Bhoothalingaswamy Rock Cut Cave Temple, பூதலிங்க குகை கோவில், Kanyakumari
Boothalinga Swamy - Sivagami Ambal Temple is situated at Boothapandi and 7Km distance from Nagercoil. Main Deity of this temple is Boothalinga Swamy and Ambal name is Sivagami Ambal.The temple was constructed by the King Pasum Pon Pandyan who is the son of Boothapandiyan. This place Bhoothapandi is on the banks of Pazhayar River, at the foothills of Thadaga malai. The Suampu lingam lord of sanctuary's other name is Salian Kanda Thirumani.
The Rock cut Cave temple is believed to be of 17th Century CE, based on the style of architecture and sculpture. The cave measures 1.71 meters by 1.38 meters with an entrance of 1.6 meters high and 0.67 meters width. There are 11 inscriptions, recorded and all belongs to 16th to 18th Century CE.
History of Bhoothalingaswamy Rock Cut Cave Temple:
In the 17th century Saliar caste peoples lived in the town. A boy was taking care of the cow herds. He observed that, one cow gives less quantity of milk. Suspected the cow’s action he followed and found a demon/ Bhootha, was drinking the milk directly in side the cave. It was informed to the Pandya King who in-turn send his officials to investigate and find-out the truth. They found, that the Cow went inside the cave and showered the milk on a Shiva Linga. The mysterious action of the Cow was unfold and the King ordered to built a Temple and named it as Bhoothalinga Swamy. The locals calls as Salian Kanda Thirumeni.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/gDcGhpM8F7Yddppw9
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