- Special Features
Foundation Year1000 - 2000 years oldSthala TreeVilwa, Jack TreeTheerthamDeci, Markandeya, Brahmma TheerthamRathamArchitectureOther SpecialityThe idol is a Swayambu Lingam.
- Sthala Puran
As per Hindu legend, when the celestial deities Devas and Asuras were churning the Ocean of Milk for ambrosia, poison emerged first. Lord Shiva consumed the poison, but Goddess Parvati held His throat as He was consuming it. It is believed that Lord Shiva got the name Neelakanta from then on. Goddess Parvati anointed Lord Shiva with oil in this place to relieve Neelankata of his pain. The practice of anointing the lingam in the temple continues in modern times where the whole oil is absorbed by the Lingam.
Sage Mrikandu prayed to Lord Neelakandeswarar to bless him with a child. Lord gave him a choice of an arrogant son who would live 1000 years or a noble son who will live for only 16 years. Sage Mrikandu chose to have a son who would live for 16 years and got Markandeya as his son.
Markendeya prayed at various Shiva temples and finally came to Thiruneelakkudii and prayed to the Lord. Lord Shiva appeared and asked him to express his wish. Markandeya wanted to be a Chiranjeevi and the Lord granted him the boon at this place!
It is a miracle that the Lingam absorbs all the oil poured over the Lord during the abhishekam! However, the surface of the Lingam is still rough in spite of pouring thousands of liters of oil over the years!
The temple has two main devis – Goddess Bhaktha Beeshta Pradayani and Anoopamastani.
- Architecture
- Alankar of Deity
- Prayers and BenefitsSpecial Vratas and PrayersOfferings to DeityStotras and Mantras
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