On the banks of Tamirapani river, in the idyllic village of Ponmanai, stands the fifth temple in the Sivalaya ottam circuit, the Thimbileshwarar temple. The shrine os dedicated to the divinity of old Shiva and is believed to be a very ancient one. The temple is believed to have undergone renovations during the period of Chola and Pandiya kings.

Location TamilNadu, Kanyakumari, Chennai

Legend

Legends regarding the origin of the temple points to, Thimbilathipan, a shepherd boy who while cutting grass, noticed blood oozing from a rock. On closer examination, he realised it was a Shivalingam. He started worshipping the Lingam. The God here is hence called Thimbileshwarar.

This temple is part of the famous Shivalaya Ottam.

Architecture

The temple of Thimbileshwarar is a very ancient one as seen by the architecture here. The stone pillars, corridors, mandapams, tiled roofs all point to the architectural style of the bygone eras. The roof has carvings of Navagrahas. The temple has a kodimaram and a tiered granite lamp in the front

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. Rubber production and tapping is the main source of income.

Darsan Info

Ponmanai Thimbileshwarar Temple timings :5.00 AM 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 fifth 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)

Temple Rituals

The priests perform daily rituals and puja to the diety.

Additional Info

 

Small eateries are there near the Ponmanai Thimbileshwarar Temple .

Restaurants are available at Kuleshekara