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Stay Near Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Kodaganallur | Nava Kailayam 3rd Temple — Sevvai (Mars) Sthalam
- Nava Kailasam Temples
- May 6, 2026
Sri Kailasanathar Temple
Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Kodaganallur, is one of the Nava Kailayam temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located near Nadukallur village in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu. This temple is associated with Sevvai Mars or Mangal among the Navagrahas, and is the third among the nine Nava Kailayam temples.
The third Nava Kailayam temple in Kodaganallur is also known as Kaarkodaga Kshetram and Kodanoor. Since the place was lush with Arjuna trees and fertile green paddy fields, it was a preferred summer destination for royalty and commoners alike hence the name Kodaganallur, literally meaning “the ideal place to spend summer.”
This is the Parihara Sthalam for doshas related to Sevvai Angarakan Mars. The Shiva Lingam here is the biggest among all the Nava Kailayam temples. For pilgrims on the Nava Kailayam Yatra, Ananta Vihara in Thirukolur is the most comfortable and conveniently located homestay base across the entire circuit.
The presiding deity is Sri Kailasanathar the main altar facing East. The Goddess Sivakami is found in a separate north-facing shrine. The icons of Ganesha and Kartikeya are found at the entrance of the main temple. The sacred tree of this temple is the Wild Puli tree. The temple follows the Shiva Agamam tradition.
Subsidiary deities worshipped here include Anantha Gowri Amman, Ganesha, and various forms of Shiva including Nataraja. The temple walls are adorned with paintings of Hindu gods and goddesses and stories from the Puranas.
This temple does not have a Kodi Maram (flag mast), Bali Peetam, or Parivara Moorthis making it a simple, intimate, and deeply spiritual shrine.
The Legend How Kodaganallur Got Its Name
A sage was doing penance in this area, assisted by his devoted son. One day, the son went to the forest to gather firewood. While he was away, a young prince visited the sage seeking spiritual guidance. When the sage remained deep in penance and refused to respond, the angry prince took a dead snake and placed it around the sage’s neck. When the son returned and discovered the act, he cursed the prince, saying that the dead snake would one day come alive and kill the prince’s father the king.
Days later, the king consulted his palace priest who revealed he was destined to die from a snake bite. The king then built a special chamber where no snake could enter, and lived there safely. However, the snake took rebirth as a mango worm and on a specific day, the king called for mangoes. The same mango harboured the worm, which killed the king, fulfilling the curse.
As the sin was committed by Karkodagan the serpent he decided to perform penance towards Lord Shiva to be relieved of his karma. Lord Shiva came from Kailash to help his devotee and came to be called Kailasanathar here. Since Karkodagan attained Mukti (liberation) at this place, it came to be known as Karkodaga Nallur which over time became Kodaganallur.
Unique Features What Makes This Temple Special
Daily Nandi Thirukalyanam
Generally, the ritual of Thirukalyanam (the divine wedding ceremony) is performed only for female deities. However, in this temple, this sacred ritual is performed daily for Nandi the sacred bull of Lord Shiva. Thousands of devotees gather here to witness this completely unique daily ritual.
Mangalsutra Offering to Nandi
A unique offering here is making a garland using yellow thread with 58 turmeric pieces and offering it to Nandi in the shrine. This is done in preparation for an early and blessed marriage and the couple should then adorn Nandi with the garland for the wish to be fulfilled.
It is estimated that around 16,000 devotees have been blessed with marital bliss by performing this ritual. Hence one can see huge numbers of holy yellow threads the sacred Mangalsutra worn by married women offered to the deity at this temple.
Biggest Shiva Lingam in Nava Kailayam
The Moolavar is so very large that 8 dhotis measuring 8 muzham (yards) each are used to cover the deity making this the most magnificent Shiva Lingam in the entire Nava Kailayam circuit.
Home of Sri Sundara Swamigal
Kodaganallur holds special significance as the native town of Sri Sundara Swamigal the Guru of the revered Manonmaniam Sundaranar and the great music scholar Sangeetha Vidwan Subbaiya Bhagavathar. A picture of Sri Sundara Swamigal hangs on the left wall of the Manimandapam in front of the inner sanctum.
Only Sringeri Mutt in Tamil Nadu
The only Sankara Mutt established in Tamil Nadu by the prestigious Sringeri Mutt of Karnataka is located in this very village of Kodaganallur adding extraordinary spiritual significance to this sacred hamlet.
Navagraha Significance Sevvai (Mars) Sthalam
Birthplace of Madhurakavi Alvar
According to Indian tradition, the Mars God rules over five houses in a person’s horoscope, so his influence dominates one’s life for a period of seven years. It is feared that the life of a spouse is endangered if a horoscope with Sevvai Dosham is matched with one without this Dosham.
It is believed that if one worships Goddess Sri Aananda Gowri Ammal at this temple by lighting a lamp every day, one can be relieved from the sufferings caused by Sevvai Dosham. Several devotees have been blessed and freed from their dosham when they offered prayers at this sanctum.
This temple is also special for Viruchigam (Scorpio) and Mesha (Aries) Rasi devotees worshipping here is believed to bring positive changes and blessings within two months.
Devotees pray here for:
- Relief from Sevvai (Mars) dosha
- Removal of marriage delays and obstacles
- Scorpio (Viruchigam) and Aries (Mesha) Rasi blessings
- Career, education, and employment blessings
- Marital harmony and family happiness
- Relief from snake curses and ancestral karma
- Liberation (Mukti) for departed souls
Special Days: Tuesday (Sevvai Kilamai), Pradosham, and Maha Shivaratri prayers are most powerful here.
Architecture
This is a small but exquisitely maintained shrine. The temple has only two sanctums and a prakaram. The main shrine faces East, and the Goddess shrine faces North. The walls of the shrine are adorned with beautiful paintings depicting Hindu gods, goddesses, and stories from the Puranas
Temple Open Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Major Festivals
Key festivals celebrated here:
- Maha Shivaratri — February–March (Grand celebration with special poojas)
- Sivagami Ambal Thirukalyanam — celebrated daily (Unique!)
- Pradosham — twice monthly (Very important)
- Tuesday Sevvai special poojas — year-round
- Aadi & Thai Amavasai — New Moon special rituals
- Kumbabhishekam — conducted periodically with thousands of devotees
How to Reach
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Distance
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Route
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Nearest Railway Station: Cheranmahadevi Railway Station (~9 km) | Veeravanallur Railway Station (~14 km) Bus Route: Buses from Tirunelveli via Cheranmahadevi route | Alight at Kodaganallur stop Best Time to Visit: October – March | Tuesday visits | Maha Shivaratri (Feb–March) | Pradosham days
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