GLIMPSES OF SRI KASI VISWANATHA SWAMY TEMPLE – TENKASI

Dr. M. Josephraj
Academic Programmer, Indira Gandhi National Open University Study Centre, Rani Anna Government College for Women, Tirunelveli – 627 008.

Abstract
An attempt is made in this article to delineate the history of Sri Kasi Viswanatha Swamy Temple at Tenkasi. As religion is an inseparable force in Indian culture. Tenkasi has one famous temple dedicated to Lord Viswanatha and Goddess Ulagamman. The presence of the Sri Kasi Viswanatha Swamy Temple in Tenkasi testify to the antiquity of Hinduism. Sri Kasi Viswanatha Swamy Temple of Tenkasi  has made a unique contribution in constructing the religious, social and political life of the past and present people. This temple also supply the various valuable inscriptions which serve as authentic evidences to know about the history of the Tenkasi Pandyas.

Introduction
Tenkasi, the historical city of the South India played an important role of the religious life of the people. It is surrounded by mountains and is situated within fifty-four kilometers to the north-west of Tirunelveli on the Tirunelveli- Shengottai road, south of Ambasamuthiram and north of Sankarankoil, and at the foot steps of Thirikoodamalai of the Western Ghats near the Courtallam waterfalls.1 ‘Tenkasi’ means ‘Kasi’ of the South, and the Ulgamman Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as Kasi Vishwanathar2. The temple spreads in 4.05 acres of land. This temple is spread to 318 feet in the south-north and 554 feet in east-west3. The temple is a fine example of the Pandya Dravidian architecture, reflected in its features such as the monolithic pillar sculptures and musical pillars4. The temple also has the second largest gopura in Tamil Nadu. The Kasi Vishwanatha Temple is located on the Northern banks of River Chitaru at Tenkasi5. Sri Kasi Viswanatha Swamy Temple is situated in the heart of the town, built in 15th century.6 It is known as South Varanasi. This temple is rich in inscriptions, and remarkable excellent minute stone carved life sculptures. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the locals it is believed that worshipping the Lord in this temple is as equal to worshipping the Lord in Kasi -Varanasi.

‘Tenkasi’ means South Banaras, is famous for its temple.7 The story of it’s temple is narrated in an inscription on a four sided pillar set up in front of the gopura.8 It is said that God Viswanatha appeared in the dream of Arikesari Parakarama Pandiyan who was living in the fort constructed by him at Vinthankottai which is in the east of Tenkasi and he frequently visited Banaras to worship Lord Viswanatha, and Lord ordered him to build a new temple9 at the north bank of  the river Chitranadi in the Tennarinadu10 at Tenkasi. The king started the work and in 1446 A.D the central shrine, the ardhamantapa and the mahamantapa were finished and the god was established in this shrine. Ten years later the building of the nine storied gopuram was began and in six years it was completed. In the same year 1463 A.D the king died. The temple contains many Pandya inscriptions of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. It is believed that if a person dies in Banaras he will attain salvation. But if a person born, live and die in Tenkasi he will get salvation was the verdict of many Puranas.

It is also said that the Tenkasi Pandia’s coronation festivals were celebrated in this temple. In this gopura there was a facility made to know the time in a day and this was called Nazhigai Vattil and the entrance was called Nazhigai vattil vassal.  This temple was constructed by the King Jatilavarman – Arikesari Parakirama Pandiyan during 1446 A.D11 in this part of the Tirunelveli District. It is 53 km from Tirunelveli,  7 km from Courtalam, 105 Km from Tuticorin, 136 Km from Kanyakumari and 150 Km from Madurai12.

Saka year 1368, in the month of  Vaikasi Monday tenth day puruva patcham, tasami with utthira natchathira and meenalakkana Friday, the foundation stone laid by Arikesari Parakrama Pandia13. According to Epigraphist Mr. Kudanthai Sethuraman, ‘ foundation stone laid on the exact date is 15-11-1446 and finished the construction of temple  on 10-06-1467’.14 In Kali year 4558, month of Karthigai fifth day in Thursday, Rajagopuram  foundation stone was laid by Arikesari Parakrama Pandia15. Exact date is 30-11-1457. And the Rajagopuram construction was finished by Ponnin Perumal Azhagan Kulasekharan in Saka year 151816.

