பிரம்மதேசம் கைலாசநாதர் திருக்கோயில் - அம்பாசமுத்திரம்
This massive, beautiful and ancient temple is located in a small and verdant village called Ambasamudram on the banks of the Thamirabarani about 40 kms or 1 hour west of Thirunelveli. Although not a Paadal Petra Sthalam, it is mentioned in the 6th Thirumurai in passing and is thus classified as a Paadal Vaippu Thalam. It was called Ayaneeswaram (Ayan is Brahma) in the Thevaram. Some believe it is the first of the Navakailasa temples and is dedicated to the Sun. Some believe that the ancient temple in Papanasam close by is the real first Navakailasam.
Many dynasties have contributed to the construction of this vast and grand temple. The great emperor Raja Raja Cholan was very fond of this temple and made many contributions. With 3 tall gopurams and 7 vimanams and innumerable sculptures, it is an architectural masterpiece and hidden treasure. The Nandi here is the largest in the region and has an animated and beautiful appearance. The solid massive doorway is intricately carved by artisans from Kerala and fortified. Much of the structure that we see today is from the Nayakkar renovation in the late 1500s. There is a spot in the outer prakaram (the locals will show you) from where you can see all the towers.
The temple has a bit of a forlorn look. It is very much an active temple but needs some repair soon. Politics, as well as administrave inertia and controversy appear to be barriers for urgent preservation of this wonderful temple.
We visited in August 2019. We were based in Thirunelvely.
Credits: Google Maps
Comments