Friday, March 3, 2017

Kulasekhara Alwar Temple, Alwarkurichi, Thirunelveli

Kulasekhara Alwar Temple, Alwarkurichi, Thirunelveli
Kulasekhara Alwar Temple is located in Alwarkurichi Village near Tenkasi Town in Thirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. The village is named after Kulasekhara Alwar. He spent his last time in and around this village. The nearby Mannar Kovil is the place where he attained Samadhi. The village is named after him; his temple should ideally be the center of attraction. Unfortunately, the temple remains unknown and hardly anyone visits the site which is located in the outskirts of the village.

Kulasekhara Alwar was one of twelve Alwars, the great Vaishnavite of South India. As per the mythology, he was born when Kali Yuga started (around 5000 years ago). Historically, it looks like he lived in the 9th century CE. He was also a king who ruled part of today's Kerala state of India. This great devotee spent his last few years around Ambasamudram region. This small village has a very small temple dedicated to Kulasekhara Alwar. The temple has a main shrine dedicated to him and a small sub-shrine facing the main shrine where Garuda is found. The temple does not have tower.
Alwarkurichi is located at about 14 Kms from Ambasamudram, 24 Kms from Tenkasi, 11 Kms from Papanasam, 24 Kms from Veeravanallur, 60 Kms from Thirunelveli, 130 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 200 Kms from Madurai. Buses plying from Thirunelveli to Tenkasi stop at Alwarkurichi. Nearest Railway stations are located at Tenkasi, Veeravanallur and Ambasamudram. Nearest Airport is located at Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.