The seventh temple in the Sivalaya ottam circuit is the Kalkulam Neelandeswarar temple. In architecture as well as in rituals, the temple is different to the other Sivalayams in the area. The shrine is believed to have been built during the rule of Marthanda Varma. Tirumala Naikar installed the Goddess in the shrine. Situated very close to Padmanabhapuram, the erstwhile capital of Travancore, the temple is believed to have been a sanctum of worship for the rulers.

Location TamilNadu, Kanyakumari, Chennai

Legend

It is believed that Tirumalanaikar bought the divinity of Madhurai Meenakshi here and installed her as Goddess Ananthavalli. The temple is the only one among the twelve Sivalayams to have a shrine dedicated to the Goddess.

This temple is part of the famous Shivalaya Ottam.

Architecture

The architecture of the Kalkulam Neelakandeswarar temple is exquisite and epitomises the Thanjavur style of artisanship. The huge tiered gopuram has sculpted figures adorning it. The stone madapam, various carvings in the shrine, the golden kodimaram, the vast temple pond enhances the beauty of the shrine. This is the only temple among the twelve Sivalayam to have the tiered Gopuram.

Culture

Kanyakumari district is the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula. The traditions and customs of the people are similar to those of the people of Kerala. Padmanabhapuram was the was the erstwhile capital of Travancore.

Darsan Info

Kalkulam Neelakandeswarar temple  timings :5.00AM to 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM.The temple is a part of the famed Shivalaya ottam conducted during Shivratri. It is the seventh temple in the run sequence.

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and traditional clothing. Western attire are not allowed in the temples of Tamil Nadu

Famous Festival

March - Sivrathri, Sivalaya ottam(Feb/Mar)

December - Thiruvathira

Temple Rituals

The priests perform daily rituals and puja to the diety.

Special Rituals

Every year there is a tank festival at the vast temple pond near the shrine.

Additional Info

 

Small eateries are there near the Kalkulam Neelakandeswarar temple .

Restaurants are available at Thuckalay