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Sri Thothadhri Nathar Perumal Temple

The Vanamamalai Perumal Temple, also known as Tothadri Kshetram, is located in Nanguneri, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, on the banks of the Thamirabarani River. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Thothadri Nathan, with Goddess Veeramangai as his consort, this Divya Desam is a revered self-manifested shrine. The town name, Nanguneri, comes from Tamil words meaning "four lakes." The temple is managed by the Vanamamalai Mutt and is celebrated in the Divyaprabhandham hymns of the Azhwar saints.

Timings

Opens from 7.00 am to 8.30 pm

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-



The temple inscriptions indicate that the Vanamamalai Perumal Temple was originally built by the Pandyas, with later expansions by the Vijayanagar and Nayak kings. In the 15th century, the temple came under the administration of the Vanamamalai Mutt, during which the idol of the Lord’s consort was installed by the first Pontiff of the Mutt. Spanning 5 acres, the temple features three precincts and a five-tiered Rajagopuram.


Puranic Significance :-


Sacred texts like the Brahmanda Purana, Skanda Purana, and Narasimha Purana mention this Perumal, with Lord Shiva also narrating his greatness to Sage Narada. According to legend, Goddess Lakshmi was born here as Srivaramangai, giving the place the name Varangunamangai. Another story tells of the serpent Adisesha performing intense penance here to gain Vishnu's favor, leading to Vishnu reclining on him. Similarly, the giant eagle Garuda also performed penance and was blessed to become Vishnu's mount.

A local legend speaks of King Kaarya, who, being childless, worshipped Vishnu. The Lord directed him to Nanguneri to dig the earth, where blood began to flow. The king prayed for a solution, and Vishnu instructed him to perform a daily holy bath with oil for the deity. This stopped the blood flow, and the king was blessed with a child. Grateful, the king is said to have built this temple, and the practice of offering a sacred oil bath to the main deity continues to this day.


Sthalapuranam :-


The Vanamamalai Perumal Temple, also known as Naanguneri, Seeravaramangai, and Vaanamamalai, is named after the four large lakes (Naangu Neri) that once surrounded it, though only one remains today. This temple is one of the eight Swayambhu Kshetrams, where the deity is believed to have self-manifested. The other seven are Badri Narayanam, Mukthi Narayanam, Naimisaranyam, Pushkaram, Tiruvenkadam, Sri Mushnam, and Thiru Varaagam.

The Moolasthanam (sanctum sanctorum) is said to have been submerged in the lake water, with water always present around the Garbhagriham. The temple also features a unique 25-foot oil well containing medicinal oil, believed to cure various diseases. The main deity is bathed daily with 6 padis (approximately 9 kg) of gingelly oil and sandalwood oil, which is then poured back into the well. Devotees seeking medicinal oil from the well must offer an equal amount of gingelly oil in return.

The presiding deity, Thothadri Nathan, is said to have granted divine vision to Indra, Romasa Maharishi, Brighu Muni, and Markandeya Maharishi as "Aadhi Maruthuvan" (the first physician). The temple also tells of a king from the Sindhu empire who was cursed to become a dog by Romasa Maharishi. He was freed from this curse after bathing in the temple’s pushkarani.

The temple’s entrance features the Pandhal Mandapam, with large halls housing the Golden Chariot and Golden Chapparam, used during the Panguni Uthiram festival. Inside, the Sevvanthi Mandapam, built by Sevvanthi Naayakar, serves as the venue for the Utsavar’s appearances during festivals. The Veerappa Naayakkar Mandapam, with its intricately sculpted pillars, leads to the sannadhis of Lakshmi Narayanan, Lakshmi Varagar, Venugopalan, and Dasavatharam.

Beyond the Kodimaram, the Kulasekaran Mandapam houses the sannadhis of Vadakku Naachiyaar, Therku Naachiyaar, Manavala Maamunigal, Udayavar, Pillai Ulag Asiriyar, and all the Azhwars except Nammalwar, who is represented as "Sadagopan Sadaari" in the Utsavar sannadhi. Sannadhis for Sri Ramar, Sri Kannan, and Chakrathalwar are also present.

