அருள்மிகு கோதைபரமேஸ்வரர் திருக்கோயில், குன்னத்தூர்Kothai (Gotha) Parameswarar Temple, Kunnathur

Sthala Mahātmyam

Perched atop a small hillock (kunnu, giving the village its name Kunnathur), this temple near Tirunelveli is the fourth of the Nava Kailasam and the sthala of Rahu, the ascending lunar node. Founded within the tradition of Romasa Maharishi's nine flowers set adrift on the Tamiraparani, it is the only one of the nine where a serpent is sculpted upon the lingam itself, fittingly, since Rahu is envisioned in serpent form. Shiva is worshipped here as Kothai (Gotha) Parameswarar and the Goddess as Sivakamasundari. As a Rahu parihara sthala, the shrine is sought by those troubled by serpent-related doshas, Rahu periods, delayed marriage and obstacles, who offer prayers for their removal. The elevated setting and the rare Rahu association give the temple a special place in the yatra. Chief festivals include Maha Sivaratri (February-March), Tirukarthikai (November-December), Margazhi Tiruvadhirai (December-January) and the fortnightly Pradosham, when abhishekam and special pujas are performed to the presiding Lord.