ARULMIGUKAILASANATHAR TEMPLE, RASIPURAM, NAMAKKAL DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU-Compiled
Dear friends,

Sri Kailasanathar Temple is situated in Rasipuram and it isan important Temple 
and a landmark in Rasipuram. It is a West facing Temple with a five-tieredRaja 
gopuram. To begin with there is a multi-pillared Mandapam and Devotees mayhave 
to climb down 4 to 5 steps. There is a gold-plated threshold just beneath the 
Raja gopuram which isquite unusual. 

Today my posting is about this temple which has manyspecialities. Rasipuram 
isfamous for its cow ghee in Tamilnadu. 

Hope a divine reading.

Gopalakrishnan 14-08-2025

Introduction

Nestled amidst the bustling town of Rasipuram in the Namakkaldistrict of Tamil 
Nadu, the Sri Kailasanathar Temple stands as a testament tothe rich cultural 
and religious heritage of the region. This ancient temple,dedicated to Lord 
Shiva, is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in thestate, drawing 
devotees from far and wide.

Legend

The temple is believed to be the place where Agastya Muni, a renownedsage, 
performed intense austerities to appease Lord Shiva. It is said that LordShiva, 
pleased with Agastya's devotion, appeared before him in the form of a 
Swayambumurthy(self-manifested) lingam.

Another legend is associated with a hunting incident when King Valvil Orishot 
an arrow at a white swine, which was later revealed to be Lord Shiva 
indisguise. The deity’s Linga was wounded by the king’s arrow, leading to 
theconstruction of the temple.

About the temple

A West facing Gopura Vinayagar Idol is seen beneath the Raja gopuram. Beyond 
itis another multi pillared Mandapam in which there is a Neivedhya Peetam or 
aBali Peetam along with a Dwajasthambam or a Kodi Maram. 

A huge East facing Nandhi Vaahanam could be seen overlookingthe Moolasthanam. 
Two black Dwarapalaka Idols are seen at the entrance of theSanctum Sanctorum. 
In the Moolasthanam Sri Kailasanathar is seen as a Swayambhu Shiva Lingam. 
TheUrchavamoorthy Idol along with a few other Idols are safely kept in 
anenclosure close to the Moolasthanam. Two Dwara Baalaki Idols are seen at 
thethreshold of the Ambal's Shrine. His Consort here is known as 
Dharmasamvarthinior Aram Valartha Nayaki and Sheis construed as an incarnation 
of Goddess Parvathy. She is seen inan East facing standing posture. 

There are Sub Shrines forSagada Vinayagar, VeeraBadrar, Subramaniyar, Kaala 
Bhairavar, Sani Bhagawan, Siva Suryan, Natarajar,Pancha Lingams, Saraswathi, 
Gajalakshmi, Naalvar, Sekkizhar, 63 Nayanmaars, MeiKanda Sivam, Arunandhi 
Sivam, Marai Gnana Sammandha Sivam. 

Around the Koshtam there are Idols for Durgai Amman, Brahmma,Chandikeshwarar, 
Lingothbhavar and Dhakshinamoorthy. I

t is unique that LordMurugan is seen here in two forms viz. Baladhandayuthapani 
and KalyanaSubramaniyar. 

Naga Devatha Idols too are worshipped here and it is a habit to pour milk over 
it so thatthe Devotees are saved from the Naaga Dosham. 

There is a NavagrahaSannadhi and Palliyarai in the inner peripheral of the 
Temple.  

Apart from this the Temple has a separate Sub Shrine for the PhilanthropicKing 
Valvil Ori who was primarily instrumental in building this Temple.

 It is said that in the earlier days there was a tunnel leading from thisTemple 
to the Arapaleeswarar Temple in Kolli Hiils. 

There is a general beliefthat those performing in fine arts would hone their 
skill in such faculties ifthey happen to come and pray before Lord 
Kailasanathar. 

The Sthala Viruksham of this Temple is Vanni Maram and there is anEast facing 
Idol of Valvil Ori in a standing posture and King Valvil Ori wasinstrumental in 
establishing this Temple. 

History of the place

The origins of the Sri Kailasanathar Temple are shrouded inmystery, with 
historians estimating its construction to date back to the 8thcentury AD during 
the reign of the Pallava dynasty. Over the centuries, thetemple has undergone 
several renovations and expansions, each leaving its ownunique architectural 
imprint.

king named Valvil Ori firstbuilt the temple. Thereis a scar from an arrow on 
the Shivalinga. The present temple is believed tohave been built 2200 years ago

Architecture 

Sri Kailasanathar Temple in Rasipuram, an ancient Hindutemple known for its 
exquisite architecture, intricate sculptures, and sereneatmosphere. The 
temple’s Rajagopuram is a five-tiered structure. The temple isknown for its 
unique and historic sculptures, which reflect its rich heritage.

