Arulmigu Poorani Pushkala Samedha Sori Muthu Ayyannar Temple, Papanasam, Tirunelveli

How to Go to Sorimuthu Ayyannar Temple - Dharma Sastha Temple

Sori Muthu Ayyannar Temple is situated in Papanasam hills near Tirunelveli. The Place is 2 hrs drive from Tirunelveli with beautiful scenic route all the way.

Sori Muthu Ayyannar Temple Timings

The temple is open from 5.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. continuously. Since it's in forest region private vehicles are not allowed after 5:00 PM. There are government buses from the foothills (Papanasam)


Of the five famous Lord Ayyappa temples, this is considered the Mooladhara.

Lord Dharma Sastha appears with His left leg bent and the right hanging down slightly siding on the left.

History & Legend of Sori Muthu Ayyanar Temple

During the divine wedding of Lord Shiva with Mother Parvathi, as the mount went down due to the weight of the heavy crowd gathered there, Lord Shiva sent Sage Agasthya to South to balance the ground level.  Sage Agasthya worshipped Lord Shiva on this hill.  The Shivalinga worshipped by the sage got buried under the sand

Cows grazing in this region were found pouring their milk at a particular spot and this was communicated to the king.  He found a Linga at the spot and built a temple.  Lord Dharma Sastha too came out of this place as Sori Muthu Aiyanar with all his pariharam and the Sage was at loss of words on seeing the Divine entity

Saptha Kannikas (seven maidens) are in His shrine. Those who are not aware of their family deity, pray here.

There are shrines for Mahalingam, Sori Muthu Aiyanar, Sangili Bhodathar, Brahmma Rakshasi, Thalavai Madan, Thoosi Madan, Pattavarayar, Sage Agasthya, Sudalai Madan, Irulappan, Irudan, Karadi Madasami the guardian deities.