Arikesari Parakrama Pandya was a great devotee of Siva17. The gate way of this great temple constructed by the Pandya king Parakrama Pandya was destroyed by the thunders, probably about 200 years ago. Here we must recall the words of Parakrama Pandya who made a touching appeal for the preservation and the maintenance of the temple, in case of any natural calamity or due to time. He made a proclamation in which he pays reverential homage to those undertaking the reconstruction and renovation of this temple. This we can find it engraved in chaste Tamil on the walls of temple.

“Aarainum intha Tenkasi meavum pon aalayathu  Varathathor kutram vanthal appothu anku vanthu athanai Neragavea olithu purappargalai neethiudan Parar ariya paninthen Parakrama Pandiyane.”18

This reveals his mastery in Tamil literature also.

Thalapurana
Tenkasi Thalapurana was sung by Tiruchitrambala Kavirayar in Kollam year 1030 (A.D.1855) at Ulagamman Shrine in Tenkasi Sri Kasi Viswanathar Temple. There are thirty padalangals (Chapters) except Praise of God (Kadavul Vazhthu), History of Purana and Sirappupayiram19.

Mandapas
Muhamandapa, Nandhimandapa, Manimandapa or Tiruvolakkamandapa, Mahamandapa, Arthamandapa and Karuvarai are constructed in the Agama rules.20

The Tenkasi Kasi Viswanathar Temple is a palace of sculptural skill of the stone craftsmen of Tamil Nadu21. The monolithic sculptures are specimens depicting the masterly skill of the architect. Particularly Agora Veerabathrar, Agni Veerabathrar, Manmathan, Perumal, Bathrakali, Chattainathar, Rathi, Pathanchali and Viyagrapathar22. The yali and the Panchapandavar statues are carved with intricate designs which one could not dream of chiseling it even in wood. According to Puranas, Nathamuni, Indra, Agasthiar, Mirukandamunivar Valli and Nandhi had come to this temple and worshipped God Viswanatha and Ullagammai to get redumption from their sins.

Nandi Perumal situated in Nandi Mandapa. Lot of pillars designed with beautiful sculptures, and six feet height  two very beautiful women sculptures are found in the Nandi Mandapa23.     

In the Mahamandapa we find Lord Ganesha, Kasi Visvanatha and Visalakshi (Ulagammai), Kuthar, Athikaranandhi, Chandrasekar, Pichadanar, Anantha Deva and Pali Nayakar.

In Creeper Mandapa we come across champak, jack trees, creepers of many varieties and other plants. We find shrines for Nandhi, Athikaranandhi and Sun gods here.

In the outer mandapa Appar, Thirugnana- sampandar, Sundarar, Manickavasagar, 63 Nayanmars, Suradevar, Dhanamurthy, Sapthakannis, Kanni Vinayakar, Saraswathi, Arumugam, Lakshmi, Natrajar, Sivagami, Karaikal Ammaiyar and Chandikeswarar are found24.

Musical Instruments
This temple is proud of having Sarang, one of the important string musical instruments used for playing before Goddess from evening pooja to night pooja25. The two sets of musical pillars found in the central shrine of Viswanatha and of Subramanyar are of notable feature proving the excellence of the artist. These clusters of musical columns produce notes which might have provided the percussion accompaniment for the dancing girls who performed dance as a part of the daily offerings to the deity26.

The temple has a collection of exquisite bronze which include the image of Parakrama Pandya, the builder of the temple and a very impressive Kankalamurthi idol. They prove that the artists of this region were experts in making icons also27.

Kumbabiseka
King Parakrama Pandya conducted  First  Maha Kumbabiseka in 1454 with grand manner. In 1505, Kumbabiseka was conducted by King Kulasekhara Pandya. In 1524, Kumbabiseka was conducted by Chera king Udaya Marthanda Varma. In 1564, Kumbabiseka was conducted by king Athiverarama Pandya. After long time in 1848, Kumbabiseka conducted28.  In 1948, Kumbabiseka was conducted in grand manner. In 1967, Kumbabiseka was conducted in grand manner29. In                 2-2-1982 the damaged Rajagopura was reconstructed under the leadership of Dr.B.Sivanthi Adithanar and the Rajagopura Kumbabiseka was conducted in  25-6-1990 with grand manner30. In 17-3-2006, again the Tirukkuda Nannirattu function was celebrated  under the leadership of Dr.B.Sivanthi Adithanar, in good manner31.

