Irattai Tirupathi Tholaivillimangalam

Introduction

Irattai Tirupathi refers to 2 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, lying close to each other. The presiding deities here are known by the names Devapiran and Aravindalochanar. ‘Irattai’ in Tamil means the number 2, and ‘Tirupathi’ here refers to a Vishnu shrine. These Irattai Tirupathi that is, the Devapiran Temple and Aravindalochanar Temple, are located on the banks of the Thamiraparani river in the Tholavillimangalam village, on the Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route, in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu. The Azhwar saints have revered these deities in their hymns, and so, Irattai Thirupathi temples are together regarded as a Divya Desam, the sacred abode of Vishnu. Irattai Tirupathi also forms part of the Nava Tirupathi temples, the 9 famous Vishnu shrines on the Thamiraparani banks in the Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route. The Devapiran and Aravindalochanar temples are also said to be dedicated to the snake planets Rahu and Ketu, respectively.

Temple Legends

As per the legend, once demon Somuka decamped with the 4 Vedas, which were very essential for creation. Brahma, the God of creation, sought Vishnu’s help to retrieve the Vedas and did severe penance towards him on the banks of Thamiraparani. Pleased with his prayers, Vishnu gave his blessings to Brahma, slew the demon, and restored the Vedas to the supreme creator. Vishnu is said to have settled in Tholavillimangalam village in a shrine similar to his heavenly abode Vaikuntam, as Devapiran.

According to another story, a Gandharva couple was once cursed by Devaguru Brihaspati to turn into Tula, a measuring instrument, and Villu, a bow. He also declared that they have to stay below the ground level and do penance, and their salvation will come through a sage. Much later, a hermit named Suprabar cleaned this place for performing a sacrifice, and he found the Tula and Villu just under the earth-level and pulled those out, and the Gandharva couple regained their original forms. Thus this place is called Thola Villi Mangalam, the auspicious place where the Gardharva couple were restored to their original forms, from being the measuring vessel and the bow.

The History and Architecture of Irattai Tirupathi, Tholavillimangalam

The Pandyas, Vijayanagar rulers and the Nayak kings are believed to have built much of the structures of the Irattai Tirupathi temples. Known locally as the North and South temples, both these have 2 Prakarams, the precincts each. In his temple, Lord Devapiran, also known as Srinivasan, is standing in the sanctum with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi, facing East. Thamiraparani river itself is regarded as the sacred water body of the temple.

Lord Aravindalochanar can be worshipped in the other temple in the sanctum sanctorum in the sitting posture. His image is said to be made of the sacred Saligrama stone. His consort is Karunthadankanni Nachiyar. The roof above the sanctum is Kumudha Vimanam, and the water bodies are Thamiraparani river and Varuna Theertham. This Lord is said to have appeared for the sake of the Chief of the Devas Indra, the wind God Vayu and rain God Varuna. The temple without the customary Rajagopuram is surrounded by the granite compound wall. There are also shrines for other deities and Azhwars, here.

Temple Festivals

The Garuda Sevai Utsavam celebrated in Vaikasi (May-June) is the biggest festival of Irttai Tirupathi, as in the case of all the 9 Nava Tirupathi temples. On the occasion, the processional deities from the Nava Tirupathi temples are brought on their Garuda mounts, that is, Garuda Sevai to the Azhwar Thirunagari temple. Saint Nammazhwar, who belongs to this region, also joins them in a palanquin, when the hymns that he composed in praise of all the Gods are recited with piety. A large number of people assemble in the festival year after the year to witness the spectacle and receive divine blessings.

Benefits of worshipping the Lords of Irattai Tirupathi

Vishnu is the supreme protector, and it is believed that worshiping the Lords here can earn the devotees his grace and protection. These temples are also the Rahu and Ketu Sthalams, and hence it is believed that worshipping the principal deities here can clear or reduce the adverse effects of the snake planets and give a positive turn to life.