Thirukolur
Thirukolur - Sri Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple
Thirukolur Vaithamanidhi 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 Sevvai or Mars. The place is said to be the birthplace of Madurakavi Alwar.
As per legends, Kuberan once looked at Mother Parvathi with lust in his eyes. This angered Mother Parvathi and she cursed Kuberan. Kuberan,the lord of wealth lost all his Navanidhis (nine types of wealth), his one eye and his appearance, because of Mother Parvathi's curse. All his lost Navanidhis reached Thirukolur and surrendered before Lord Narayana. Narayan took those Navanidhis under his care.Hence Perumal here is called Vaithamanidhi. Guberan pleaded to Shiva and Parvathi, and they advised him to do penance towards Sri Narayana at Thirukkolur. After his penance at Thirukkolur, Vaithamanithi perumal gave him half of the Navanidhis and restored his appearance and his eye.
Devotees who have lost their wealth come and pray Vaithamanithi Perumal here and get back their lost wealth like Kuberan did.
The place is the birthplace of Madhurakavi Alvar.
The temple does not have any Rajagopuram. We can see exiquisite stone sculptures and carvings in the pillars of this temple. Apart from the main sannidhi there are two seperate sannidhis each for Thaayar Kumudavalli and Kolurvalli.
The Moolavar here is Vaithamanidhi Perumal in a sayana thirukolam (reclining posture). He is seen to have a 'marakkal' ( a measurement vessel) under his neck as a pillow.Prathyaksham for Kuberan,Madurakavi Alwar.
Thayaar Kumudavalli and Kolurvalli.
Mangalaasasanam The temple is revered by the verses of Thirumangai Alwar.
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 murthi is brought on Garuda vahana. This festivals draws thousands of visitors from nearby areas.
Temple location The temple is situated in Tirunelveli to Tiruchendur route near Alwar Thirunagari.
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 is well connected by state highways roads, and this temple is off SH-93, the AlwarThiruNagari -Valliyoor route or can be reached by SH-40, the Tiruchendur-Tenkasi route. 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.
Those in Chennai can avail the services of Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation which is arranging the trip twice a month on the first and third Friday of the month. They can return by Wednesday morning.
Where to Stay? There are no big hotels here. Tiruchendur or Tirunelveli which are under 30 kms from here would be an ideal place for stay
Where to eat There are a few restauarants here.Use your judgement to find a hygienic place to eat in the available eateries.
Other interesting places around Thirukolur 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.
Arulmigu Athinatha Alwar Temple,
Alwar thirunagar,
Thiruchendur Taluk,
Thoothukudi district.,
Pincode : 628 612 ,
Phone no: 04639 - 273607
E-Mail : athinatharalwartemple@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