Various statues of  Parakrama Pandia put up in the Viswanathaswamy Temple at Tenkasi32. The Tenkasi Kasi Viswanathar Temple is a palace of sculptural skill of the stone craftsmen of Tamilnadu33. There are twin statues, two Veerabadras, two Thandavamurthis and two Tamil women of highest standards of art34. The sculpture of Rathi-Manmatha, the divine lovers, individual idols of Thirumal and KaliDevi are the creations of artists with divine skills.

The two sets of musical pillars found in the Tenkasi temple are another notable feature. They are found in the Mandapas of the Central Shrine of Sri Visvanatha and of Subramaniyar. The former is clearly of earlier period35. These clusters of musical columns produce notes which must have provided the percussion accompaniment for the dancing girls, who performed dance as a part of the daily offerings to the deity. The temple has a collection of exquisite bronzes which include the image of Parakrama Pandyan, the builder of the temple and a very impressive Kankalamurti.

Rajagopura
The main entrance through the Rajagopura leads to Ulagu mandapa sacrificial altar. The construction of the Rajagopura172 feet temple tower was built in 1456 by king Parakirama Pandian36. The Rajagopura work was finished by Parakrama Pandya’s brother Jatavarman Kulasekhara.37The Gopura caught fire in 1824 and was in a bad condition from 1826 to 1924. Then the temple tower was damaged in 1924 due to thunder, A fire has reduced the upper storeys of the gopura to ruin, and the whole structure is dangerously cracked. Originally, the tower had a striking clock, like the one still in existence, though out of order, at Sankaranainar Koil; but apparently this disappeared in the fire.38 Rajagopura was very damaged in 170 years.39 Then the renovation began and was completed in the year 1990. The people called it as  ‘Mottai Gopura’40.

The Rajagopura is 178 feet tall and is a masterpiece of aesthetic beauty. A 2-5 feet wide pathway is also provided in the tower in the 9th tier to have an aerial look of Tenkasi41. One enjoys the pleasure of walking on the sky while making a round in the tower.  In the 1990s, the temple was restored with much financial assistance of Dr.B. Sivanthi Adithanar and others, with a height of 163 feet42. So Dr.B.Sivanthi Adithanar called “Second Arikesari Parakrama Pandya”.43 The temple tower, dedicated to Kasi Viswanathar, is quite majestic, measuring easily more than 178 feet in one gentle sweep and is visible all through the district44. It is the tallest temple in Tamil Nadu, though next only to Srivilliputhur Andal Temple and the Srirangam Temple tower45. The Rajagopura sears to a height  of 178 feet with nine storages46. Silpa Kalamani Mr.M.Muthiah Sthabathi was the Rajagopura  constructing contractor47. First to bless is the Rajagopura Thirupani Vinayagar in front of the Rajagopura. North-South length is hundred and ten feet, East-West length is eighty four feet. There are Eight  Hundred sculptures are here48. In the top of the gopura (tower), there are eleven copper kalasams. Each copper kalasam weight is hundred and ten kilograms. Height is six and ¾ feet, width  is two and a half feet, nine and a half length  teak wood put in the cap of each copper kalasam. Eleven copper kalasams were donated by Dr.B.Sivanthi Adithanar49.

Details of Rajagopura height

Foundation of Rajagopura	Length 120 feet	Width 74 feet	Height 38 feet	Square feet 8,800 Sq.Feet
First floor	112feet, 8inches	68feet 3inches	17feet 6inches	7673 Sq.feet
Second floor	101feet 1inch	56feet 3inches	15feet 6inches	5686 Sq.feet
Third floor	94feet 10inches	50feet 01inch	15feet 01inch	4749 Sq.feet
Fourth floor	89feet 2inches	44feet 5inches	13 feet 7 ½inches	3960 Sq.feet
Fifth floor	84feet 3inches	39feet 5inches	13 feet ½ inches	3321 Sq.feet
Sixth floor	79feet 10inches	35feet 01inch	11 feet 5 ½ inches	2800 Sq.feet
Seventh floor	75feet 11inches	31feet 02inches	10 feet 2 ¾ inches	2366 Sq.feet
Eight floor	72feet 5inches	27feet 9inches	09 feet 4 ¾inches	2010 Sq.feet
Ninth floor	57 feet	09inches	27 feet 2inches	513  Sq.feet
Aerial look	184 feet	02feet 6inches		460  Sq.feet

Kalasam Mahanasi – seven feet50.

