Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Tenkasi

Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu

Also Known As:

Big Temple

Kasi Viswanathar Temple, located in Tenkasi, is a remarkable testament to the rich blend of cultural heritage and spiritual devotion. With a history that spans centuries, the temple has preserved its original charm while adapting to the evolving times. Its unique architecture reflects the craftsmanship of skilled artisans, while its rituals echo ancient traditions passed down through generations. Visitors are captivated by the intricate carvings, sacred idols, and the serene courtyards that invite both prayer and reflection. This temple has not only served as a centre of worship but also as a cultural hub where stories, art, and traditions thrive. For both devotees seeking divine blessings and heritage enthusiasts exploring India’s spiritual landscape, Kasi Viswanathar Temple in Tenkasi offers a truly enriching experience. Its legacy also resonates with the grandeur of Historic temples in Tamil Nadu.

Kasi Viswanathar Temple History and Significance

Tenkasi was established during the early 13th century CE. Inscriptions from 1384 mention gifts to Brahmanas for reciting Vedas and Puranas. Between 1428 and 1460, Parakrama Pandyan ruled the region. The temple received gifts from the Madurai Nayaks in the 16th century. A 180-foot tower was completed in 1990.

Kasi Viswanathar Temple Opening Time
Kasi Viswanathar Temple Pooja Timing
Kasi Viswanathar Temple Information Facilities and Accommodation
Kasi Viswanathar Temple Transportation and Accessibility
Kasi Viswanathar Temple Interesting Facts
Kasi Viswanathar Temple Nearby Temples
Other Shiva Temples
Famous Temples from around

Kasi Viswanathar Temple Opening Time

Day	Timings
Monday	6:00 AM – 12:00 PM 4:00 PM – 8:30 AM
Tuesday	6:00 AM – 12:00 PM 4:00 PM – 8:30 AM
Wednesday	6:00 AM – 12:00 PM 4:00 PM – 8:30 AM
Thursday	6:00 AM – 12:00 PM 4:00 PM – 8:30 AM
Friday	6:00 AM – 12:00 PM 4:00 PM – 8:30 AM
Saturday	6:00 AM – 12:00 PM 4:00 PM – 8:30 AM
Sunday	6:00 AM – 12:00 PM 4:00 PM – 8:30 AM

Kasi Viswanathar Temple Pooja Timing

Pooja Name	Timings
Sayaraksha Pooja (Evening)	06:00 AM to 06:30 AM IST
Thiruvanandal pooja	06:00 AM to 06:30 AM IST
Vilaa pooja	07:00 AM to 07:30 AM IST
Kalasandhi pooja	08:00 AM to 08:30 AM IST
Ardhajama Pooja	08:30 AM to 09:00 AM IST
Uchikkala Pooja	12:00 PM to 12:30 PM IST

Kasi Viswanathar Temple Location Details

Kasi Viswanathar Temple is located in Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. The temple is well connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible for devotees and tourists. Below are the location details.

Address

Keelarathaveethi, 627811

0433222373

How to Reach Kasi Viswanathar Temple

By Road:

Tenkasi is well-connected by road to major towns in Tamil Nadu. State Transport Buses and private taxis operate regularly from nearby cities like Tirunelveli, Madurai, and Tuticorin.

By Train:

Nearest railway stations: Tenkasi Junction (just 1 km from the temple). From this station, you can easily reach the temple by auto-rickshaw or taxi.

By Air:

Nearest airport: Tuticorin Airport (approximately 90 km away). From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Tenkasi via connecting cities.

Kasi Viswanathar Temple Nearby Temples

Best time to visit (season/months):

The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rainfall that may disrupt travel plans.

Temple Facility

Wheel Chair:

Wheelchairs are provided for the pilgrims who are unable to walk to visit the temple.

Library Facility:

A religious library is provided for the devotees visiting this temple

Drinking Water R.O.:

A 500 liter RO Plant has been provided for the devotees visiting the temple.

Toilet Facility:

At the Rajapopura entrance of this temple, separate toilets for women and men have been provided through the Rotary Club system.

Other Shiva Temples

Kasi Viswanathar Temple Information Facilities and Accommodation

Temple Speciality

Historical:

The rajagopuram of this temple is 178 feet tall. This Rajagopuram is made of stone rising up to 30 feet and above it with cement. A 2.5 feet wide path has been set up in the 9th level to see the natural beauty of Tenkasi

Temple Services

Annadhanam:

The Annadhanam scheme of Honble Tamil Nadu Chief Minister was started on 15.08.2002 in this temple. 100 devotees are given per day through annadhanam scheme in this temple.

Tank Information

Theppakulam:

Swami, Ambal Theppam festival was held On the star of the Tamil month Avani-Moolam

Legends Beliefs

According to legend, Parakrama Pandyan wanted to build a temple for Shiva in Tenkasi. He went to Kasi to bring a lingam. Shiva appeared in his dream and asked him to follow an army of ants. The king found an anthill and built the temple there.
Deities and Sub Deities

The main deity is Kasi Viswanathar, a form of Shiva. His consort is Ulagamman, a form of Parvathi. The temple also has shrines for Vinayaka, Subramanya, Dakshinamurthy, Arumugar, Durga, Navagrahas, and Nataraja.
Offerings

Devotees offer various items to the deities, including flowers, fruits, and coconuts. Special rituals and offerings are made during festivals and important days.
Architecture

The temple has a seven-tiered gopuram and concentric granite walls. The sanctum houses the lingam of Kasi Viswanathar. The pillared hall leads to the flagstaff hall. The shrine of Sivakami is parallel to the sanctum. Composite columns of Virabhadra are found in the temple.
Festivals

The temple celebrates several festivals. The most prominent is the Maasi Maham festival in February-March. Other festivals include Tirukalyanam in October-November, Moola festival in August-September, Navarathri, Karthikai, Thiruvathirai, Thaipusam, Sivarathri, and Panguni Uthiram.
Religious Practices

The temple follows Shaivite traditions. Priests perform four daily rituals: Kalasanthi at 8:30 a.m., Uchikalam at 11:30 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:30 p.m., and Aravanai Pooja between 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. Weekly, monthly, and fortnightly rituals are also performed.

FAQ's

Where is the Kasi Viswanathar Temple located?

The Kasi Viswanathar Temple is located in Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu, India. Specifically, it is situated in the Tirunelveli district.

Which God is Arulmigu Kasiviswanathaswamy?

Arulmigu Kasiviswanathaswamy is a major Hindu deity.

What is the best time to visit Kasi Viswanathar Temple?

The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rainfall that may disrupt travel plans.

Why is Kasi Viswanathar Temple famous among tourists and devotees?

How to reach Kasi Viswanathar Temple from near City or Town?

Nearest railway stations: Tenkasi Junction (just 1 km from the temple). From this station, you can easily reach the temple by auto-rickshaw or taxi. Nearest airport: Tuticorin Airport (approximately 90 km away). From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Tenkasi via connecting cities.