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Vanamamalai Perumal Temple, Nanguneri

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Introduction

Vanamamalai Perumal Temple is a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. He is worshipped here as Thothadrinathan or Vanamamalai Perumal, and hence this temple is also known as Tothadri Kshetram or Vanamamalai Tothadri Perumal Temple. Goddess Varamangai is the Lord’s consort. This temple lies on the banks of riverThamiraparani, in the Nanguneri town of the Tirunelveli district of Southern Tamil Nadu. This Lord has been glorified in the Divyaprabhandham hymns of the Azhwar saints, and the temple is hailed a Divya Desam, a particularly sacred abode of Vishnu. This is one of the Sywayambu Kshetrams of Vishnu, too, where the idol of the Lord is believed to be self-manifested. It is said that the Lord appeared here for his serpent couch Adishsha and bird mount Garuda. The Tamil word ‘Nangu’ denotes the number 4, and ‘Yeri’ is the lake. This place was surrounded by 4 water bodies, and this is believed to have given the name ‘Nangu Yeri’ to the town, which later became Nanguneri. The temple is maintained by the Vanamamalai Mutt.

Temple Legends

Vanamamalai Perumal Temple

While sacred texts like the Brahmanda Purana, Skanda Purana, and Narasimha Purana make a mention of this Perumal, Lord Shiva is also said to have narrated his greatness to sage Narada. As per a legend, Goddess Lakshmi took birth here as Srivaramangai, and so, this place came to be called Varangunamangai. As per another story, serpent Adisesha performed intense penance at this place, seeking Vishnu’s grace, so that the Lord lies on him. Pleased by Adisesha’s devotion, Vishnu agreed to accept his service and started reclining on him. Likewise, the giant eagle Garuda, too, performed penance towards Vishnu, got blessed by him, and became his celebrated bird-mount.

As per the story in circulation locally, once, the issueless king Kaarya, worshipped Vishnu, who directed him to Nanguneri and dig the earth, there. The king complied with the command but found blood oozing out from the spot. He then requested the Lord for a solution to stop the blood flow, and the Lord told him to perform the holy bath to the presiding deity here, every day, with oil. This stopped the blood flow, and the king, too, was blessed with a progeny. The grateful king is said to have erected this temple for the Lord. The practice of sacred oil bath to the main deity is continuing even today.

The History and Architecture of Vanamamalai Perumal Temple, Nanguneri

The temple inscriptions reveal that this is fundamentally a Pandya construction, with later additions and expansions from Vijayanagar and Nayak kings. Subsequently, the temple came under the administration of Vanamamalai Mutt in the 15th century, when the idol of the Lord’s consort was installed thanks to the efforts of the first Pontiff of the Mutt. This is a large temple spread over an area of 5 acres and has 3 precincts and a 5-tiered Rajagopuram. Vanamamalai Perumal, the presiding deity is seated majestically on serpent Adisesha in the sanctum, while his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi are on his either side. Surya, the Sun, Chandra, the Moon, sages Brihu and Markandeya, and celestial dancers Urvasi and Trilothama, are also there with him. His consort is housed in a separate shrine. The roof above the sanctum is Nanda Varthana Vimanam, while the processional deity is Deiva Nayaga Perumal. The temple has a few pillared halls, which display many exquisite sculptures and carvings. These principally depict scenes from epic Mahabharata and legends, and also some of the Vishnu Avatars.

As a unique custom, the presiding deity is given a sacred bath with Gingelly oil and sandalwood oil. Subsequently, these oils are poured in a large well inside the temple and stored there. This oil is believed to be rich in its medicinal value and can cure many diseases. Those suffering, especially from skin ailments, apply the oil in the affected parts of the body and also consume some drops, for a cure.

Temple Festivals

The 12-day Brahmotsavam and the float festival are among the important festivals of this temple.

Benefits of worshipping Vanamamalai Perumal

It is believed that the Lord helps devotees to take on life’s challenges with confidence. People also worship in this temple for enhancement in knowledge, career growth, and good family life.

How to reach Vanamamalai Perumal Temple, Nanguneri
By Air

The nearest airport is Tuticorin, about 65 kilometers from the temple, while the major airport in Madurai is about 180 km away.

By Rail

Nanguneri itself has a railway station, not very far from the temple.

By Road

Nanguneri is about 30 km from Tirunelveli town, and can be reached easily from there and other places by bus and private vehicles.

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