Introduction
The
Srivaikuntanathan Perumal Temple, also known as Kallapiran Temple,
is a revered Divya Desam located in Srivaikuntam, Thoothukudi
district, Tamil Nadu. Nestled on the banks of the Tamiraparani River,
this temple is a spiritual gem rich in Vaishnavite tradition, mythology, and
architectural grandeur. It is the first of the Nava Tirupati temples,
each associated with a Navagraha, with Srivaikuntam linked to Surya (Sun
God).
History
& Significance
- One of the 108
Divya Desams, glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by
Alvar saints.
- Associated
with Surya Kshetram, believed to bring clarity and vitality to
devotees.
- Legends:
- Vishnu
appeared here as Vaikuntanathar in the Matsya Avatar to
retrieve stolen Vedas from the demon Somukasura.
- Another tale
speaks of Kaladushana, a noble thief saved by Vishnu, earning the
deity the name Kallapiran (“Lord of the Thieves”).
Deities
Worshipped
- Vaikuntanathar
(Vishnu): Majestic standing posture with a
gada (club) under Adisesha’s hood.
- Vaikuntavalli
Thayar (Lakshmi): Enshrined in a separate
sanctum.
- Shrines for Garuda,
Vishvaksena, and Alvars also present.
Rituals
& Festivals
- Daily
Rituals: Six pujas a day, following the Tenkalai
tradition.
- Brahmotsavam:
Celebrated in Chittirai (April–May).
- Garuda Sevai:
A spectacular event during Nammalvar’s birth celebrations, where all nine
Nava Tirupati deities are brought together on Garuda vahanams.
- Other
festivals: Vaikunta Ekadasi, Panguni Uthiram.
Architecture
& Features
- Built in Dravidian
style, with a 110-foot rajagopuram and granite walls enclosing
shrines and temple tanks.
- The Thiruvengadamudayan
Mandapam houses exquisite life-size sculptures from the 16th
century.
- Maintained by
the Tamil Nadu HR&CE Department.
Temple
Hours
- Morning:
7:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
- Evening:
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Daily
Pooja Timings
- Kalasanthi:
8:00 AM
- Uchikalam:
12:00 Noon
- Sayarakshai:
6:00 PM
- Ardha Jamam:
8:00 PM
Tips
for Visitors
- Best Time to
Visit: October–March for pleasant weather;
April–May for Brahmotsavam; May–June for Garuda Sevai.
- Dress Code:
Traditional attire (veshti/saree or salwar kameez). Avoid sleeveless or
tight-fitting clothes.
- Combine Your
Visit: Plan a full-day trail covering all Nava
Tirupati temples, each linked to a Navagraha.
- Nearby
Attractions: Tiruchendur Murugan Temple,
Ettayapuram (Bharathiyar’s birthplace), Tamiraparani River ghats.
Getting
Here
- By Road:
- Tirunelveli:
~22–29 km via NH138 or SH40
- Thoothukudi:
~39 km
- Kanyakumari:
~102 km
- Madurai:
~175 km
- Rameswaram:
~217 km
- By Train:
- Srivaikuntam
Railway Station: 1.5 km from temple
- Tirunelveli
Junction: ~28 km, well-connected to Chennai, Madurai, and major cities
- By Air:
- Tuticorin
Airport (TCR): ~40 km
- Madurai
Airport (IXM): ~167 km
- Trivandrum
International Airport (TRV): ~167 km
Conclusion
The
Srivaikuntanathan Perumal Temple is a timeless sanctuary blending mythology,
devotion, and Dravidian artistry. As the first of the Nava Tirupati
temples, it holds immense spiritual significance, especially for devotees
seeking relief from solar afflictions. A visit here offers not only divine
blessings but also a journey into Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural and spiritual
heritage.