Ancient Shiva Temple in Trichy: Gneelivaneswarar’s Timeless Legacy

Location

Place: Thiruppaingneeli (also called Thirupanjali)
District: Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu
Distance: ~20 km north of Trichy city
Region Name: Also referred to as Then Kailasam due to its mythological connection to Mount Kailash

Main Deities and Subshrines

Primary Deities

Lord Shiva: Worshipped as Gneelivaneswarar, a Swayambhu Linga (self-manifested)

Other names: Kathali Vasanthar, Paramasambu, Aaraniya Vallaver, Eluthariya Peruman

Subshrines & Associated Deities

Lord Vishnu: Senthamaraikannan shrine within the temple
Yama: Unique shrine dedicated to the god of death
Ganapathi: Vasantha Vinayakar in a separate sannidhi
Agni, Indra, Kamadhenu, Adiseshan, Vayu Bhaghvan
Sapta Rishis, Rama, Arjuna, Vasista, Sudhamamunivar
Chinnandavar and Periyandavar: Rural guardian deities
Kasi Viswanathar and Sorudiya Eswarar: With legends tied to Appar and Yama’s rebirth

Temple Significance

Padal Petra Sthalam: One of the 275 sacred Shiva temples praised in the Tevaram hymns by Appar, Sundarar, and Thirugnanasambandar
Marriage Remedy Temple: Worshipping the plantain tree (temple’s sacred tree) is believed to remove obstacles to marriage. Poojas are performed especially on Fridays and Sundays by devotees of all faiths
Seven Sacred Theerthams: Includes Visalakshi, Yama, Kalyana, Agni, Deva, Appar, and Maniyankarunai—each with unique spiritual significance
Legend of Appar: Lord Shiva appeared in Brahmin form and offered food to Appar during his pilgrimage, a moment commemorated in temple sculpture
No Navagraha Shrine: Instead, the steps leading to the sanctum represent the Navagrahas. Devotees light lamps in stone cavities on the floor to worship them

History

The temple dates back to the early Chola period, with inscriptions from Raja Raja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I confirming its antiquity.
The Soundareeswara shrine within the complex is believed to have been built by Mahendravarman I in 640 CE, placing it among the oldest surviving Shaiva shrines.

Legends

The temple is one of the eight sacred fragments of Mount Kailash said to have fallen to Earth during a cosmic battle between Vayu Bhagavan (Wind God) and Adiseshan (Serpent God). This site is called Then Kailasam, or “Southern Kailash,” due to its divine origin.
A beloved legend recounts Lord Shiva appearing as a Brahmin to feed the saint Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) with rice and water during his pilgrimage. This act of compassion is immortalized in temple sculpture.
The temple is also associated with Yama’s rebirth and Appar’s spiritual journey, adding layers of mythic depth to its sanctity.

Architecture

The temple features five concentric prakarams (courtyards), with a large open space and sacred tank on the left as you enter.
The Rajagopuram (main tower) stands at 30 feet, though it remains unfinished, adding a unique visual character.
A striking feature is the absence of a separate Navagraha shrine—instead, the steps leading to the sanctum represent the nine planetary deities. Devotees light lamps in stone cavities on the floor to honor them.
The temple houses a Rathina Sabha, similar to the one in Chidambaram, and a sacred plantain tree believed to remove marriage obstacles when worshipped on Fridays and Sundays.

Rituals

Devotees light stone cavity lamps on the floor near Nandi to honor the Navagrahas, as the temple has no separate Navagraha shrine.
Plantain Tree Pooja: Worshipping the sacred kathali plantain tree is believed to remove marriage obstacles. Poojas are especially performed on Fridays and Sundays, attracting devotees from all faiths.

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri: Celebrated with grandeur, including night-long bhajans, abhishekams, and special darshan.
Thiruvadhirai: Marks Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance; rituals include Abhishekam and Arudra Darshan.
Appar Gurupuja: Commemorates the saint Appar’s visit and divine feeding by Lord Shiva in Brahmin form. A sculpture above the mandapam honors this legend.
Monthly Pradosham: Observed on Trayodashi days with special abhishekam and circumambulation.
Karthigai Deepam: Lamps are lit throughout the temple, symbolizing inner illumination.

Beliefs

Then Kailasam: The temple is considered one of the eight fragments of Mount Kailash that fell to Earth during a cosmic battle between Vayu Bhagavan and Adiseshan, earning it the name Then Kailasam (Southern Kailash).
Marriage Remedy: Worshipping the sacred plantain tree is believed to remove delays and obstacles in marriage.
Yama’s Rebirth: The temple has a shrine for Yama, and is associated with his spiritual rebirth, adding rare depth to its mythological landscape.
Appar’s Blessing: Devotees believe that sincere worship here brings divine nourishment and guidance, just as Lord Shiva fed Appar during his pilgrimage.

Temple Hours

Morning: 6:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
These timings allow for all four daily Shaiva poojas, including Usha, Uchikala, Sayaraksha, and Arthajama.

Getting There

Location: Thiruppaingneeli (Thirupanjali), Manachanallur Taluk, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu
Distance from Trichy: ~20–25 km north of city center
Nearest Bus Stand: Trichy Chatram Bus Stand (~18 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Tiruchirappalli Junction
By Road: Regular mini-buses and autos operate from Manachanallur and nearby towns
By Air: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (~30 km away)

Tips

Best Days to Visit: Fridays and Sundays are ideal for those seeking marriage-related remedies through the Kathali Vriksha Pooja.
Photography: Respect temple customs—ask permission before photographing inside sanctum areas.
Language: Tamil is widely spoken; basic phrases or a local guide can enhance your experience.
Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with Thiruvellarai Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple, just 5 km away.