Temple Layout - The temple is enclosed by walls on all sides, with only one entrance providing access. Upon entering, one can observe a Balipeetam, Nandi, and the sanctum housing the main deity, all aligned with the entrance. Just outside the entrance to the main sanctum of 'Moolavar,' is Mahavishnu holding a conch and his sudarshanchakra, accompanied by Mahalakshmi. An inner gateway guarded by Dwarapalakas leads to the shrine of the presiding deity Swarnakateshwar. Swarnakateshwar appears as a 'Swayambhoou Linga' and is under a canopy made of Rudraksha beads. It is said that during Mahashivratri, which falls in the Tamil month of 'Masi,' the sun's rays directly illuminate the presiding deity. The Sanakadi Rishis, a group of revered sages, have paid homage to the presiding deity at Tirunelvennai.
A sannidhi for Vinayaka followed by Muruga, mounted on a peacock with his consorts Valli and Deivanai are in the outer prakaram. Behind Muruga's sannidhi are the sannidhis for Kasi Viswanathar and 'Spatika' Lingam. The sannidhi of the female deity Neelamalar Kanni is close by in a separate temple facing east. Facing the sannidhi of the female deity is the sannidhi for the four nayanmars (Tirugyanasambandhar, Tirunavukkarasar, Sundarar, Manikkavasakar) in which Gnanasambandar and Appar are with folded hands in prayer, while Sundar appears to be dancing. (see picture below)
The inscriptions discovered within the temple make reference to the main deity as 'the one who bestowed the golden pot', a phrase that can be translated to 'Swarnakateshwarar' in Sanskrit.
The pathikam composed by Thirugnana Sambandar on this deity is in the third tirumurai, where he describes Tirunelvennai as ancient and famous and a place abundant in water resources
Nandi, balipeetam
Entrance
Nandi with folded front legs
Inside view of the temple
Muruga with his consorts
Kasi Viswanathar and Visalakshi
Swarnakateswarar
Navagraha