The huge temple tank situates on the North-East of temple at a distance of 400 meters51. Temple tank water came from Viswanathaperi and Sevalaperi  tanks52.  These tanks were constructed by King Parakrama Pandya53.The term ‘teppam’ means ‘floot a wooden blank’ on which urchavar is placed and this raft goes around inside the tank, full of water. It is known as Teppakkulam54 (Cartank) Tirrukkulam55 (Holy Tank) Tirttakulam56 (Ablution tank) Puskarni57  (Water reservoir) Konard58 (Square Tank) and Sunai (Spring). This sacred tank is situated within area of 22,300 square feet (o.50 Acre).59 This tank is covered by huge walls in the four sides. In the middle  of the temple tank, a mandapa is situated on the fourteen stone pillars. Before entry to tank urchavar is placed in this mandapa. This tank is noted for architectural value. Thepporchavam or Float festival is celeberated in Tamil month of Avani Moola star in every year. Lord Viswanathar reaches with his spouse to this tank duly decorated with coloured lights and music follows. The temple owns two wooden cars, more than twenty  wooden vahanams.

Shrines
The Kasi Viswanathar Temple occupies the centre of the city. The temple is almost a regular rectangle,60 The temple is 554 feet in length and 318 feet width.61 It has three shrines, as it is called, Kasi Viswanathar Shrine, Bala Murugan Shrine and Ulagamman Shrine. In the outer corridor in the northeast is the Sithar Peedam, Shrine of lingam, Parasakthi Peedam, Sakasra lingam, Parasakthi Peedam, Shrine of Meenakshi Chokkanathan and Bairavar, are also there. A beautiful garden emits sweet fragrance.

In the outer side of northern direction of the Viswanathaswami sanctum we can come across Meenakshmi Chockanathar Shrine, Tharani Peedam, Sahasralingam and Bairavar shrines. We find Pallirai Ammaiar in the arthamandabam, Nandi in manimandabam, Valli Devasena Arumugam in mahamandabam and Chandekeswari, flag staff and balipeedam in the balimandabam.

BalaMurugan shrine is located in the middle of Kasi Viswanathar shrine and Ulagamman shrine. In 300 years ago, this shrine was Porunthi Nintra Perumal Shrine. Darman, Beeman, Archunan, Nagulan, Sakadevan, and Karnan statues were found in the entrance mandapa of Balamurugan Shrine.62

Temple Car
There are two temple cars in the temple. The temple car is fully covered wood carving sculptures. In Kollam year 996 (A.D.1821) temple car wheels are renovated by Tirunelveli Collector John Paralan Palistone’s order 63

Ko Salai (Cow Shed)
Ko Salai is running good manner in Sri Kasi Viswanatha Swamy Temple64. There are twelve cows and four oxs65.

Conclusion
The study of art and architecture of the temples is enlightening. Tenkasi is noted for its excellence and efflorescence in the field of art and architecture. Tenkasi, the capital of Tenkasi Pandyas, is of great historical importance on account of the art and architecture of the temples. The two big temples show their concern for a spiritual life. In Dravidiyan style of architecture of the temples we can understand the life style of the people of Tenkasi. On the whole Tenkasi is historically and religiously a well-known place and occupies a special place in the map of Tamil Nadu.

