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Stay Near Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Murappanadu | Nava Kailayam 5th Temple — Guru (Jupiter) Sthalam
- Nava Kailasam Temples
- May 7, 2026
Sri Kailasanathar Temple
Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Murappanadu is one of the Nava Kailayam temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at Murappanadu in Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu. This temple is associated with Guru Jupiter or Brihaspati among the Navagrahas and is the fifth among the nine Nava Kailayam temples. The shrine is also known as Nadu Kailasam the Middle Kailasam Temple.
The temple is called Nadukailasam and Dhakshina Gangai the Southern Ganga. At Murappanadu, the sacred Thamiraparani River uniquely flows from north to south just like the holy Ganga at Kashi making a bath here equivalent to a bath in the Ganga at Varanasi.
It is believed that a person can receive the immense blessings of Guru by visiting this Guru Sthalam at Murappanadu. Worshipping Kailasanathar at this temple gives bountiful benefits. This is the Fifth Kailasam and the first among the temples of the Middle Kailasam the crown jewel of the Nava Kailayam circuit.
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 Moolavar is Arulmigu Kailasanathar and the Ambal is Arulmigu Sivagami Amman. The Theertham is the sacred Thamiraparani River. The Thala Vruksham (sacred tree) is the Jack tree. The temple follows Karana Agamam tradition. The Lord’s idol faces east to view directly and bless the devotees who take a holy dip in the waters of the river. Goddess Sivagami Ammai faces south and is present in a separate sanctum she is the pinnacle of patience and the saviour of all those who come to her with trust.
Subsidiary deities include Ganesha, Subramanian, Guru, Navagrahas, Nataraja, Dakshinamurthy, and other forms of Shiva and Shakti. The sculpture of Lord Hanuman, Kannappar (one among the sixty-three Nayanmars), an elephant, a peacock, and Gomatha (the sacred cow) performing Shiva pooja is mesmerising and makes the onlooker spellbound.
Why "Murappanadu"? — Three Beautiful Legends
When Soorapadman was committing atrocities against the Devas, the latter wanted to petition Shiva to help them. So they came to this place and worshipped him with proper honours and procedure. As a result, the place came to be known as Muraippadi Easwaranai Nadi Nindra Oor meaning “the place where Shiva was worshipped appropriately” which became Murappanadu over time.
Another legend says that a brave woman of this village chased away a wild tiger using just a Muram a winnow used to remove chaff from grain hence the place came to be called Murappanadu.
Yet another story goes that this place was filled with flat stones locally called Murambu and hence the name Murappanadu meaning “the place of Murambu stones.
The Legend of the Horse-Faced Princess & Nandi
A Chola king of the region had a daughter who was unfortunate to have been born with the face of a horse. The king worshipped Shiva, who appeared in his dream and asked him to bathe in the waters of the Thamirabarani River at Murappanadu because at this point the river flows from north to south, and for that reason it is called the Dakshina Ganga. The king did as he was told, and his daughter was restored with a human face. At Shiva’s divine direction, Nandi took on the horse face to absorb the curse.
The king, overcome with gratitude, built this temple. Even today, the Nandi at this temple can be seen with the face of a horse a completely unique and unforgettable feature found nowhere else in Tamil Nadu.
The Legend of Lord Rama's Sacred Footprint
It is believed that in the Ramayanam, while Rama was figuring out a way to reach Lanka, he passed by Murappanadu. An impression of his sacred foot is preserved in the temple making this not just a Nava Kailayam Shiva temple, but also a Ramayana pilgrimage site of great significance.
Historical Glory — The Vijayanagara Connection
During the 15th century, when the Vijayanagara Empire was at the peak of its glory, Vittala Rayan the brother of Rama Rayar and the empire’s representative in Tamil Nadu made this temple his encampment. After worshipping Guru Bhagavan at this temple, he waged war on the King of Travancore who refused to pay taxes and won. This historic event cemented the temple’s fame as a place where Guru’s blessings grant victory and triumph.
The Unique Navagraha Ritual — Nine Circumambulations
Murappanadu has a unique speciality among all the Nava Kailayam temples. It is believed that if one worships the idol of Dakshinamurthy and Shani Bhagavan by performing nine circumambulations, one can get the blessings of all the nine Navagrahas in a single visit.
This makes Murappanadu the most spiritually efficient Nava Kailayam temple one circumambulation ritual here covers all nine planetary blessings!
Anjasel Perumal — Vishnu's Ten Avatars
Once at this temple, a female devotee witnessed the divine spectacle of Lord Vishnu taking the form of his ten avatars at the same time. This scene is found on a stone inscription here. This temple is known as Sri Anjchel Perumal Temple and the Lord blesses his devotees with wealth. The Dasavatara Kattam (Ten Avatars Panel) at the Thamirabarani River demonstrates this manifestation of the Lord.
Navagraha Significance — Guru (Jupiter) Sthalam
Among all the nine planets, Guru (Jupiter) occupies a position of prominence hence it is said that if Guru is in a favourable position, one is blessed with immense good fortunes (குருபார்க்க கோடி புண்ணியம்).
It is believed that worshipping the Lord at this temple is equivalent to worshipping Lord Shiva at Alangudi one of the most powerful Guru Sthalam temples in Tamil Nadu.
This temple is especially beneficial for people born under Sagittarius (Dhanusu) and Pisces (Meenam) Rasi. If women of these sun signs worship the Lord here, they can attain whatever they wish.
Devotees pray here for:
- Relief from Guru (Jupiter) dosha
- Education, wisdom, and academic excellence
- Career growth and professional success
- Financial prosperity and wealth
- Blessings for marriage and family
- Sagittarius (Dhanusu) & Pisces (Meenam) Rasi blessings
- Victory in battles, court cases, and challenges
- Blessings of ALL nine Navagrahas (via 9-circumambulation ritual)
Special Days: Thursday (Vyazha Kilamai), Guru Peyarchi, Pradosham, and Maha Shivaratri prayers are most powerful here.
Temple Open Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM 📞 Temple Contact: +91 94009 74886 | +91 83009 56696
Major Festivals
Special poojas are performed on Thiruvathirai, Maha Shivaratri, Pradosham days, the first of every Tamil month, Guru Peyarchi, and Sani Peyarchi. Daily poojas are performed twice a day.
Other key festivals:
- Maha Shivaratri — February–March (Grand celebration)
- Guru Peyarchi — once in ~12 months (Most important here!)
- Thiruvathirai / Arudra Darshan — December–January
- Pradosham — twice monthly (Very important)
- Thursday Guru special poojas — year-round
- Tamil Month First Day special poojas — monthly
- Maha Kumbabishekam — conducted periodically (27.01.2008 last held)
How to Reach
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Distance
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Route
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Nearest Railway Station: Tirunelveli Junction (~17 km) Bus Route: Thoothukudi–Tirunelveli bus stops at Murappanadu | Thoothukudi Local Bus No. 150 via Vallanadu, Kongarayakurichi, Kaliaoor, Ulakudi, Poovani, Alwarkarkulam stops here Route: Temple is on the Tirunelveli–Thoothukudi road, walkable distance from Murappanadu bus stop Best Time to Visit: October – March | Thursday visits | Guru Peyarchi | Maha Shivaratri
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