Kailasanathar Temple, Rajapathy

Rajapathy, a village near Kurumbur in Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) district along the Thamirabarani river corridor, is the eighth of the nine Nava Kailasam temples and is associated with the lunar node Kethu (Ketu) 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 Kailasa Nathar), with his consort worshipped as Arulmigu Sounthara Nayaki; the temple’s sacred tank is known as Palazhi Theertham and its sacred tree as Vilva (bilva), and worship follows the Karana Agamam tradition. Local devotional belief holds that worship at this shrine is equivalent in merit to worshipping Shiva at Keezhaperumpallam near Thanjavur. Tradition holds that the nine Nava Kailasam 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 Margazhi Thiruvadhirai (December-January) and Maha Shivrathri (February-March) as major annual festivals, alongside monthly Pradosham observances and special worship on the first day of each Tamil month.

Location & Access

The temple stands near Kurumbur, about 45 km from Tirunelveli city on the route to Thiruchendur, in Tiruchendur Taluk of Thoothukudi district. Mini buses operate from Kurumbur, which also has the nearest railway station, with the nearest airport at Thoothukudi; lodging is available in nearby Thiruchendur town. The temple observes darshan from about 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It is administered by an Executive Officer registered at Rajapathy, Tiruchendur Taluk, Tuticorin - 628 207. Verify current darshan timings and travel details with the temple or official sources before visiting.