The Historical Significance of Nellaiappar Temple

The Nellaiappar temple is a notable ancient temple situated in Tamil Nadu. It is the most renowned temple in India and one of the seven ancient Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu. The Nellaiappar temple is situated in the village of Nellaiappar in the district of Tirunelveli. It is known for the monuments that the temple boasts of. It is a prominent Shiva temple and holds a significant place in the history of Tamil Nadu. It is the most ancient Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu. This article discusses the historical significance of the Nellaiappar temple.

History of temple

Tirunelveli is located in Tamil Nadu. This temple is a masterpiece of architecture, completed in 700 CE. It is believed that the original temple complex was built by the Pandavas. The temple complex covers an area of 14.5 acres. The musical pillars found here date back to the 7th century AD and were built by Nindraseer Nedumaran, a ruler at that time. The music made from these pillars is proof of their superior craftsmanship.

Architecture of temple

The temple complex is a huge and impressive structure. It covers an area of 14.5 acres (5.9 ha), measuring 850 feet long and 756 feet wide. Here all the shrines are enclosed within concentric rectangular walls, with a massive Rajagopuram at the centre. The exclusive aspect of this temple is its ‘Mani manadapam’, which is a large, carved stone pillar. Each pillar has 48 sub pillars that produce musical notes when struck. 

The architecture of the temple is not the only thing that makes it worth visiting the temple. The pillars are the main attraction of the temple; moreover, there are many other beautiful and intricate designs and pillars within the temple complex.

Sculptures in the Nellaiappar Temple

The nellaiappar temple sculptures are of great historical significance. More so, Apart from the nellaiappar temple sculptures, the temple architecture also presents a number of beautiful decorative elements and artistic designs. Two of the most important and beautiful designs in the temple architecture include the cakra mandapa, considered to be a unique architectural feature, and the Nandi Bala, an artistic representation of Shiva’s horse.

The musical pillars of the temple

The music pillars, which are pillars fitted with wooden rods, are the most impressive architectural features of the temple. The musical pillars play an important role in the religious ceremonies at the temple. The wooden rods used in their construction are believed to have been extracted from trees that grow in the forests of Tamil Nadu. 

The pillars have beautiful carvings on them and are said to be the work of Nindraseer Nedumaran, a Tamil poet and musician. The pillars are intricately carved with images of elephants, horses, women, and mythological and Siva-related characters. There is also a tower with a steeple in the middle of a small island in the middle of the pillars.

Significance of temple

The Nellaiappar temple is one of the most venerated temples in India. It is considered to be the oldest place in India and has a rich history. This temple is one of the five places where Lord Shiva is believed to have manifested his dance and performed his Tapasya. The Nellaiappar temple is a glorious Shiva temple, one of the most iconic and well-known temples in Tamil Nadu. It is also the most renowned and visited tourist attraction in the state.

The historical significance of this temple, situated in Tamil Nadu, is beyond comparison. This is a fine example of a temple structure with a brilliant exterior and an inside that is sublime. The Nellaiappar sculptures and architecture are exquisite, the paintings are beautiful, and the music is mesmerising. The place is also natural beauty. 

Conclusion

The Nellaiappar temple is one of the most important temples in South India and is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple is one of the most visited places in Tamil Nadu and is known for its architectural designs, which are considered to be of high artistic value. The temple is also famous for its paintings and architecture. The temple is a great tourist attraction in both the winter and summer seasons.