Chief deities

Kailasanathar and Aram valartha Nayaki(Parvathi) Lord Shiva:The presiding deity 
of the temple is Lord Kailasanathar. The main Shiva Lingamis a Swayambumurthy 
(self-manifested) and has a scar from an arrow.

Goddess Parvathi: The consort of Lord Shiva is known as AramValartha Nayaki, 
who faces west.

Important Sub deities 

Ganesha, Murugan with Valli and Deivana, Ayyappan, 
Dakshinamurthy,Chandikeswarar, Vishnu Durga, Bhairava, Saraswati,Brahma,63 
Nayanmars.Navagrahas.

There are separate shrines for Lord Muruga in two forms:Baladhandayuthapani and 
Kalyana Subramania with consorts Valli and Deivanai.

Devotees can also pray to Lord Dakshinamurthy with fourdisciples on the first 
Thursday of each month.

The temple has a special shrine for Nagar, the Serpent deity,where milk abishek 
is performed with sweet pudding (Sarkarai Pongal) by thosefacing adverse 
aspects of serpent planets, especially for resolvingmarriage-related issues.

Poojas

Agama :      Sivakam

Festivals

Festivals like Pradhosham, Aippasi Annabhikshekam, ThaiPoosam, Maasi Magam, 
Panguni Uthiram and Chithirai Brahmmothsavam draws anoverwhelming number of 
Devotees at that time. Festivals like Tamil New Year ,Chithra Pournami , 
Thiruvadhirai , Aadiperukku Aadi Amavasya , AruthraDarshanam, Shivaratri , 
Navaratri , English New Year, Pradosham , VaikasiVisakha , Thai Amavasya , 
Vinayagar Chaturthi , Masi Magam , Karthigai Deepamare also celebrated here .

Theerthams

Sivaganga Theertham

What are the benefitsof Kailasanathar Temple?

At this temple, there is a powerful shrine for MotherSivapurani whose darshan 
is said to bless sincere seekers with health, beauty,and business success. 

Devotees pray to Lord for artistic skills and to Mother forrelief from evil 
effects on children. Devotees perform abishek to Lord andMother offering 
vastras.

Puranic Significance

The temple is believed to be constructed during the 1st or2nd century and was 
built by KingValvil Ori, who was known for his charitable and loving nature.

Specialities

The temple observes six pujas (Aaru Kala Puja) to Lord Shivaon Shivaratri day 
(February-March), which is more than the usual four pujas.

Women seeking blessings for children pray to Goddess AramValartha Nayaki during 
the midday of Pradosha in the full moon fortnight byoffering coconut, fruits, 
raw rice, and cooked rice without salt as nivedhana.

Conch abishek is offered to Mother Shiva Durga on the lastFriday of Aadi month 
(July-August).

The temple follows the Kasi-Rameswaram tradition and hasshrines for Lord Kasi 
Viswanatha with Mother Visalakshi and Lord Ramanathaswamywith Mother 
Parvadhavardhini.

Temple timings

Rasipuram, Kailasanathar temple Dharshan Time: The temple isopen from 6.00 a.m. 
to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m..

Praised by: 

Saint Arunagiriar had sung the glory of the temple in hisTirupugazh hymns.

How to Reach:

By Road:Rasipuram is well-connected by road to major citiesin Tamil Nadu and 
surrounding states.Regular buses ply from Chennai, Salem,Trichy, and other 
cities to Rasipuram.

By Train-The nearest railway station is Salem Junction,located approximately 35 
kilometres from Rasipuram.

Taxis and autorickshaws are available from the railwaystation to reach the 
temple. 

Address

Rasipuram Kailasanathar Temple, Rasipuram-637 408, NamakkalDistrict Phone: +91 
– 4287 – 223 252 Mobile: +91- 94435 15036, +91-99943 79727

Administration

The temple is managed By Hindu Religious and CharitableEndowments (HRCE), 
Government of Tamilnadu. 

Contact Details: 

Dhakshinamoorthy Gurukkal 99943 79727, Sri MadhuThillainathan Gurukkal 99445 
53081, 04287 223252 and 94435 15036 

 

 

 

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