town, bearing the distinctive name of Thondargal Nayinar, which means the Lord of His devotees. The origins of this name are steeped in a fascinating legend.
According to the legend, Tirugnana Sambandhar's encounter with Agastya in Tirunelveli drew a throng of devoted onlookers eager to witness these revered individuals together. These devotees fervently implored Sambandhar to establish a new temple in their town. Responding to their plea, Sambandhar sought the counsel of Agastya, who identified a location within the Bilva forest as the ideal site for the temple's construction. Acting upon this recommendation, Sambandhar approached King Deva Pandyan, who promptly commissioned the construction of a Shiva temple. In gratitude for the devotees' heartfelt request that led to the temple's creation, the deity within is venerated as Thondargal Nayinar. An alternate version of the legend suggests that Agastya discovered a self-manifested Shiva Linga beneath a Bilva tree, and Sambandhar initiated regular worship of this Linga. Later, he formally consecrated it and oversaw the construction of the temple, with the assistance of the King.
Regardless of who initiated the temple's construction, its architectural style strongly suggests that it may have been erected during the later Pandya period, possibly in the 1200s or 1300s. While the temple has been subject to considerable renovations, the presence of Bhuta varis (friezes depicting Bhuta Ganas) and other architectural elements adorning the outer walls of the primary shrine offers a hint regarding the temple's historical antiquity.
Enshrined in the sanctum, facing the east, is a moderately sized Shiva Linga, also known as Mettrali Udaiya Nayanaar. According to another legend, Karuvur Siddha, who possessed the power to summon Lord Shiva merely by calling His name, arrived in Tirunelveli. He invoked Shiva thrice, but Nellaiyappar did not appear. In a fit of anger, Siddha cursed the temple to become barren land. Subsequently, Shiva manifested in the form of a Jyoti to Siddha and merged with the Shiva Linga of Thondargal Nayinar.
The temple accords equal reverence to the Goddess, known as Gomati or Aavudai Nayaki. She resides in a separate section of the temple to the left of Thondargal Nayinar. Her beauty is captivating, and her stature rivals that of Kantimati, leaving devotees spellbound.
Thondar Nayinar's shrine boasts two prakaras. Within the inner prakara, you'll find shrines dedicated to a grand and beautiful Kanni Moola Ganapati and Subramanya. Dakshinamuri resides in the southern Koshta, accompanied by nine small circular structures resembling peethams, seven of which align in a single row. These structures, a fixture in the southern Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, symbolize Sapta Matas, Ganeshas, and Veera Bhadra. Chandikeshwara occupies a small, south-facing sub-shrine in the northern prakara, as per tradition.
The Ardha Mandapa is guarded by Dwarapalas, while the Maha mandapa features Ganesha and Subramanya at its entrance. Additionally, two Nandis are situated in the Maha mandapa and the outer corridor near the flagstaff.
Within the outer prakara, you'll encounter shrines dedicated to Ganesha and Subramanya.
Gomati's shrine is under the watchful protection of Dwara palikas. It includes an Ardha mandapa, Maha mandapa, and a four-pillared Mukha mandapa. An additional four-pillared mandapa is connected the aforementioned structure, through another mandapa serving as a passageway with a ceiling. Nandi is found facing Gomati.
The sacred Vanni tree, stands within the temple premises and houses Vanni Mara Vinayaka. It is traditionally believed that Adi Shankara installed this icon. A Shri Chakra resides in Gomati's shrine, with the belief that Adi Shankara had placed Shri Chakras in numerous Devi temples across India.
The sthala vruksha Bilva tree is found nearby. The presiding deity is also known as Vilvavananatha and Adimoolanathar.
The temple also features a well, believed to have been installed by Tirugnana Sambandhar, located near Gomati's shrine.
Within the Maha mandapa, you'll find depictions of Sambandhar and Agastya, both integral to the temple's history. Other deities present in the temple include Shaneeswara, Maha Lakshmi, Navagraha, Karuvur Siddhar, Bhairava, Durga, and Nataraja-Sivakami.
The east-facing entrance has a three-tiered Gopuram.
While the temple once had its own Ratha and conducted nine-day annual festivals, it now remains a peaceful sanctuary with a limited number of visitors.
Happy travelling.
