History of Karkuvel Ayyanar Temple -
Years ago, a large flagpole at the Subramanya Swami Temple in Tiruchendur was damaged. The temple authorities decided to remove it and install a new flagpole. Under the leadership of a man named Arumugam Achari from Tiruchendur, a group of people set out towards the Podhigai Hills, located in the Western Ghats, to find the sandalwood tree needed for the flagpole. As they were chopping down the tree, an axe head flew off and struck the workers, injuring several of them. Seeing this, the group panicked and fled in fear. At that moment, 21 deities, who resided in the sandalwood tree, chased after them with terrifying sounds. The group sought refuge at the Sorimuthu Ayyanar Temple in the Karaiyar Hills. They pleaded with Ayyanar to save them, and he appeared to them and said, "Your efforts to raise the flagpole for my brother Lord Murugan's temple will not go in vain.
"He then called upon the 21 deities who were chasing the group."I understand that you are angry because they cut down the tree where you reside," Ayyanar said. "I will offer you a place in my temple in exchange for allowing the sandalwood tree to be used for the flagpole at my brother’s sacred site in Tiruchendur." The deities agreed. Since then, all 21 deities have remained at Ayyanar's temple, and devotees who visit the temple worship these deities and offer them prayers and sacrifices. The flagpole was then prepared to be transported to Tiruchendur. Under the leadership of Sudalaimada Swami, the flagpole was carried to Tiruchendur, with Ayyanar following them on a white horse. Along the way, when they reached an area covered in red soil near Theri, Ayyanar liked the place and decided to stay for a while under a Karukkuva tree.
Later, Ayyanar appeared in a dream to the local chieftain and instructed him to build a temple at the foot of the Karukkuva tree, where Ayyanar would reside and protect the people of the village. Following this divine message, the chieftain, with the help of the regional ruler, built a temple for Ayyanar. The deity became known as Karukkuva Ayyanar because of his fondness for the Karukkuva tree, and over time, the name evolved into "Karkuvel Ayyanar." Ayyanar, also known by names like Karukkuvaalai Ayyan, Karkol Ayyan, and Karukku Velappan, is now revered as "Karkuvel Ayyanar" and continues to bless devotees.
Karkuvel Ayyanar Temple Speciality -
The temple’s main festival, Kallar Vettu (which means "Killing of the Robber"), is celebrated annually during the last five days of the Tamil month of Karthigai (mid-November to mid-December) and the first day of Margazhi (mid-December to mid-January). The sixth day is marked by grand festivities. The day begins with a ritual of bringing holy water from the Thamirabarani River, followed by special pujas. By 4:00 p.m., the Kallar Vettu ceremony is performed, where a tender coconut, symbolizing the robber, is broken. The water from the coconut is considered sacred, and devotees collect the sand touched by it to spread in their fields for a bountiful harvest or keep it in their cash boxes, believing it will bring prosperity and wealth. Because of the presence of this deity, no thefts occur in the village. Thousands of people gather here for celebrations, and one of the main attractions is the Villu Pattu (bow song) that praises Karguvel Ayyanar.
How to reach Karkuvel Ayyanar Temple
Karkuvel Kyyanar temple is situated near Thiruchendoor Murugan temple.
By Road:
From Tirunelveli City : Karkuvel Kayyanar Temple is easily accessible by road, approximately 18 km from the city center.
Route : You can drive or take a taxi via the NH44 road, which is well-connected and takes around 30 minutes.
By Train :
Nearest Railway Station : Tirunelveli Junction (TN) is the closest major railway station, located about 18 km from the temple.
Getting There : From Tirunelveli Junction, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to the temple, which takes around 30 minutes.
By Air :
Nearest Airport : Tuticorin Airport (V. O. Chidambaranar Airport) is about 37 km from the temple.
Getting There : From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple in approximately 45 minutes.