Nellaiappar Temple, Hindu temple in Tirunelveli, India

Nellaiappar Temple is a Hindu temple in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, covering 5.9 hectares within concentric rectangular walls. Its Rajagopuram rises behind a dark entrance hall, its tiers densely carved with figures painted blue, pink, yellow, green and white, narrowing to a rounded top with small finials. Below, a sloped roof with scalloped red trim covers a wide opening, above which hangs a signboard in Tamil script.

The temple is mentioned in texts dating before the 7th century, including hymns by saint Thirugnanasambandar. Over the centuries, various south Indian dynasties expanded the site, adding gateways and halls.

The complex is divided into two equal sections honoring Nellaiappar and Kanthimathi Amman, each with its own shrine and courtyard. Worshippers move between both areas during their visit, offering flowers and incense at each main altar.

The site sits near Tirunelveli Junction railway station, which connects to Madurai in the north, Nagercoil in the south, and Kollam in the west. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as the courtyards are wide and footwear must be removed before entering the shrines.

Inside stands a Nandi statue roughly 10 feet tall, among the larger ones in Tamil Nadu. During certain festivals, a symbolic wedding ceremony takes place where the processional images of both deities are brought together in a formal ritual.