References

1. A.J.Stuart. (comp), Manual of the Tinnevelly District in the Presidency of Madras, Madras, 1879, p.95
2. Tenkasi Arulmigu Kasivisuwanatha Swamy Tirukoil Thala Varalaru (Tamil), Tenkasi, 2011, p.4.
3. Administrative Report of the Sri Kasi Viswanathaswamy Temple 2012-13.
4. M.Rajendran et.al, Tamil Nattu Varalaru Pandia Peruventhar Kalam, (Tamil), Tamil Valarchi      Iyakkakam, Chennai, 2000, p.281.
5. T.A.S. Vol-I, p.92.
6. Dina Aruvi, Tirunelveli, dated 06-08-2013.
7. Daily Thanthi, Vazhikatti Malar, 7-4-2011.
8. A.R.E. 1909. No. 531
9. TiruKovil Thalavaralaru., Op.cit., p.13.
10. T.A.S. Vol-I, p.92.
11. T.A.S. Vol-I, p.100.
12. V.V.K.Subburaj, Tourist Guide to Tamil Nadu, Chennai, 2011, p.147.
13. A.R.E. 1909. No.507
14. TiruKovil Thalavaralaru (Tamil), Op.cit., p.15.
15. A.R.E. 1909 of No. 511
16. TiruKovil Thalavaralaru, Op.cit., p.16.
17. T.A.S. Vol-I, P.100.
18. T.A.S. Vol-I, P.101
19. TiruKovil Thalavaralaru, Op.cit., p.11.
20. S.Ganapathyraman, Muthuk Kuviyal (Tamil), Palayamkottai, 2004, p.183.
21. Dina Aruvi, Tirunelveli, dated 06-08-2013.
22. Field Study on 16-04-2016.
23. TiruKovil Thalavaralaru, Op.cit., p.20.
24. Field Study on 16-04-2016.
25. Tenkasi Kasi Viswanathar RajaGopuram Kudamulukku Vizha Malar, 1990, p.52.
26. Field Study on 22-4-2016.
27. TiruKovil Thalavaralaru., Op.cit., p.1.
28. Ibid., p.5.
29. Temple Inscription found on the wall of Kasi Viswanathar Shrine.
30. Dina Malar, Tirunelveli, Dated 26-06-1990.
31. Tirukoil Thalavaralaru, Op.cit., p.5.
32. T.A.S. Vol-I, P.145
33. S.Guruguhadasa Pillai, Tirunelveli Seemai Sarithiram (Tamil), Chennai, 2007, p.227.
34. Kalvettu, Quarterly Journal-41, TamilNadu Archaeology Department, January 1995, p. 15.
35. Field Study on 22-4-2016
36. T.A.S. Vol-I, p.151.
37. T.Gopalan, Nellai District Handbook (Tamil), Archaeology Department, Chennai, 1997, p.42.
38. H.R.Pate, Tinnevelly District Gazetteers, Vol-I, Madras, 1917, p.468.
39. S.Ganapathyraman, Tenkasi Tiruvalluvar Kazhaga Varalaru (Tamil), Tenkasi, 2000, p.4.
40. Field Study on 2-5-2016.
41. Daily Thanthi, Varalattu Suvadugal, Chennai, 2012, p.820.
42. A.Ma.Samy, Sivanthi Adithanar Saathanai Sarithiram, Chennai, 2013, p.200.
43. Rajagopuram Inscription of Tenkasi Kasi Viswanathar temple.
44. Malai Malar, Dr.B.Sivanthi Adithanar Memorial Special Malar, Tirunelveli dated, 19-4-2014, pp.23-25
45. Daily Thanthi, Tirunelveli, Dated 26-6-1990.
46. A.Ma.Samy, Op.cit., p.224.
47. Ibid., p.220.
48. Tirukoil Thalavaralaru, Op.cit., p.39.
49. Saandror Malar (Tamil)  Magazine,  September 2012, pp.63-68.
50. Ibid., p.48.
51. TiruKovil Thalavaralaru., Op.cit., p.50..
52. Ibid., p.56
53. T.A.S. Vol-I, p.158.
54. Descriptive catalogue of Tamil M.S.S. in the M.S.S. Library, Madras, No.2729.p.2578.
55. Tirumalai Thirupathi Devasthanam Epigraphical Series, No.201.
56. S.I.I.Vol.I No.43.
57. A.R.E. 1915, No.73.
58. I.P.S. No.12.
59. A Register, Tenkasi Village, Tenkasi Taluk, Tirunelveli District.p.8.
60. J.Fergusson, History of Indian and Eastern Architecture, Vol.I, p.392.
61. Administrative Report of the KasiViswanathar Temple -2013.
62. V.Kanthasamy, Tamil Nattin Thala Varalarukalum Panpattu Sinnankalum (Tamil), Chennai, 2011, p.324.
63. Varalaru, Half yearly Research Journal, Trichy, August 1995, p.1.
64. TiruKovil Thalavaralaru, Op.cit., p.64.
65. Administrative Report of the Kasi Viswanathar Temple – 2012-13.