Sorimuthu Ayyanar Temple, Tirunelveli - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 12 km from Papanasam and 61 km from Tirunelveli, Arulmigu Sorimuthu Ayyanar Temple is situated between Papanasam and Karaiyar Dam in Tirunelveli district of Tamilnadu. Located on the bank of River Thamirabarani, this is one of the 6 important Sastha Temples in South India.

The presiding deity of the temple is Mahalinga Swamy. Lord Dharma Sastha appears with his left leg bent and the right hanging down. Sorimuthu Ayyanar is a kuladevata for many families in the area. Families that are not aware of their kuladevata are also welcome here. As it is the first Ayyappan temple, people who resolve to begin the Sabarimala yatra, come here to wear their mala. The name of the temple is derived from 'Pon Soriyum Muthiar', which means the Lord who pours down golden rain on the plateau.

Here, Muthianar is worshipped along with his two consorts - Pushkala and Poorna. Ayyappa's lieutenants, Sangili Bhootham, Thoosi Madan, Thulasi Madan, Pechi, Isakki and Pattavarayan are also worshipped here. There are also shrines dedicated to Vinayaka, Bhairava and Devi. Interestingly, this temple has many unique offerings. Here, devotees offer wooden legs and cloth dolls to the deity with humble prayers. People who suffer from leg and joint ailments offer wooden legs. Couples without children come here to pray for progeny by presenting rag dolls to express their desire. People offer bronze bells to Bhoothanathar and chappals to Valai Pagadai.

Ashada Amavasya is celebrated in a grand manner every year as lakhs of people come to offer their prayers to Lord Sastha. People camp out in the area for the festivities and even bring provisions for cooking, etc.

Timings: 5 AM - 12 PM & 5 PM - 9 PM