Navathirupathi

Tirunelveli - The City of Culture 

Nava Tirupathi 

A total of 9 Vishnu temples are known as Nava Thirupathi and are located along the Tirunelveli to Tiruchendur Highway on both sides of the Tamaraibarani River. The Azhvaar who has performed singing songs in the Navathirupathi is Nammazhvar. A person can start his journey to Nava Tirupathi at SriVaikuntam and conclude at Azhvaar Tirunagari. Anybody can hire a car or taxi from SriVaikuntam to visit the remaining eight temples. It would take approximately five hours and cost between 350 and 400 rupees. To know more about Navathirupathi, log in to the famous Tirunelveli Today website.

All You Need to Know About SriVaikuntam, Mangai Thiruvaraguna & Thirupulingudi

On the Tiruchendur highway, SriVaikuntam is approximately 30 kilometers from Tirunelveli. According to history, the Lord appeared before the King dressed as a robber to protect the original criminal.

The Lord is also called KallarPiran, where Kalla means thief. Adisesh is a serpent God who reclines on Vishnu and spreads his huge hood over him. Adisesh always stands behind the Lord, a distinctive feature of God Vishnu.

Another interesting feature is that two days a year, the sun shines directly on Lord Vaikuntanathan. It is said that the temple served as a castle during the battle between the British and Veerapandiya Kattabomman in the 19th century. From the new Tirunelveli bus station, buses travel through this place every ten minutes.

Many people refer to the Mangai Thiruvaraguna temple, located two kilometers from Sri Vaikuntam, as the Natham Vishnu temple. Lord Vijayaasanar is depicted here as if sitting on the throne like a king after winning a battle. People believe that visiting this temple gives them moksha. Thus, this spot is referred to as Chandran Kshetram.

Lord Kaasina Venthar's temple at Thirupulingkudi is located one kilometer from Natham. The Lord shows his back to the east and has a lotus stem growing from his belly button, ending into a flower on the partition wall. According to history, Vishnu and Sridevi travelled here to pay a visit.

The goddess Bhoodevi buried her own self in the underworld out of resentment for being ignored on the journey. It is said that 2 goddesses met and offered darshan after being calmed down by Vishnu. Vishnu's feet are seen past a tiny window in the hallway, which is a fascinating aspect of the temple.

An Overview on Tirupathi Eretai, Maayakoothan Temple, ThenThiruperai & Thiru Kolur 

In the heart of a jungle, there are two temples called Irettai Tirupathi, 100 meters from each other. Lord Devapiran is placed facing east in a standing position in the first temple.

A woman and a man were released from Kubera's curse that had transformed them into a tulai(measuring scale) and a vill(bow) by Sage Suprabhar, who performed a yagna at this place. That is why this place is known as Tulai Villi Mangalam.

Another belief holds that Varuna God conducted a penance to free himself from a curse. Varuna is said to make a pilgrimage on a full-moon day every year during the Panguni month (March-April) to worship Vishnu.

The temple at Thiru Kolur, three kilometers southwest of Then Thiruperai, features a reclining image of the Lord facing east. MaduraKaviAzhvaar, a devoted follower of Nammazhvaar, was born here. According to legend, this is where Kubera found relief from Goddess Parvati's curse and received the restoration of the Nava Nidhis from her. One is supposed to recover lost fortune by visiting this temple.

Learn About Tirunagari Azhvaar, Vaanamaamalai, Thirukurungudi & Srivilliputhur 

AadiNaathan temple is the last stop. Lord Nambi is said to have taken birth as Nammazhvaar. It is reported that Nammazhvaar did not cry or open his eyes when he was born. He lived in the temple for sixteen years under a tamarind tree before meeting Madurakavi, who asked him some thought-provoking questions about existence. MaduraKavi (Azhvaar) was so moved by Nammazhvaar's answers.

The Vaikasi Utsav is when all the deities in nine temples gather to hear the Paasurams along with Nammazhvaar. One could return to Tirunelveli after visiting all nine temples. From Tirunelveli, you can go to Vaanamaamalai, Thirukurungkudi, and Srivilliputhur to complete the itinerary.

Thirukkurungkudi was the birthplace of Araiyar Sevai. According to history, the Lord heard Araiyar's Abhinaya while hiding behind a wall. Thirukkurungkudi is where the Kaisika Ekadesi was born according to the Vaishnava tradition.

Peri-Azhvaar and Andal were born in Srivilliputhur, 90 kilometers from Tirunelveli. The temple was built during the first century AD. The tallest temple dome is Srirangam's Rajagopuram, which is 196 feet tall. Among the four thousand Paasurams, Andal's Thiruppavai is one of the most exquisitely crafted melodies. These 30 lines invoke God's favor and bring peace, prosperity, and joy. In each of the nine temples, you will be able to see a board with the temple hours and directions to the other temples in this area.

Last But Not Least

Iruttu Kadai Halwa is the most famous delicacy of Tirunelveli, which is located next to the Nellaiappar Temple. The popular Courtallam waterfalls, known for their therapeutic properties, are only one hour from the town. There is a Subramanya temple along the sea shore in Tiruchendur. Furthermore, roadside night cafes serving hot dosas and idlis are well known here. Feel free to go through the Tirunelveli Today website to know more about Navathirupathi.

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