Arulmigu Kuttralanathar Temple is a Shiva temple. It is said that the linga at the temple was consecrated by Agastya muni. There is a place to sit and meditate. You can go into meditative states here effortlessly.
How to get there:
The temple is located 6.5 kms West of Tenkasi. Autos are available frequently.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/sjybXoTMTcisfjtM7
Arulmigu Kuttralanathar Temple
According to history, the Kutralanathar temple or the Kutraleeswarar temple is one of Lord Shivan’s two hundred and seventy five Thevara Thirusthalas (holy abode). Lor Shiva presides over this temple in the name of Lord Kutralanathar. As the temple’s prime deity, Lord Shiva reigns over this temple as a glorious, self-manifested Lingam. The temple sits on three and a half acres of fertile land surrounded by the lush mountains of the Thirukoodamalai hills in the Western Ghats and the popular Shivamathugai falls.
History states that this temple is nearly 2000 years old, whereas legends say it was originally dedicated to Lord Vishnu. How?
Well, we all know the legend of Lord Shiva appointing Sage Agasthiar to rectify the imbalance that occurred in Mount Kailash during the celestial wedding with Goddess Parvathi.
It is said that when Sage Agasthiar came to Coutrallam, he visited a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Using his mystic powers, he changed the image of the presiding deity into Lingam and transformed the temple into an abode for Lord Shiva.
He also transformed Goddesses Sridevi and Bhudevi (Lord Visnu’s consorts) into Kuzhalvai Mozhi Nayaki and Parasakthi, respectively. Goddess Parasakthi sits on a ledge or Peetam with a Sri Chakra design. This Peetam is popularly called Dharani Peetam. Dharani, which means Earth, signifies that Bhudevi or Mother Earth was transformed into Parasakthi. Considering Sakthi”s furious nature, a Shivalinga called Kamakoteeswara is installed before her peetam to appease her.
Legend has it that Lord Vishnu’s conch expanded to become the temple, with the chakra transforming into the temple tower. Devotees say that Sage Agasthiar’s fingerprints are still evident on the Lingam.
It is believed that since Sage Agasthiar shrunk the image of Lord Vishnu, the now-presiding diety has a permanent headache. Hence, as a daily ritual, the deity Lord Kutralanathar is consecrated with a special concoction of 64 herbs. The same herbal concoction is prepared as Prasadam for the night.
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