Back to Results
Temple Image

Sri Nindra Nambi Perumal Temple

Thirukkurungudi, a sacred site for Hindus, is located on the banks of the Nambi River at the foothills of Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu. It is situated approximately 45 km from Nagercoil, 46 km from Tirunelveli, and 49 km from Kanyakumari. This holy place is renowned for its five forms of Nambi (Vishnu) worshipped in the region: 1. Ninra Nambi (Standing posture) 2. Irundha Nambi (Sitting posture) 3. Kidandha Nambi (Sleeping posture) 4. Thiruparkadal Nambi 5. Thirumalai Nambi Among these, the Nindra Nambi Temple is the principal shrine and is centrally located within the town, surrounded by four large Mada Veethis (streets). The Nambi Rayar Temple, also known as the Thirukkurungudi Temple, is over 1300 years old and is recognized as one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is also referred to as Vaamana Kshetram.

Timings

Morning : 6:30 AM to 12:00 AM & Evening : 4.30 PM to 8.00 PM

Entry Fee

No entry fee is charged

According to legend, Lord Vishnu, in His Varaha Avatara, rescued the Earth from the demon Hiranyaksha, who had tried to seize it. Seeking Lord Varaha's guidance, Mother Earth was instructed that He could be reached through music.

On the sacred Kaisika Ekadasi day, a man from a backward community encountered a ghost. As the ghost threatened to devour him, the man promised to return after singing Lord Vishnu's praises. He fulfilled this promise by singing hymns in devotion to the Lord. Through this act of devotion, the man attained salvation, and the ghost, having heard the praises of the Lord, also achieved liberation.


Sthala Puranam:



Thirukkurungudi is renowned as "Vaamana Kshetram," dedicated to the Vamana Avatar of Sriman Narayanan. Lord Vamana was born in the Puratasi month on Shukla Paksha Sravana Dwadasi, to Kaasyabha Maharishi and Athithi. This day is known as Vijaya Dwadasi.

Lord Vamana was instructed in the Savithri Mantram by Suryan, and Vyazha Guru Bragaspathi taught him the Brahma Soothiram. Born to Maharishi Kaashyapa, Vamana's attire and activities mirrored those of a sage. He received various divine gifts:

  1. Dharbai (sacred grass) from his father Kashyapa Maharshi.
  2. Krishna Aasanam (seat) from Bhoomi (Earth).
  3. Thandi (support for the hand) from Chandran.
  4. Kaupeenam (clothes) from Athithi.
  5. Kamandalam (water vessel) from Brahma.
  6. Various vessels from Guberan.
  7. Vedic teachings from Bharadwaja Maharshi.
  8. Food from Parasakthi, offered with her hand when he begged for alms.

Despite performing his divine duties as Vamana, He manifests in this sthalam in a short muni form, which is why it is called "Kurungudi."

When Lord Shiva incurred Brahmagathi Dosham by plucking Brahma's head, he visited this sthalam. Following Nindra Nambi's guidance, Lord Shiva sought food from Kurungudi Valli Thayar to alleviate his dosham. After receiving the food and learning Sudarshana Japa from Vamana, he was liberated from his dosham.

Lord Nindra Nambi's grace led to the birth of Nammalvar to his mother, Udaya Nangai. Thirumangai Alwar attained Mukti (liberation) at this sthalam, and a small temple named "Thirumangai Alwar Thiruvarasu" was constructed on the riverbank to commemorate this.

The name "Nambu" means belief, and "Nambi" signifies one who is believed by all. Lord Nindra Nambi, revered for his forms (Nindra, Kidantha, and Irundha Thirukkolam), is deeply worshipped by devotees. Similarly, Lord Shiva, who came to seek darshan and received liberation from his dosham, is worshipped in the form of Magendranadhar in a separate sannadhi situated between the Kidantha Nambi and Irundha Nambi sannadhi’s.

Near Kurungudi, there lived a musician named Baanan who wished to worship Kurungudi Nambi on Sukla Paksha Ekadashi. On his way, a Brahma Rakshasa (a wild demon) threatened to devour him due to hunger. Baanan requested to be spared until he could have darshan of Kurungudi Nambi and sing his praises. The demon agreed and waited.

Upon reaching Kurungudi, Baanan sang devotional hymns in front of the temple entrance. Although the Kodimaram (flag post) initially blocked his view, it moved aside, allowing him to see the deity. His devotion and musical praise satisfied Kurungudi Nambi, who honoured him with the title "Nampaaduvaan," meaning "one who sings for the Lord."

After receiving the title and darshan, Baanan returned to the demon. When the demon inquired about his song, Baanan recounted it, and the demon's hunger was replaced with spiritual satisfaction. The demon was so moved that he released Baanan. This story is recounted in the Varaha Puranam and is performed as a drama during Kausika Ekadesi.

The temple's prasadam (food offerings) are also offered to Lord Shiva. Inside the temple, there is a Mattaiyadi Mandapam and a Nadhi Mandapam, with the Kodimaram featuring rare sculptures. The Kulasekara Mandapam houses an ancient bell donated by a king from Thiruvidhangodu.

Moolavar Nindra Nambi, also known as "Pari Pooranan," is enshrined with two Pirattis. Nearby, the utsavar (processional deity) is Vainava Nambi, accompanied by Neela Devi and Kurungudi Valli Thayar.

