Irattai Tirupati Temple refers to two temples of the Nava Tirupathi, nine Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route, Tamil Nadu, India in the banks of Thamiraparani river. Aravindalochanar Perumal Temple in Tholavillimangalam, a village in Thoothukudi district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. It is located 22 km from Tirunelveli. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Aravindalochanar and his consort Lakshmi as Karunthadankanni. The temple is also classified as a Navatirupathi, the nine temples revered by Nammazhwar located in the banks of Tamiraparani river. Along with the Devapiran temple located 100 yards away, the temple is referred as Irattai Tirupathy (meaning twin Tirupathis).The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Location TamilNadu, Thoothukudi, Chennai

Legend

According to the legends, the temple is associated with Rahu, a snake planet. Sage Nammalwar had sung 11 Pasurams (verses) on the glory of this place.

This temple is part of famous Nava Tirupathi Yatra.

Architecture

The Aravindalochanar temple is built in Dravidian style of architecture. The temple occupies an area of 1 acre and is surrounded by a granite wall. The temple is situated in a thick forest. The rajagopuram, the temple's gateway tower, is a flat structure, unlike other South Indian temples, which have a conical elevated structure. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines and halls. The sanctum houses the image of Aravindalocha facing east. The image is made of Saligrama stone.

Culture

Tamil Nadu is home to many natural resources, classical arts, classical music, classical literature, Hindu temples of Dravidian architecture, hill stations, beach resorts, multi-religious pilgrimage sites, and eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.Nava Tirupathi Temples is a set of nine temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located on the either sides of Thamiraparani River in Tiruchendur to Tirunelveli route in the state of Tamilnadu, India. The Nava Tirupathi temples are headed by 'Lord Perumal' (Lord Vishnu'), hence there are no separate Navagraha shrine present in these temples. The Nava Tirupathi temples are classified as "Divya Desams", the 108 temples of Lord Vishnu which are admired by the 12 Azhwars.

Picture Courtesy: commons.wikimedia.org

Darsan Info

The temple is open from 6.00 AM till 12.00 PM and from 1.00 PM to 5.00 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Male devotees have been advised to wear dhoti, shirt, pyjama or pant and shirt while women and girls should wear saris or churidhar or 'pavadai' with half-sari. Devotees wearing lungi, bermudas, jeans and tight-leggings would not be allowed.

Temple Rituals

The temple follows the traditions of the Thenkalai sect of Vaishnavite tradition and follows Pancharathra aagama. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals and festivals performed in the temple. Four daily rituals are held at the temple.                  

Kaala Shanthi Pooja - 8.30 AM

Uchchi Kaala Pooja - 11.30 AM

Sayaratchi Pooja - 06.00 PM 

Aravanai Pooja - 08.00 PM

Special Rituals

It is advised that devotees go to the temple after ascertaining the time of the presence of the priest of the temple. This is attributed to Shadow Planets (Chaya Grahas) Rahu and Ketu.

Additional Info

 

Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Rushi Hotel

Supermarket : Available