Karisoolnthamangalam Chakrathalwar Temple: Scenic 1000 year old Vishnu temple located on the banks of the Thamirabharani river
This is a 1000 year old Pandya era temple that is located at a scenic location by the banks of the Thamirabharani river. Large native trees, palm trees, paddy fields and banana plantations surround this temple and this lush environment with abundant water attract lots of birds all year round. The temple is fairly small in size, but it enjoys a lot of rich history and many unique highlights. One special feature of this temple is that all the devotees who worship here get conferred with long life and a healthy body. I am talking about the Chakrathalwar temple at Karisoolnthamangalam village near Pattamadai in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.
The presiding deity or the moolavar of this temple is Chakrathalwar (He is also believed to be the athipathy of Shukhran, making this temple a Shukra Parihara Sthalam) who is seen with 16 hands. Behind him is Lord Yoga Narasimha with four hands holding Sudarshana Chakra in each hand and no Sangu. It is said that the moolavar possesses the characters of Varaha and Narasimha avatars. The processional deity or the utsava moorthy is Venkatachalapathy with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. Usually in Vishnu temples, it is the moolavar who is Venkatachalapathy and here it is the opposite, which makes it quite unique and rare. The temple has sub shrines for Hanuman, Garudan and the Alwars.
As per the inscription of 1250 AD dating to the rule of Sundara Pandya II, this temple was referred to as ‘Then Thiruvengadam’ and the place itself was called ‘Kali Say Mangalam’, which over time became Karisoolnthamangalam. Romana Rishi undertook penance at this temple and performed pooja thus invoking the blessings of Lord Venkatachalapathy.
While the temple holds rich historical and spiritual significance, the Chakrathalwar temple at Karisoonlnthamangalam enjoys fabulous location. Access to the temple is only via gorgeously green paddy fields and banana plantations and sleepy villages. The road reaches a dead end at the temple and beyond lies the beautiful expanse of the Thamirabharani river that looks more like a wide lake here rather than a rocky flowing river that can seen upstream. This temple is a beautiful mix of stunning nature, rustic countryside and an ancient pilgrimage destination. And these are three top reasons to visit the Karisoolnthamangalam Chakrathalwar Venkatachalapathy temple.
Popular festivals:
1) Garudai Sevai festivals, especially the ones held on Saturdays and in the Puratassi month
2) Margazhi Vaikuntha Ekadasi Festival
Temple timings:
Morning Hours: 6 AM to 11 AM
Evening Hours: 4 PM to 5:30 PM
How to reach there:
If you are traveling from Tirunelveli direction, head on the Tirunelveli – Ambasamudram road till Pattamadai. At Pattamadai main circle, turn right and head towards Karissolnthamangalam on single lane village roads flanked by paddy fields and banana plantations.
Where to stay:
If you are looking for a simple hotel to stay, Cheranmahadevi, Kallidaikurichi and Ambasamudram would offer you a few options.
If you wish to stay in a traditional homestay inside the Brahmin agraharams, Kallidaikurichi (about 20 kms away) would be your nearest option.
If you wish for luxurious accommodation or a place with more rooms and catering to a wide range of budgets, Tirunelveli, about 20 kms away, would be your best bet.
Where to eat:
If you want basic tiffin items, tea/coffee and snacks, you can find them at Pattamadai, Cheranmahadevi and Melapalayam. For a proper sit down kind of vegetarian meals, the nearest option would be Hotel Annapoorna at Melapalayam.
For a much wider variety with different kinds of restaurants catering to different budgets and palettes, the city of Tirunelveli would be your best bet.
Other nearby tourist attractions:
1) Athalanallur Gajendra Varadharaja Temple: The location of the gajendra moksham legend.
2) Thiruppudaimarudur Naramboonathar Temple: 6th century Shiva temple located on the banks of the Thamirabharani river
3) Harikesavanallur Ariyanatha Swamy Temple: A powerful Shiva temple that is a Guru Sthalam, a Kubera Sthalam and a Maandi Sthalam
4) Cheranmahadevi Ammainathar Swamy Temple: A Nava Kailayam temple dedicated to the moon god that is surrounded by lush paddy fields and the Thamirabharani river
5) Pattamadai Pai: GI tagged beautiful handwoven mats from a tiny Tamil Nadu village
6) Manjolai: The unknown hill station gem of India
7) Sivasailam Temple: 1000 year old temple surrounded by the lush mountains of the Western Ghats
8) Sivasailam: One of the wettest places during the North East monsoon in India
9) Nalumukku: The wettest place of India during the North East monsoon
10) Kudrevetty: The gorgeous windy station of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
11) Manimuthar Falls: The herbal waterfall inside a tiger reserve
12) Agastyar Falls: A gorgeous waterfall on the Thamirabharani river
13) Oothu: The quaint little hill station of Tamil Nadu
14) Kakkachi: The highest point inside Kalakad Mundanthurai tiger reserve
15) Scenic Iron Bridge of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve: Pristine nature overloaded
16) Karaiyar Dam: Offbeat wildlife and nature holiday destination in India’s deep South
17) Cycling through the backyards of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
18) Mannarkoil Rajagopalaswamy Temple: Magnificent 10th century temple with an ashtanga vimana
19) 10th Century Brahmadesam Kailasanathar Temple: Lesser known architectural marvel of South India
20) 1000 year old Papanasanathar Temple:Where you can wash all your sins away
21) Kallidaikurichi: The village of the saaral season
22) Iruttu Kadai Halwa: Icon of Tirunelveli
23) Nellaiappar Temple: A 7th century cosmic dance wonder
24) 10th Century Valiswara Temple at Thiruvaliswaram: Hidden Chola gem in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu
25) Kallidaikurichi to Manimuthar Dam: A top scenic and rustic cycling route
26) Garudai Sevai from the agraharams of Kallidaikurichi
27) Festival of Thiruvathirai from a traditional Tamil Nadu village
28) Festival of Karthigai Deepam from a traditional Tamil Nadu village
29) Kallidaikurichi Adi Varaha Temple Chariot Festival: Grand cultural spectacle in rural Tamil Nadu
30) Kallidaikurichi Anaicut: Gorgeous picnic spot nestled in the lap of nature
31) Kallidaikurichi’s Sannadhi Street: Prettiest hotspot for Karthigai Deepam Festival Rural Bonanza
