Srivaikuntanathan Perumal Temple (also called Srivaikuntam temple and Kallapiran temple) in Srivaikuntam, a town 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 Vaikuntanathar and his consort Lakshmi as Vaikuntavalli. The temple is also classified as a Navatirupathi, the nine temples revered by Nammazhwar located in the banks of Tamiraparani river. Sri Vaikuntanathan Perumal Temple is firstamong the Nava Tirupathi temple dedicated to the planet, Sri Surya. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Location TamilNadu, Thoothukudi, Chennai

Legend

There are many legends associated with this temple. According to one legend, Somuka, a demon stole the four vedas from Lord Brahma. Brahma was helpless and nd he did severe penance in the banks of Tamiraparani River seeking favour from Lord Vishnu. Pleased with the penance of Brahma, Vishnu agreed to help Brahma. Vishnu killed the demon and restored the vedas to Brahma. Lord Vishnu set his abode as Srivakuntam and resided there as Vaikuntanatha.                                      

According to another legend, Kaladushana, a devotee of  Vaikuntanatha, was a head of robbers. They loot from the rich people and and distributed the wealth to the poor people. The ruling Pandya king wanted to arrest Kaladushana and his troop.The Pandya KJing arrested most of the robbers except Kaladushana. Kaladushana prayed to sri Vaikuntanatha to save him and his troop. Vaikuntanatha appeared as Kaldushana and surrendered before the king.Later, Vaikuntanatha appeared in the dreams of the king to narrate the events and also informed him that he wanted the king and the people to learn that large accumulation of ill-gotten wealth would be stolen and would reach the right hands.The king was enlightened and he released Kaladushana and his troop. Since Vaikuntanathar appeared for thieves (called kalla in Tamil), he came to be known as Kallapiran.

This temple is part of famous Nava Tirupathi Yatra.

Architecture

The temple is built in Dravidian style of architecture. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines and two of its three bodies of water. The rajagopuram, the temple's gateway tower, is 110 ft (34 m) tall. The granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines and two of its three bodies of water. The sanctum houses the image of Srivaikunanatha in standing posture with a club in his hand. Adisesha, the serpent of Vaikuntanatha, is seen holding a parasol over his head.

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. 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 7:30 AM till 12:00 PM and from 5:00 PM till 8:00 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.

Famous Festival

January/February - Brahmmotsavam

January/February - Pavithra Utsavam

May/June - Garuda Sevai utsavam

October/November - Deepavali

Temple Rituals

The temple rituals are performed Six times a day:

Vishwaroopam Pooja - 7.30 AM

Kalasanthi Pooja   - 9.00 AM

Theertham Viniyogam - 10.00 AM

Samba Thalikai    - 12.00 PM

Sayarachai Pooja - 5.00 PM

Thiruvisagam Pooja - 8.30 PM

Special Rituals

Several poojas are held in this temple and the most important among them is the pooja done by childless couples. It is believed that if the childless couple consume the ghee for 48 nights that has been offered at the deity's feet, they will be blessed with children.

Additional Info

 

Hotel Saravana Bhavan

CFC Food Court

 Supermarket : Available