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Sri Devaraja Perumal Temple

Thirunagari and Thiruvali are two Vishnu temples located in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, near Sirkazhi town. These temples are often paired together as a single Divya Desam known as Thiruvali-Thirunagari. The concept of Divya Desams comprises 108 special abodes of Vishnu, revered by the Azhwar saints in their sacred Divyaprabhandham compositions.

Timings

The temple will be kept open between 08.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.00 Hrs.

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-



  1. It is believed that the Thirunagari temple is one of the Mada Temples constructed by Ko Chengat Chozha, a Shaivite king who built temples for Vishnu despite his personal devotion. According to the Annual Report of Epigraphy (ARE) 1918, inscriptions 406 to 409, four inscriptions from this temple have been recorded, the earliest of which dates to the Vijayanagara period.
  2. One inscription from 1386 CE by Viruppanna Udayar refers to the temple as Thirunagar, also known as Vigneswara Nallur, located in Rajathi Raja Valanadu. The inscription lists lands between the Kaveri and Kollidam rivers, which were gifted to Vayalali Manavalar as sarvamanyam.
  3. Another inscription from 1517 CE, attributed to Krishna Devaraya, details his victories and donations made to Shiva and Vishnu temples. It lists various villages in the Chozha Mandalam where donations were made, including Chirapalli, Kattupalli, Nagari, Nangur, Azhunthur, Thevur, Thiruvinnagar Akalangan, Manikuzhi, Pugalur, Muttam, Vaigal, Pathiripuliyur, Thinai Nagar, Iraivanaraiyur, Seravan Mangalam, Navalur, Thittaikudi, Kanattaamarpullur, Thiyagavalli Grama Vinnagar, Kurichi, Pandanainallur, Thalachangadu, Pungur, Kurukkai, Visalur, Thalainayiru, Thirumangalakudi, Velliyakudi, Thirunthuthevankudi, Suriyanar Koil, Kodikka, Courtallam, Kuraiyalur, Virkudi, Sirukudi, Achalpuram, Valputhur, Nallur, Andar Koil, Gangaikondan, Thirumiyachur, and Vazhuvur.
  4. Another inscription, which does not mention the king, records the names of the Andhanars who recited the Vedas and the lands gifted to them at the Ulakuyya Veetruruntharuliya Nayanar alias Vayalali Manavalar Koil. It details the gifts of Najai and Punjai lands, cows, and Parikalans at Jayankonda Chozhavalanattu Thalachangadu and Rajendra Chozha Nallur.


Puranic Significance :-


According to the temple legend, Karthama Prajapathi, a son of Lord Brahma, undertook severe penance to attain Moksha (salvation). Moved by his devotion, Divine Mother Lakshmi interceded, but Lord Vishnu decreed that Karthama would have to wait until the Kali Yuga to achieve his goal. After being reborn in Treta and Dwapara Yugas, Karthama was born as Prince Sangabalan in Kali Yuga.

Sangabalan fell in love with a beautiful damsel named Kumudavalli, who was an ardent devotee of Vishnu. She stipulated that he must feed one thousand Vaishnavites daily to win her hand in marriage. Determined to fulfil this challenge, Sangabalan began feeding Vishnu devotees, and even resorted to burglary to fund the mass feeding. Impressed by his dedication, Vishnu decided to guide him on the spiritual path.

Disguised as newlyweds, Vishnu and Lakshmi visited Sangabalan's home. Sangabalan, not recognizing them, attempted to rob them. Vishnu then whispered the sacred Ashtakshara Mantra in his ears, which turned Sangabalan onto the path of devotion. He became a great Vishnu devotee known as Thirumangai Azhwar.

Vishnu appeared to Thirumangai Azhwar and his wife as Ranganatha. Since Vishnu was also in the guise of a bridegroom, he is revered here as Kalyana Ranganatha. This place is also known as Azhwar Koil, after Thirumangai Azhwar, and Vedarajapuram, after the presiding deity Vedarajan.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Conduct Regular Maintenance: Inspect and repair the temple frequently.
  2. Engage Skilled Professionals: Use qualified experts for restoration and repairs.
  3. Document and Archive: Keep detailed records and digital archives of the temple's features.
  4. Educate and Involve the Community: Raise awareness and involve locals in preservation efforts.
  5. Upgrade Facilities Thoughtfully: Improve amenities with minimal impact on historical character.
  6. Implement Environmental Protection Measures: Manage waste, conserve water, and maintain greenery.
  7. Secure Financial Support: Fundraise and seek grants and donations.
  8. Respect Traditional Practices: Maintain and respect traditional rituals and customs.
  9. Seek Legal Protections: Obtain legal status and support for heritage conservation.


  1. Avoid Unauthorised Alterations: Don’t make changes without proper approval.
  2. Prevent Vandalism and Neglect: Protect against damage and ensure regular upkeep.
  3. Do Not Disregard Local Customs: Respect local religious and cultural practices.
  4. Avoid Over-commercialization: Prevent commercialization that detracts from the temple's sanctity.
  5. Prevent Environmental Harm: Avoid practices that harm the environment or use harmful chemicals.
  6. Do Not Overlook Safety Concerns: Ensure safety measures and emergency preparedness.
  7. Do Not Ignore Feedback: Address concerns and suggestions from visitors and experts.

Dress Code

For Women:

  1. Traditional Attire: Wear sarees, salwar kameez, or other traditional Indian wear.
  2. Modesty: Ensure attire covers shoulders and knees. Avoid sleeveless tops and short skirts.

For Men:

  1. Traditional Attire: Wear dhoti, kurta, or other traditional Indian wear. Western attire like trousers and shirts are generally acceptable if they are modest.
  2. Modesty: Avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts.

How to reach

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  1. By Air: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) Distance: Approximately 186 km from Thirunagari. Travel Options: Hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to Thirunagari.
  2. By Train: Nearest Sirkazhi Railway StationAbout 14 km from the temple. Travel Options: From these stations, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Thirunagari.
  3. By Bus: Buses from various cities in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai and Trichy, stop here.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers Near the Temple:

  1. Kaveri River: One of the major rivers in Tamil Nadu, the Kaveri River flows near the temple. It is considered sacred and is closely associated with many temples in the region.
  2. Kollidam River: A distributary of the Kaveri River, Kollidam flows near the temple and is another significant river in the area.


Cities Near the Temple:

  1. Sirkazhi: The nearest town to Thirunagari, Sirkazhi, is about 10 kilometres away. It is known for its temples and historical significance.
  2. Mayiladuthurai: Approximately 25 kilometres from the temple, Mayiladuthurai is a larger town and serves as the district headquarters. It is also home to several important temples.
  3. Chidambaram: About 30 kilometres from Thirunagari, Chidambaram is a major pilgrimage centre, famous for the Nataraja Temple.
  4. Nagapattinam: Located around 50 kilometres from the temple, Nagapattinam is a coastal city known for its port and religious sites.