In the south prakaram, there is a separate sannadhi for Lakshmi Narasimhar and Lakshmi Sametha Varaha Moorthy, while the west prakaram features the Dasavatharam (ten avatars of Vishnu), Srinivasa Perumal, Andal, and Kurungudi Valli Thaayar sannadhi.

The temple also houses sannadhis for Nindra Nambi, Veetrirundha Nambi, and Kidantha Nambi. Close to Nambi's feet, the head of Mahabali is enshrined. Irundha Nambi is also known as "Vaikundhanadhan." Malaimel Nambi is located 5 km from this sthalam on a hilltop. Kurungudiyavan Kudi is another name for Vamana and is situated ½ mile south. The river "Thiruppaarkadal," ½ mile away, has the Thiruparkadal Nambi sannadhi.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray to Your Ishta Devata: Before embarking on a pilgrimage, take a moment to pray to your personal deity (Ishta Devata) for guidance and blessings, ensuring a spiritually fulfilling visit.
  2. Contact the Temple Devasthanam Information Centre: For accurate information regarding the temple, including details on rituals, pooja schedules, and general inquiries, reach out to the temple's information centre.
  3. Reserve Travel and Accommodation in Advance: Plan your travel and book your accommodation well ahead of time to ensure a smooth and comfortable visit to the temple.
  4. Bathe and Wear Clean Clothes: Prior to entering the temple, it is important to bathe and don clean attire as a mark of respect and purity when approaching the sacred space.
  5. Concentrate on the Deity: Focus your attention on the deity inside the temple, engaging in devotion and contemplation to enhance your spiritual experience.
  6. Maintain Silence and Recite Your Ishta Mantra: Inside the temple, maintain silence and quietly recite your personal mantra (Istamantram) to foster a peaceful and meditative environment.
  7. Observe Ancient Customs and Traditions: Follow the traditional customs and practices associated with the temple to honour its historical and religious significance.
  8. Respect Religious Sentiments: Show respect for the religious practices and sentiments of others within the temple premises.
  9. Deposit Offerings in the Hundi: Place any offerings or donations into the designated hundi (offering box) as per temple guidelines.
  1. Avoid Non-Worship Activities: Do not visit the temple for purposes other than worship, ensuring the sanctity of your visit.
  2. No Smoking: Smoking is prohibited within the temple premises to maintain cleanliness and respect.
  3. No Alcoholic Drinks: Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not allowed in the temple to uphold its sacred atmosphere.
  4. No Non-Vegetarian Food: Do not bring or consume non-vegetarian food in the temple, adhering to vegetarian practices typically observed in temple settings.
  5. Avoid Mediators for Quick Darshan: Do not seek intermediaries for expedited darshan (viewing) of the deity, as it can inconvenience other devotees.
  6. No Weapons: Carrying any form of weapon inside the temple is strictly prohibited to ensure a safe and secure environment.
  7. No Head Guards: Do not wear helmets, caps, turbans, or hats inside the temple premises as a sign of respect and reverence.
  8. No Sastanga Pranama in Sanctum Sanctorum: Avoid performing full prostration (Sastanga Pranama) inside the inner sanctum (Garbhagriha) to maintain the sanctity of the space.
  9. Be Brief with Sparsa Darshanam: Limit the duration of touching the deity (Sparsa Darshanam) inside the sanctum to avoid causing delays or disturbances.
  10. Avoid Buying Spurious Prasadam’s: Do not purchase prasadam’s (offered food) from unauthorised vendors outside the temple to ensure you receive genuine offerings.
  11. Do Not Encourage Beggars: Refrain from giving alms to beggars within the temple premises, as this can be disruptive.
  12. No Spitting or Nuisance: Maintain cleanliness and avoid creating any disturbance or nuisance within the temple grounds.

Dress Code

For Men: Wear traditional dhoti or lungi, or clean, formal pants with a shirt. Avoid shorts, sleeveless shirts, and casual attire.

For Women: Opt for traditional sarees or salwar kameez, or clean, modest clothing. Avoid wearing revealing or casual outfits.

How to reach

Open in Google Maps ↗

By Air: The nearest airport is Tuticorin Airport, about 78 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Thirukkurungudi.

By Train: The closest major railway station is at Tirunelveli, approximately 45 km from the temple. From Tirunelveli, you can travel by taxi, bus, or local transport to Thirukkurungudi.

By Road: Thirukkurungudi is well-connected by road. You can drive or take a bus from major cities like Tirunelveli or Nanguneri. Local buses and taxis also provide convenient access to the temple.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Thamirabarani River: A significant river in Tamil Nadu, known for its sacredness, it flows near the region and is an important water source for the surrounding villages and temples.
  2. Nambiyaru River: This river flows closer to the Thirukkurungudi temple, contributing to the area's fertility and providing water for rituals and temple activities.
  3. Thiruppaarkadal: While not a physical river, this is the divine ocean of milk mentioned in Hindu mythology, symbolically linked to the sacred waters used in temple rituals.


Cities:

  1. Tirunelveli: Located about 45 km from the temple, Tirunelveli is a major city known for its ancient temples and rich cultural heritage.
  2. Nanguneri: Situated around 11 km from the temple, Nanguneri is another important town in the region, known for its religious significance and proximity to Thirukkurungudi.
  3. Kanyakumari: Though further away, Kanyakumari is the southernmost point of India and is a well-known pilgrimage site, often visited by those travelling to or from Thirukkurungudi.