Kalakkad siva…tirunelveli

Sri Sathya Vageeswarar Temple, Kalakkad, Thirunelveli District,

Kalakkad is also called as Kalakkadu. The full name of the Temple is Gomathi Ambal Udanurai Sathyavageswarar Temple.  The Presiding Deity of this Temple is Lord Sathya Vageeswarar ….Lord Shiva. 

Lord Sathya Vageeswarar is in the form of a self manifested Swayambu Lingam. 

Goddess Gomathi occupies another East facing Sub Shrine and is in a standing posture. 

 This Temple has a  9 tiered 135 ft East facing Rajagopuram 

This Temple was built by Pandaya Kings in 13th century but later developed by the  Nayak's and Vijayanagara Kings. 

There are many Yazhi Pillars, 200 Mural and nearly 1500 Stuccos which showcase the crafty and  artistic works of  Nayaks. 

The deft hands of the workers and masons of those days could be seen  in the Maha mandabam and the Artha Mandabam.

 Travancore King Boothala Veera Udaya Marthanda commissioned a hall of musical pillars in this Temple. 

This Place is also called as Cholanadu, Vallipuram and Vanavan Naadu. 

Saint Appar had recited Verses  in praise of the Deity and hence this Temple is known as Thevara Vaipu Sthalam. It  is also known as Pancha Aasana Sthalam 

(the other remaining 4 are Eravadi Shiva Temple, Nanguneri Shiva Temple, Vijayanarayanam Shiva Temple and Shenbagaramanallur Shiva Temple. )

The Temple gains importance since its loaded with Inscriptions.

Legend/History:

As per the legend, Sita was kidnapped in the forest of Kalakkad and hence the place is also known as Chorakadavi. Rama and Lakshmana were searching for Sita; they prayed to Lord Shiva who was seated under a Punnai tree in this site. He assured them success. After successfully rescuing Sita, both the brothers returned here and they named Shiva as Satyavageeswarar which means Lord of Truth. 

As per another legend, Devas were defeated by Asuras; they sought Shiva's help; he advised them worship him in this site. Accordingly, they came to this site and prayed to the Lord. He along with Ganas accompanied Devas and won Asuras. Hence, the Devas named the Lord as Satyavageeswarar and the teerth as 'Satya teerth'.