Srivilliputtur Divyadesam – Sri Vatapatrasayee & Andal Temple History, Festivals, Tiruppavai

 

Location

• Srivilliputtur is about 80 km southwest of Madurai, in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu.
• Recognized as one of the 108 Divyadesams praised by Alwars.

Temple Significance

• Presiding deity: Sri Vatapatrasayee Perumal (Vadaperum Koviludayaan).
• Sage Manduka had darshan of the Lord here.
• Periyalwar and Andal offered Mangalasasanams.
• The temple’s chief pinnacle (gopuram) is honoured as the state symbol of Tamil Nadu.

Andal Nandanavanam

• To the right of the temple lies the sacred flower garden, birthplace of Sri Andal (Bhudevi’s incarnation).
• Andal was discovered and raised by Vishnuchitta (Periyalwar), named Kodai.
• Telugu devotees worship her as Godadevi.

Andal Temple

• Located near Vatapatrasayee temple.
• Features exquisite sculptures and mandapams: Kalyanamandapam, Mahamandapam, Mukhamandapam, Addhalamandapam.
• Sanctum houses Sri Andal with Sri Ranganatha Perumal and Garudalwar.
• Daily worship is performed with grandeur.

Festivals

• Panguni (March–April): Andal’s Kalyanotsavam (wedding festival).
• Adi (July–August): Andal’s birth celebrations.
• Margali (Dec–Jan): Thiruppavai recitations and Thiru festivals.
• Sravana (Pubba star): Tirunakshatra festival celebrated by Telugu devotees.

Prasadam

• Famous Milk Kova sold outside the temple as Andal’s prasadam.

Literary Contributions

• Tiruppavai – 30 pasurams, recited worldwide during Dhanurmasam.
• Nacciyar Thirumoli – another devotional composition of Andal.