Sri Vaikundam
Sri Vaikundanathan Perumal Temple
|
| Sri Vaikundan - Utsavar Kallabiran - file picture |
Sri Vaikundanatha Permual Temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams and a Nava Tirupathi located in Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route, Tamil Nadu, South India in the banks of Thamiraparani river. This is also called as Navagraha Tirupathis because each of the Navagrahas is said to have worshipped at the temples here. In that aspect this is dedicated to Suryan.Srivaikundam is also called as Thiruvaikundam.
As per legends, a demon named Somukasura stole the four Vedas from Brahma. Brahma did severe penance towards Maha Vishnu in the banks of Tamirabarani river Pleased by the penance, Vishnu appeared before Brahma and promised to retrieved the Vedas. Reincarnating as 'Matsya' Lord Vishnu killed the demon Somuka and restored the Vedas to Brahma. He also wished to set hislikes Srivaikundam and chose this place as his abode as Vaikuntanathan.
As per another legend, Kaladushakan was a notorious robber,sort of Robin Hood,robbing the rich and giving it to the poor. Though a robber he was great devotee of Maha Vishnu and shared his bounty with the Lord Srivaikundan. King Pandya wanted to arrest him, but his army could not succeed. One day he attempted to rob in the palace and all his men for caught but Kaladushakan escaped. Kaladushakan prayed to Srivaikuntanathar to save him and his gang of robbers from the king. Vaikuntanathar appeared as Kaldushakan and surrendered before the king. On that Vaikunthanathar appeared in the dreams of the king saying that wealth accumulated in a wrong way deserved to be stolen and would be given to the right and needy persons.The king was enlightened and he released Kaladushakan and his gamg. Since Vaikuntanathar appeared on behalf of a thief (kallan in Tamil), he came to be known as Kallapiran.
Surrounded by big granite compond walls this more than 1000 years old temple has a huge nine tiered gopuram which is around 600 ft tall. There are two pushkaranis inside the compound and one outside the temple.As you enter the inner praharam you can see the sannidhis of Sri rama and Thiruvenkata swamy. We can see exiquisite stone sculptures and carvings of Yalis,soldiers,elephants in the pillars of this temple.
The sannidhi of thayaar Thaayar Vaikundhavalli is located to the right of the Perumal sannidhi and to the left is the Bhudevi sannidhis are seen.
The Moolavar here is Sri Vaikundanathan also called Kallapiran and is found in a nindra kolam(standing posture) facing the east with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi.Moolavar is majestic and is around 6 feet tall and the unique feature here is Adiseshan is seen holding his hood in standing posture.Prathyaksham for Bruhu and Indran.
Thayaar Vaihundhavalli and Bhudevi .
Mangalaasasanam The temple is revered by the verses of Nammalwar.
Festivals During the Garuda Sevai utsavam(festival) in the month of Vaikasi(May-Jun) there are nine Garudasevai, a big event in which the utsava murthis are brought on Garuda vahana. During the month Aipasi and Chitrai (Mar-April) the Sun rays falls into the Garbagriham, seeking the blessings of Lord Sri Vaikundanathan.
Temple location The temple is situated in Tirunelveli to Tiruchendur route.
Temple Timings The temple is open from 7:30 AM till 12:00 noon and from 5:00 pm till 8:00 pm
How to reach?
It has a Railway station with trains from Madurai,Tirunelveli,Tiruchendur passing through here. The temple is 3 kilometres from the station. It is well connected by state highways roads. Take your car or hire a cab to visit all the nine Tirupathis, going by the local bus is time consuming. If you are only three or less travellers, local auto rickshaws are the cheapest and best mode of transport.Negotiate and fix a rate for the day trip.
Where to Stay? There are several budget hotels and semi deluxe hotels are here. Tiruchendur or Tirunelveli which are under 30 kms from here would be an ideal place for stay
Where to eat There are several restauarants here.Use your judgement to find a hygienic place to eat in the available eateries.
Other interesting places around Sri Vaikundam. The other eight Nava Tirupathis are within a day's visit from here if you drive your car or hire a cab. Tiruchendur temple is a must visit temple from here.
Srivaikuntam,
Thiruchendur Taluk,
Thoothukudi district.,
Pincode : 628 601 ,
Phone no: 04630 - 256476
Executive Officer: 94439 86996,
E-Mail : kallapiranswamytemple@gmail.com
Useful data
State: Tamil Nadu
District:Thoothukudi
Famous for: Pilgrimage, other Nava Tirupathis
Languages: Tamil,English
Best Season: Throughout the year. Summer( from May to July) could be very sultry when the mercury shoots to 40 degree celsius.
Weather: Summer 33-42°C, Winter 16-28°C
Altitude: Sea level
