This is the seventh in the Nava Kailasam temples, which is dedicated to the God Budha (Planet Mercury). Among the Nava Kailasam, it lies in the upper Kailasam. The temple is nearly 500-1000 years old. The primary deity of the temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Ponnammai Sametha Kailasanathar or simply Kailasanathar. Mother Goddess Shakti is worshipped as Alakiya Ponnammai. Shrine of Mother Alakiya Ponnammai is located on the right side of Sanctum facing east.
According to the advice of sage Agasthiya his disciple Romasar let nine lotuses flower to float in the river Thamiraparani. In that, the seventh flower docked here, in the form of Linga, here the lord graces in the form of lotus. As a proof we can see the base of Linga is shaped like a lotus flower, hence follows the name Ponnammai Sametha Kailasanathar. The popular legend of Nandhan is associated with this temple.
The pandiyan kingdom was hit by a heavy drought in the twelfth century. The saints and well wishers of the kingdom advised the Pandyan King, Koon Pandiyan to make a settlement of One hundred and eight Vaishnavaite families on the banks of river Thamiraparani. Thus Vaishnavaite families from various villages north and south of the Cauvery river were made to settle here thus forming the core of the village. Still roots of these 108 families reside there.
The historical background of Nilakkal was based on its geographical position which date backs to the ancient times. Kerala had age-long trade relations with Pandiyas and Cholas through a trade route passed through Nilakkal. It was a well established populous trade center during the first century AD, primarily exporting spices such as cinnamon, ginger, pepper and forest products like timber and ivory.
Sit out
Living room
Dining Hall
Bedrooms : 2
Toilet attached : 1
Common toilet 1
Kitchen
