Nigaril Mugilvannan Temple, Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Temple, ThenThirupperai Thiru Makara Nedunkulai Kaather Perumal Temple

TamilNadu, Thoothukudi, Chennai

Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Temple or Nigaril Mugilvannan temple is located at Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route, Tamil Nadu, India in the southern bank of Thamiraparani river. It is one of the Nava Tirupati (nine temples) dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is dedicated to Sukra.

Legend

According to the legend, Goddess Lakshmi was upset that Lord Vishnu spent most of his time with Bhoodevi. Lakshmi shared her sorrow with Sage Durvasa and she wished that she wanted the same colour and beauty as Bhoodevi. Sage Durvasa who went to meet Bhoodevi, was angered at her for disregarding his presence. Durvasa cursed Bhoodevi to have the same form and colour as Sridevi. Bhoodevi started penance on the banks of Tamaraibarani. During that time, she found two fish shaped ear rings and offered it to Vishnu, Vishnu wore this and he came to known as Makara Nedunkuzhaikathan. Bhoodevi who took the form and colour of Sridevi came to known as Thiruperai Nachiyar.

This temple is part of famous Nava Tirupathi Yatra.

Architecture

Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Temple is constructed in Dravidian style of architecture. The idol is seen in a seated posture facing east.

Picture Courtesy : commons.wikimedia.org

Darsan Info

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 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.

Famous Festival

The temple is open from 7:00 AM till 12:00 PM and from 5:00 PM till 8:00 PM.

Culture

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.