Kailasanathar Temple, Murappanadu

Murappanadu, a village in Srivaikundam Taluk of Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) district on the banks of the Thamiraparani river, is the fifth of the nine Nava Kailasam temples and is associated with Jupiter (Guru) among the “planets” in that group’s tradition — a distinct tradition from the separate Navagraha temple circuit near Kumbakonam further north in Tamil Nadu.

The presiding deity is worshipped here as Kailasanathar (Arulmigu Kailasanathar), with his consort worshipped as Arulmigu Sivagami Amman; the temple’s sacred tree is the jack tree. Local legend, recorded on the district government’s own temple page, holds that a Chola king’s daughter, cursed to bear a horse’s face, was healed after bathing in the Thamiraparani at this site through the grace of Shiva, and that her grateful father, remembered as a “Vallal Maharaja” (a generous king), built the temple in gratitude. As with the wider Nava Kailasam group, tradition holds that the nine sites trace to the sage Agastya’s disciple Uromacha Munivar, instructed to set nine flowers afloat on the Thamirabarani river and to install a Shiva lingam wherever each one came to rest, attaining liberation after venerating all nine and bathing where the river meets the sea.

Festivals

The temple observes Guru Peyarchi (Jupiter’s periodic sign-change), special poojas, and monthly Pradosham, reflecting its standing as a Guru (Jupiter) sthalam within the Nava Kailasam group.

Location & Access

Murappanadu village lies about 17 km from Tirunelveli toward Thoothukudi, in Srivaikundam Taluk of Thoothukudi district. Buses running between Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli halt at Murappanadu, within walking distance of the temple; accommodation is available in Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Srivaikundam. The temple follows four daily ritual timings: Thiruvannanthal Kalam (6 AM), Uchi Kalam (10 AM), Sayaratchai (6 PM) and Artha Jamam (8:30 PM). Verify current darshan timings and travel details with the temple or official sources before visiting.