Uthirakosamangai Temple – The Hidden Emerald Shiva of Tamil Nadu

Uthirakosamangai Temple, located in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, is a must-visit destination for those planning a South India tour focused on spirituality, heritage, and temple travel. Renowned for housing a rare emerald (Maragatha) Nataraja idol, this ancient temple is steeped in divine mysticism and centuries-old Shaivite traditions.

It is an essential stop on tours in Tamilnadu and is especially recommended for pilgrims, heritage lovers, and those interested in sacred art and architecture.

Highlights of Uthirakosamangai Temple

1. Maragatha Nataraja (Emerald Nataraja Idol)

This is the only temple in India where Lord Shiva in the Nataraja form is made entirely of emerald. This rare idol is over 6 feet tall and is kept covered in sandal paste throughout the year, revealed only once annually during the Arudra Darshan festival in December.

2. Spiritual Significance

According to legends, this is where Lord Shiva imparted divine secrets (Uthira Kosam) to Parvati, giving the village its name—Uthirakosamangai.

3. Age-Old Heritage

The temple is believed to be over 2,000 years old and finds mention in ancient Tamil texts. The architecture reflects a blend of Pandya and early Dravidian styles with rich carvings and sacred mandapams.

4. Peaceful Pilgrimage Site

Unlike crowded temple cities, Uthirakosamangai offers a calm and spiritually enriching experience, ideal for inclusion in custom travel packages and Shaivite pilgrimage tours.

Best Time to Visit

• Best Season: November to March (pleasant climate for temple visits)
• Peak Time: Arudra Darshan Festival (December–January) when the Emerald Nataraja is unveiled
• Open Hours: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

How to Reach

• Location: ~17 km from Ramanathapuram town, Tamil Nadu
• By Road: Well connected via buses, taxis, and autos
• Nearest Railway Station: Ramanathapuram (approx. 18 km)
• Nearest Airport: Madurai International Airport (~120 km)

Top 10 Places Near Uthirakosamangai to Add in Tamil Nadu Temple Tours

1. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram – One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites
2. Dhanushkodi – Spiritual and scenic ghost town by the sea
3. Abdul Kalam Memorial – Honoring India’s Missile Man
4. Pamban Bridge – India’s first sea bridge with ocean views
5. Ariyaman Beach – Family-friendly seashore
6. Kothandaramaswamy Temple – Ramayana-linked coastal shrine
7. Ramar Patham – Believed to hold Lord Rama’s footprint
8. Devipattinam Navagraha Temple – Unique sea-based planetary worship site
9. Thiruppullani Temple – Associated with Ramayana legends
10. Sea World Aquarium – For family-friendly marine discovery

Ideal for These Travel Packages

• South India Shiva Temple Tours
• Tamil Nadu Pilgrimage Packages
• Emerald & Gemstone Themed Spiritual Trails
• Cultural Heritage Trips in Southern India
• Photography Tours & Temple Architecture Walks

Conclusion

Uthirakosamangai Temple is one of Tamil Nadu’s most mystical and lesser-known jewels. For those seeking authentic spiritual travel experiences as part of their South India tour, this destination promises divine serenity, historical significance, and one-of-a-kind marvels like the emerald Nataraja.