BLOGS Stay Near Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Srivaikuntam | Nava Kailayam 6th Temple Shani (Saturn) Sthalam Nava Kailasam Temples May 8, 2026 Sri Kailasanathar Temple The sixth Kailasam temple at Srivaikuntam was built by Uromasa Maharishi the grandson of Lord Brahma and the devoted disciple of Sage Agasthiyar. This is the Sani Sthalam among the Nava Kailayam temples, and it holds extraordinary power for devotees suffering under the influence of Saturn.  The village of Srivaikuntam is unique in the sense that it is one of the Nava Kailayam temples of Saivites AND one of the Nava Tirupati temples of Vaishnavites making it the only place in Tamil Nadu where both the Nava Kailayam and Nava Tirupati pilgrimages converge in the same sacred town.  It is a firm belief among devotees that worshipping here is equal to worshipping at the famous Thirunallaru Sani Bhagawan temple one of the most powerful Saturn temples in all of Tamil Nadu.  For pilgrims on the Nava Kailayam Yatra, Ananta Vihara in Thirukolur just minutes from Srivaikuntam is the most peaceful and perfectly placed homestay base. 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 Iluppai tree. The temple follows Karana Agamam tradition. The Lord is in Swayambu Lingam form a self-manifested Shiva Lingam. Among all nine Nava Kailayam temples, Swayambu Lingams are found only at Papanasam and Srivaikuntam making this one of the two most sacred and powerful shrines in the entire circuit. The Nataraja in this temple is called Santhana Sababathi meaning the Nataraja anointed with sandalwood. The flagstaff of the temple is believed to have been brought all the way from Devi Kanyakumari in Kanyakumari district a rare and sacred origin for a temple’s dhwajasthambam. A guardian deity named Bhoothanathar is one of the major shrines in the temple. The image of Bhoothanathar is made of wood and is given the primary role during the Chittirai Brahmotsavam festival a unique wooden deity rarely seen in South Indian temples. The Origin Sixth Flower of Sage Romasa As per legend, Sage Urosamar floated a set of flowers in the Thamirabarani River the sixth flower reached the shore at this place in Srivaikuntam. The sage established a temple for Kailasanathar. The Lingam the aniconic form of Shiva in the temple is believed to be an aspect of Shani, one of the planetary deities. Architecture A Temple Built Like Madurai Meenakshi The temple was constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines across three precincts. Shiva is worshipped as Kailasanathar and his consort Parvati as Sivakami.  The temple has a flat gateway tower, unlike other South Indian temples that have a pyramidal entrance tower a distinctive and rare architectural feature in the Dravidian temple tradition.  The architecture of this temple resembles that of the famous Meenakshi Temple at Madurai. The Nataraja idol here is a masterpiece of South Indian sculptural art.  The Power of Shani — Why This Temple Matters According to Hindu beliefs, the period of Ashtamathil Sani and Ezharai Naatu Sani are times of great trials and misery for devotees. This is the reason why people get extremely scared when their zodiac signs are aligned directly under the influence of Saturn God. He rules over a person’s life for nineteen years and determines the extent of internal peace. It is believed that Saturn exerts his influence either as a peaceful breeze or a destructive tornado and his dominant power can turn a person into a prosperous millionaire or a penniless pauper.  Those who are affected by Sani dosha pray to Sri Kailasanathar and Sri Sani here to get the curse relieved. The Sri Sani Bhagawan Sannidhi is situated separately inside the temple a dedicated shrine solely for Saturn worship, rare in Tamil Nadu temples.  The Only Place Where Both Pilgrimages Meet! A Nava Tirupati temple is located close to this Nava Kailayam temple  the sacred Sri Srivaikuntanathan Perumal Temple, which is the first temple of the Nava Tirupati circuit.  This makes Srivaikuntam the most spiritually complete stop in the entire pilgrimage belt of South Tamil Nadu where a devotee can worship both: Lord Shiva as Kailasanathar — the Nava Kailayam Sani Sthalam Lord Vishnu as Srivaikuntanathan — the Nava Tirupati First Temple All in the same town, on the same day! Navagraha Significance — Shani (Saturn) Sthalam Praying at Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Srivaikuntam is considered equal to worshipping at the famous Thirunallaru Sani Bhagawan temple in Karaikal one of the most powerful Shani Sthalam temples in all of Tamil Nadu.  Devotees pray here for: Relief from Shani (Saturn) dosha Relief from Ezharai Naatu Sani & Ashtamathil Sani Career, job, and financial stability Protection from delays and setbacks Inner peace and mental strength Blessings for Capricorn (Makara) & Aquarius (Kumbha) Rasi Victory over enemies and legal disputes Special Days: Saturday (Sani Kilamai), Sani Peyarchi, and Pradosham prayers are most powerful here. Temple Open Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:30 AM & 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Major Festivals The Brahmotsavam festival celebrated during the Tamil months of Chittirai (April–May) and Aippasi (October–November) are the most prominent festivals of the temple. During Brahmotsavam, Bhoothanathar  the wooden guardian deity is given the primary role in processions.  The Brahmotsavam, Maha Shivaratri, and Thirukalyanam are the most important festivals here. Regular rituals along with Veda Parayanam are meticulously conducted year-round.  Other key festivals: Brahmotsavam — Chittirai (April–May) & Aippasi (Oct–Nov) Maha Shivaratri — February–March (Grand celebration) Thirukalyanam — divine wedding ceremony Sani Peyarchi — once in ~2.5 years (Most important here!) Pradosham — twice monthly Saturday Sani special poojas — year-round How to Reach From Distance Route Tirunelveli ~30–31 km Bus / Taxi Thoothukudi ~39 km Bus / Taxi Alwarthirunagari ~4.6 km Bus / Taxi Thirukolur ~5 km Taxi Nearest Railway Station: Srivaikuntam Railway Station (1 km from temple) Bus Route: Regular buses from Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi & Tiruchendur — stop at Srivaikuntam bus stand Best Time