Sri Vaikuntanathan Perumal Temple

The Thiruvaikunda Vinnagaram, also known as the Vaikunta Nathan Perumal Temple, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu. Situated in Thirunangur, a village on the outskirts of Sirkazhi in Tamil Nadu, South India, the temple is renowned for its Dravidian architectural style. It is celebrated in the Divya Prabandha, an early medieval Tamil canon composed by the Azhwar saints between the 6th and 9th centuries AD. This temple is one of the 108 Divyadesams, dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped here as Vaikuntanathan, with his consort Lakshmi revered as Vaikuntavalli.

Timings

Morning : 7.00 AM to 11.00 AM & Evening : 4.00 PM to 7.00 PM

Entry Fee

No entry fee is charged

King Swetakethu, of the Ikshvaku dynasty—chosen by Lord Sri Rama for His incarnation—was renowned for his honesty and integrity. He, along with his wife Damayanthi, had a deep desire to visit Vaikunda and have the darshan of Lord Vishnu. After fulfilling all his royal duties, Swetakethu prepared for penance with his queen by setting up a fire around them and standing in the sun. They endured this severe penance for days, ultimately shedding their mortal forms and reaching Vaikundam. However, they were unable to find their Lord Vishnu and felt disheartened.

Sage Narada appeared before them. When Swetakethu and Damayanthi sought his guidance on why they failed to see the Lord, Narada explained that despite their severe penance, they had neglected essential rituals such as small Homas and charitable acts. He advised them to worship Lord Iravadeswarar on the banks of the Cauvery River on Earth and seek His aid to gain the darshan of Lord Vishnu.

Following Narada's advice, the couple prayed to Lord Iravadeswarar, seeking His help. Lord Iravadeswarar, who also longed for the darshan of Lord Vishnu, agreed to join them in penance. Sage Udanga Maharshi also participated in this collective penance.

Eventually, Lord Vishnu appeared before them along with the goddesses Sridevi and Bhoodevi. At this moment, Lord Iravadeswarar requested that the place where they received the divine darshan be honoured as Vaikunta Vinnagaram, with Himself worshipped as Vaikunda Nathar. Thus, Lord Vishnu graced the location as Vaikunda Vasan, with Mother Sridevi revered as Vaikundhavalli.

Do's and Don'ts

Dress Modestly: Wear traditional and modest clothing that covers the body appropriately as a mark of respect to the deity and the temple's sanctity.
Maintain Silence: Keep conversations to a minimum and speak in low tones to maintain the temple's serene and spiritual atmosphere.
Follow Rituals: Participate in the rituals with sincerity and follow the instructions given by the temple priests or staff.
Offer Prayers Respectfully: Approach the deity with a pure heart and offer prayers, Tulsi garlands, or Vastras as a gesture of devotion.
Observe Cleanliness: Keep the temple premises clean by disposing of waste in designated areas and refraining from littering.
Respect the Sanctum: Follow the queue and wait for your turn to have darshan (viewing) of the deity without rushing or pushing others.
Support Temple Projects: Contribute to temple renovation, charity work, or other initiatives, if possible, to support the temple's upkeep and community services.

Avoid Inappropriate Attire: Do not wear shorts, sleeveless tops, or any revealing clothing that may be considered disrespectful in a sacred space.
No Photography Inside: Refrain from taking photos or videos inside the sanctum sanctorum or during rituals, as it may disrupt the spiritual experience.
Don’t Bring Non-vegetarian Food: Avoid bringing or consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, or any intoxicants within the temple premises.
No Loud Conversations: Avoid loud talking, shouting, or creating any kind of disturbance that could disrupt the peaceful environment.
Don’t Touch the Deity: Refrain from touching the deity or the sanctum sanctorum walls unless it is a part of a specific ritual allowed by the temple authorities.
Avoid Commercial Activities: Do not engage in commercial activities such as selling items, distributing pamphlets, or soliciting donations within the temple premises.
Don’t Enter Restricted Areas: Respect the temple’s sacred boundaries and do not enter areas marked as restricted or only for temple staff.

Dress Code

For Men: Wear traditional attire like dhoti or veshti, along with a shirt or Angavastram. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless tops.

For Women: Dress in sarees or salwar kameez with a dupatta, covering shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing tight or revealing clothing.

How to reach

Open in Google Maps ↗

By Air: The nearest major airport is Trichy International Airport, approximately 155 km from the Vaikunta Nathan Perumal Temple.

By Railway: The closest railway station is Sirkazhi, located about 13 km from the temple.

By Roadways: Buses travelling from Mayiladuthurai or Sirkazhi pass through Thirunangur. Direct special buses to the temple are rare and typically available only on specific occasions. Sirkazhi Bus Terminus is the nearest to the temple.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

Cauvery River: The Cauvery River is one of the most sacred rivers in South India and flows nearby. It is often associated with various rituals and purifications performed by devotees visiting the temple. Bathing in the Cauvery before visiting the temple is believed to cleanse sins and bring blessings.

Cities:

Sirkazhi: The closest major town to Thirunangur, Sirkazhi is a historically significant city known for its ancient temples and cultural heritage. It serves as a hub for pilgrims visiting the various temples in Thirunangur.
Mayiladuthurai: Another important city near Thirunangur, Mayiladuthurai is known for its rich cultural history and temples dedicated to both Shiva and Vishnu. It is a significant stop for devotees on their pilgrimage to the Thirunangur Divya Desams.