In Karaikal we visited two temples
- Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple and Kailasanadhar temple
- Thirunallar Dharbaranyeswar and Saneeswarar sannidhi Temple
On Feb 9, we started from Thirukadaiyur and drove towards Nagappattinam. Our plan was to visit Karaikal Ammaiyar temple and Thirunallar Saneeshwarar temple.
Around 7.45am, we reached Karaikal Ammaiyar temple.
Karaikal Ammaiyar (meaning “the revered mother from Karaikkal”), one of the three women amongst the 63 Nayanmars, is one of the greatest figures of early Tamil literature. She was born at Karaikal, South India, and probably lived during the 6th century AD. She was a devotee of Shiva.
There was no crowd in the Karaikal Ammaiyar temple, So, we had a quick darshan and went to Kailasanadhar temple, which is opposite to Karaikal Ammaiyar temple. It is the temple where Karaikal Ammaiyar was worshipping Lord Shiva.
Kailasanadhar temple was built during 8 AD by Pallavas. It is supposed to be a heritage center. But, like any other old temples in Tamil Nadu, lots of new structures are built in and around the temple.
Around 8.30AM, we started from Kailasanadhar temple and had breakfast at Hotel Sri Kandaas, which is on the way to Thirunallar.
Around 9.15AM, we reached Thirunallar Dharbaranyeswar temple. This temple has Saneeshwarar (Saturn) sannidhi also. This place is supposed to be full of dharba grass and the linga is from the from that land. So, Lord Shiva is called as Dharbaranyeswarar and Amman is called as Pranambika.
Click here to know more about the pooja, sthala purana.
No good lodging facilities available near the temple. Better to stay in Karaikal or Nagappatinam.
ஒரு துளி 