SernthaPooMangalam Kailasanathar temple is the ninth of the Navakailasa temples or nine holy abodes of Lord Shiva. According to details given in Tirunelveli Today,

Uromasa Maharishi is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva by floating nine flowers on the Tamiraparani River as ordered by Sage Agathiar. As this is where the last flower meets the shore, this town is called Poo Mangalam.

In the separate sanctum sanctorum towards the east, Swami Kailasanathar is majestically displayed in the Lingam form. On special occasions, he is decorated with the Nagaaparanam and sacred ash on his forehead. In a separate sanctum sanctorum towards the south, the Goddess Soundarya is shown smiling, standing with a flower in one hand and the other hanging gracefully by her side. On special occasions, Ammai's Thirumeni or holy body is decorated fully with sandalwood.

Special features of the temple

This temple is considered to be about a thousand years old. It is said that the kings Kulasekhara Pandyan and Maravarman Sundarapandian may have built this temple.

Here Lord Kuberan is seen with his two wives on an elephant on the sanctum sanctorum.

The major festivals held in this temple are:

• Shivratri in the Masi month

• Panguni Uthiram

• Chithirai festival

• Vaikasi Visakha

• Aadi Amavasai

• Thirukarthikai

• Margazhi Thiruvadhirai

• The annual festivals of Tai Amavasai

• Pournami or full moon festival

• Pradosham

• Monthly pujas like Theipirai Ashtami