Kasi Viswanathar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands proudly in Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu, showcasing traditional Tamil architecture. Believed to be built by Pandya king Parakrama Pandyan in the 13th century, it was later enhanced by the Madurai Nayaks. Devotees worship Shiva as Kasi Viswanathar and his consort Parvathi as Ulagamman. Enclosed by a granite wall, the temple's architecture is remarkable, with elaborate structures and shrines that draw visitors year-round.
This historic temple opens from 6 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 8:30 pm daily, except on new moon days when it remains open all day. Devotional life here includes four daily rituals and three grand annual festivals, with Maasi Maham, celebrated in February-March, being the most significant. The temple is meticulously managed by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Endowment Board, ensuring its preservation and spiritual vitality.
According to legend, King Parakrama Pandyan wished to bring a Shiva lingam from Varanasi for a new temple in Tenkasi. However, Shiva appeared in the king’s dream and guided him to follow an ant trail to find the divine location. This led to the temple’s construction at the site where the ants gathered, reinforcing the temple’s spiritual heritage and deep connection to local lore.
The temple complex is built around its seven-tiered gopuram, with a grand pillared hall leading to the main shrine. In the sanctum, the lingam of Kasi Viswanathar faces east, accompanied by shrines for Vinayaka, Subramanya, and Sivakami. Iconic columns of Virabhadra were later additions by Vijayanagara kings in the 1500s, with similar carvings also seen in prominent temples across Tamil Nadu, such as the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai and the Rameswaram Temple.