Chokkanathar Temple

Thirumoolanathar Temple is a prominent shrine situated in Ambasamudram in the Thirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Thirumulanathaswamy, this temple is one of the Muppeeda Shrines (Three Holy Shrines). The other two are located at Thirukoshtiyur Temple (Oorakaadu) and Thirumoolanathar Temple (Vallanadu). The main deity, Thirumoolanathar, is a Swayambu lingam, accompanied by Ulagammai. Sage Agasthiar is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva at this site. In ancient scriptures, the temple is referred to as Thiruchalaithurai. The temple's sacred water bodies, or Theerthams, include Brahma Theertham and Saraswathi Theertham, where it is believed that Brahma and Saraswathi received boons, leading to the creation of these Theerthams. The temple is located very close to the Purushothama Perumal Temple. There is a separate shrine for Chokkanathar where he’s not the moolavar.

Timings

Morning : 05:00 am - 09:00 am & Evening : 05:00 pm - 08:00 pm

Entry Fee

No entry fee is charged

Thirumoolanathar Temple, situated in Ambasamudram in the Thirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu, is a renowned shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Thirumulanathaswamy. Referred to as Thiruchalaithurai in ancient scripts, this temple is one of the Muppeeda Shrines, along with Thirukoshtiyur Temple (Oorakaadu) and Thirumoola Nathar Temple (Vallanadu).

According to legend, Lord Brahma sought to escape the cycle of birth and death. When he approached Lord Shiva for assistance, he was instructed to perform a Yagna on the banks of the Thamirabarani River. Brahma, along with his consort Goddess Saraswathi, arrived at Aamalaka Vanam, a forest filled with gooseberry trees, and created two ponds, known as Brahma Theertham and Saraswathi Theertham. They bathed in these ponds and conducted the Yagna in honour of Lord Shiva. In response, Lord Shiva appeared as a Shiva Linga made of Vibhuti (sacred ash) alongside his consort Goddess Ulagammai, fulfilling the wishes of Brahma and Saraswathi.

The temple complex also features a separate shrine for Meenakshi and Chokkanathar, as well as a small shrine housing a tall idol of Lord Vishnu with his two consorts. Located in a picturesque setting amidst paddy fields, the east-facing temple is a serene and spiritual site.

In addition to the legend of Brahma and Saraswathi, it is said that the sage Agasthiar worshipped Lord Shiva at this site and was blessed with a vision of the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Ulagammai. This further adds to the temple's spiritual significance and allure.

Do's and Don'ts

Respect the Sacredness: Maintain a respectful attitude towards the temple premises, idols, and rituals.
Follow Dress Code: Dress modestly and appropriately, covering shoulders and legs (especially for women) as per temple guidelines.
Observe Silence: Maintain silence or speak softly inside the temple to preserve the sanctity of the space.
Follow Rituals: Participate in rituals respectfully if permitted, such as offering prayers and lighting lamps.
Donate Responsibly: Contribute to temple funds or charity boxes if willing and able to support temple activities.
Obey Signs and Instructions: Follow signs and instructions regarding photography, footwear removal, and designated areas.
Dispose of Waste Properly: Use designated bins for disposing of waste and avoid littering inside the temple premises.

No Footwear: Remove footwear before entering the temple premises, as per custom.
No Photography: Respect rules regarding photography inside the temple, as some places may prohibit it.
No Smoking or Alcohol: Refrain from smoking, consuming alcohol, or bringing non-vegetarian food into the temple premises.
No Mobile Phones: Maintain silence by switching off or setting mobile phones to silent mode.
No Disrespectful Behaviour: Avoid disrespectful behaviour, loud talking, or inappropriate conduct inside the temple.
No Entry Restrictions: Do not enter restricted areas or touch sacred objects without permission.
No Inappropriate Dress: Avoid wearing revealing or inappropriate clothing that may disrespect the sanctity of the temple.

Dress Code

For Men: Preferably wear traditional attire such as dhoti (veshti) with angavastram or mundu. Alternatively, formal trousers or pants with a shirt (preferably full-sleeved) are acceptable. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or clothing that exposes shoulders and legs.

For Women: Traditional attire like saree, half-saree, or salwar kameez is appropriate. If wearing a saree, ensure it covers the shoulders and is draped modestly. Avoid wearing short skirts, sleeveless tops, or tight-fitting clothes.

How to reach

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By Train: The nearest major railway station is usually Tirunelveli Junction. From there, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to Ambasamudram and then proceed to the temple.

By Air: The nearest airport is generally Tuticorin Airport (also known as Thoothukudi Airport) or Trivandrum International Airport. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Ambasamudram and then reach the temple.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

Thamirabarani River: One of the prominent rivers in Tamil Nadu, flowing near Ambasamudram. It holds significant religious and cultural importance in the region.

Cities and Towns:

Tirunelveli: A major city in Tamil Nadu, located southwest of Ambasamudram, known for its temples, historical monuments, and agricultural importance.
Tenkasi: Situated northeast of Ambasamudram, Tenkasi is known for its natural beauty, including the famous Courtallam waterfalls, and serves as a cultural hub.
Kanyakumari: Located southwest of Ambasamudram, Kanyakumari is a renowned pilgrimage destination at the southernmost tip of India, famous for its Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue.
Tiruchendur: Situated southeast of Ambasamudram, Tiruchendur is famous for its Subramanya Swamy Temple, a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Muruga.