Lord Kailasanathar temple, Brahmadesam, Ambasamudram Taluk, Tirunelveli District.

 History

Brahmadesam is a village  4 km from Ambasamudram. This temple was built and developed by Chera, Chola, Pandya, Hoysalasand Nayakkar kings at various periods of time. The original temple was built by Raja Raja Chola in the 10th Century.

Lord Brahma and his grandson Romasa Rishi worshipped Lord Shiva here, and hence, the place is known as Brahmadesam. During the period of Raja Raja Chola, this village was donated to Brahmins to stay here and chant the four Vedas. Hence, it was known as Chadurvedi Mangalam.

As per legends, the Swayambu Shiva Lingams of Shivsailam, Tiruvaleeswaram and Brahmadesam emerged at the same time.The east-facing temple has a seven-tier Raja Gopuram. The majestic wooden doors of the temple has carvings of various deities. The temple has 3 towers and 7 vimanas (roof over the shrine).

The east-facing main sanctum sanctorum of Lord Shiva has a big Shiva Lingam and He is known as Lord Kailasanathar. The idol of Nandi is huge and  has some impressive carvings. Goddess Bruhanayaki or Periya Nayaki is extremely beautiful. She is in a standing posture, holding a lotus in Her right hand.

Although the present presiding deity is Lord Kailasanathar, it is believed that Lord Ilandai Adinathar was the presiding deity earlier. There is a separate sannidhi for Lord Ilandai Adinathar. There is a separate sannidhi for Lord Gangalanthar. He is akin to Lord Bhikshadanar, Who seeks alms. However, the iconographic of Lord Gangalanthar is different from  that of Lord Bhikshadanar.

Lord Gangalanthar has Jata Makuta (hair dressed like a crown) and big earrings. He has four arms. He carries a drum (Dhakka) is His left lower arm and He beats the drum with a  stick (Bana) with His lower right arm.

His upper right arm is stretched downwards in the Kataka (Crab) posture. His upper left arm has a Kankala danda, a staff that carries the bone of the arms and legs of the slain person. The staff is resting on His left shoulder.There is a separate shrine for Punugu Sabapathi that houses idols of Lord Natarajar, Goddess Sivakamasundari and rishis. The vigrahams are made of Punugu, a kind of perfume.

Years 
1500-year old 

Locaion : 

Temple address: Lord Kailasanathar temple, Brahmadesam, Ambasamudram Taluk, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu 627413. 

Temple Phone :  04634-254247; 9442894094

Temple Timing:  7 am to  10 am, 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.