The main Moolavar sannadhi features Thothadri Nathan in a seated posture, with Garudalwar opposite him. The Moolavar is accompanied by two Pirattiyaars (consorts) and served by Devaloka women Rambhai and Thilothamai, as well as Brighu Maharishi, Markandeya Maharishi, Chandra, Soorya, and Vishwakshenar. Aadhiseshan serves as the umbrella for Thothadri Nathan.

The Utsavar deity, Deiva Nayagan, is accompanied by Srivaramangai Thaayar and Andal, adorned with the precious Maga Kandigai ornament. The temple is also known as "Vaanamamalai" due to a Pandya king, who, after marrying a Chera princess, was called "Vaanavan" and built this temple, leading to its alternate name.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Dress Modestly: Wear respectful attire covering shoulders and knees.
  2. Remove Footwear: Leave shoes outside or in designated areas.
  3. Follow Rituals: Observe and participate in ceremonies as directed.
  4. Maintain Silence: Keep conversations quiet and respectful.
  5. Offer Respect: Bow or prostrate before the deity.
  6. Keep Clean: Dispose of trash properly and avoid littering.
  7. Ask Permission: Get approval before taking photographs.
  8. Follow Guidelines: Adhere to the temple’s specific rules.
  1. Avoid Loud Behaviour: No disruptive noise or actions.
  2. Don’t Touch Sacred Items: Respect sacred objects and deities.
  3. No Unauthorised Photography: Follow rules on photography.
  4. Avoid Eating/Drinking: Keep food and beverages outside the temple.
  5. Don’t Enter Restricted Areas: Stay out of off-limits zones.
  6. No Disrespectful Actions: Avoid pointing feet or other disrespectful behaviour.
  7. No Smoking or Alcohol: These are prohibited within the temple.
  8. Don’t Disturb Rituals: Do not interrupt ongoing ceremonies.


Dress Code

For Men :

  1. Traditional Attire: Dhoti or lungi is preferred, but formal trousers and shirts are also acceptable.
  2. Cover Shoulders and Knees: Ensure that your shoulders and knees are covered.
  3. Avoid Casual Wear: Refrain from wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or casual jeans.

For Women :

  1. Traditional Attire: Sarees, salwar kameez, or churidars are preferred. Western dresses should cover shoulders and knees.
  2. Cover Shoulders and Knees: Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
  3. Avoid Short or Sleeveless Outfits: Refrain from wearing short skirts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing.

How to reach

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  1. By Air: The nearest major airport is Coimbatore International Airport (MAA). From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple. 
  2. By Train: The nearest railway station is Tirunelveli Junction. From Tirunelveli, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to the temple.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

  1. The Vanamamalai Perumal Temple is situated near several important geographical and urban locations in Tamil Nadu:
  2. Thamirabarani River: The temple is located on the banks of the Thamirabarani River, which is a significant river in southern Tamil Nadu. This river is revered for its sacredness and plays a central role in the region's religious practices and rituals.
  3. Nanguneri: The temple is located in the town of Nanguneri, which is in the Tirunelveli district. Nanguneri is known for its historical and religious significance, with the Vanamamalai Perumal Temple being one of its key landmarks.
  4. Tirunelveli: Approximately 30 kilometres from the temple, Tirunelveli is a major city in Tamil Nadu. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical temples, and as an important commercial and administrative centre in the region.
  5. Thoothukudi (Tuticorin): About 70 kilometres away from the temple, Thoothukudi is a coastal city known for its bustling port, salt pans, and industries. It is an important economic hub and a gateway to the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu.
  6. Madurai: Situated around 160 kilometres from the temple, Madurai is one of Tamil Nadu’s oldest and most prominent cities. It is renowned for the Meenakshi Amman Temple, which is a major pilgrimage site, and its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene.