This book is a heartfelt tribute to forefathers and the current Nagarathars who have diligently cared for the Nine Nagara Sivan Kovils. It is particularly aimed at the younger generation, to deepen their understanding of the origins, history, and worship practices of our nine clan temples.
Every Nagarathar, regardless of birthplace, belongs to one of the Nine Nagara Sivan temples, which are integral to Nagarathars identity. These sacred temples were bestowed upon the Nagarathars by the Pandya Kings and have been diligently maintained and governed by Nagarathars for the past 1300 years. The nine temples are under the meticulous care and administration of the Nagarathar community, overseeing maintenance, renovations, and Kumbabhishekam ceremonies. Temple worship and administration are not just rituals but a way of life for Nagarathar families.
The nine family temples serve not only as centers of religious worship and celebration but also play pivotal roles in Nagarathar marriages, succession, land disputes, and various other communal decisions. Every Nagarathar marriage invitation begins with seeking the blessings of Lord Siva at one of these family temples.
This book takes readers on a captivating journey through the nine temples, featuring stunning photographs of the temple corridors, pillars, sculptures, and paintings, showcasing the invaluable treasures Nagarathars have inherited. The sheer number of sculptures and the meticulous craftsmanship is a sight to behold. Each pillar and painting narrates a story, bringing the characters to life. Striking wall and ceiling paintings offer a glimpse into our ancient stories and legends. Rich in history, these temples house stone and copper plate inscriptions that help establish their age and the fact that Nagarathars became their custodians. Many of these temples began as simple worship sites under trees and evolved into architectural marvels with Nagarathar patronage.
Every attempt has been made to engage the young next-generation reader by making this book bilingual and incorporating videos and 360-degree views. QR codes have been embedded in this book to enhance the young reader’s experience. This bilingual format bridges language gaps, enabling two generations to easily read this book. The 360-degree views embedded in this book enable readers to experience the temples as if they were there.
We hope that as readers turn through the pages of this book, they will remember Nagarathars rich culture, visit Nagarathars temples more often, and contribute to the upkeep of these temples like Nagarathars forefathers did, even as we move away from our towns and villages. Looking back allows us to appreciate how far Nagarathars come. With the blessings from all our Nagara Sivan Kovils, we hope every reader enjoys the book and reminisces about their visits to these temples.
