Sri Srivaikuntanathan Perumal Temple – History, Legends, Rituals & Festivals

 

Location

• Situated on the banks of the Tamiraparani River in Srivaikuntam town.
• The temple is part of the famous Navatirupathi temples, a group of nine Divya Desams along the Tamiraparani river.

Main Deities

• Vaikuntanathar (Vishnu) – the presiding deity.
• Vaikuntavalli (Lakshmi) – his consort.
• The deity is also known as Kallapiran, a name linked to local legends.

Subshrines

• The temple houses shrines for Sri Devi and Bhu Devi, consorts of Vishnu.
• Other subshrines include those dedicated to Alwars (Vaishnava saints)
• The temple tank is called Brighu Theertham, and the main tower is known as Chandra Vimanam.

Temple Significance

• One of the 108 Divya Desams – sacred Vishnu temples praised in the hymns of the Alwars.
• Classified as the first of the Nava Tirupathi temples, associated with the planet Surya (Sun).
• The temple is rich in Pandya-era inscriptions, recording land grants and endowments for rituals and perpetual lighting.
• Architecturally built in Dravidian style, with intricate sculptures and a strong historical presence.
• It is a major pilgrimage site during Vaikuntha Ekadashi, when devotees throng for Uttara Dwara Darshan.

History

• The temple dates back to the Pandya dynasty (9th–12th century CE), with inscriptions recording land grants, donations, and endowments for lamps and rituals.
• It was patronized by Pandya kings and later Nayak rulers, who expanded its structures and festivals.
• The temple is part of the Navatirupathi group of temples along the Tamiraparani river, each associated with one of the nine planets. Srivaikuntam is linked to Surya (Sun).

Legends

• The presiding deity, Vaikuntanathar (Kallapiran), is believed to have protected the town from robbers by appearing in disguise, hence the name Kallapiran (“Lord who appeared as a thief”).
• Another legend states that Brighu Maharishi performed penance here, and Vishnu appeared to him, sanctifying the temple tank as Brighu Theertham.
• The temple is praised in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by Alwars, especially Nammalvar, who composed hymns in honor of the deity.

Architecture

• Built in Dravidian style, the temple features a five-tiered Rajagopuram and sprawling granite walls.
• The sanctum houses Vaikuntanathar in standing posture, flanked by Sri Devi and Bhu Devi.
• The Chandra Vimanam (main tower above the sanctum) is richly sculpted.
• The temple tank, Brighu Theertham, is considered sacred and used for ritual baths.
• Intricate stone carvings and inscriptions adorn the mandapams, showcasing Pandya craftsmanship.
• The temple complex includes shrines for Alwars, Garuda, and other Vaishnava deities, making it a hub of Vaishnava tradition.

Rituals

• The temple follows the Vaikhanasa Agama tradition, a key Vaishnava ritual system.
• Daily worship includes:
• Ushathkalam (early morning)
• Kalasanthi (morning)
• Uchikalam (midday)
• Sayarakshai (evening)
• Irandamkalam (night)
• Ardha Jamam (late night)
• Each puja involves alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering), and deepa aradanai (lamp waving) to the deity.
• The temple tank, Brighu Theertham, is used for ritual baths during special occasions.

Festivals

• Vaikuntha Ekadashi (December/January) – The most important festival, when devotees enter through the Uttara Dwaram (northern gate) symbolizing entry into Vaikuntha.
• Masi Magam – Celebrated with processions and special pujas.
• Panguni Brahmotsavam – A grand annual festival with vahana processions, music, and dance.
• Float Festival (Theppotsavam) – The deity is taken on a float in the temple tank.
• Adhyayanotsavam – Recitation of Divya Prabandham hymns by Alwars.
• Other observances – Monthly Ekadashi, Amavasya, and Nakshatra pujas.

Beliefs

• The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, praised in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by Nammalvar, making it a sacred pilgrimage site for Vaishnavas.
• It is the first of the Nava Tirupathi temples, associated with the planet Surya (Sun), and devotees believe worship here brings blessings of vitality and prosperity.
• Local legend says Vishnu appeared as a “Kallapiran” (Lord in disguise as a thief) to protect the town, symbolizing his role as the guardian of devotees.
• Bathing in Brighu Theertham and participating in Vaikuntha Ekadashi darshan are believed to grant moksha (liberation).
• Devotees strongly believe that reciting Tiruppavai during Dhanurmasam at this temple brings spiritual upliftment and divine grace.

Temple Hours

• Morning: 7:30 am – 12:00 pm
• Evening: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Special festival days (like Vaikuntha Ekadashi) may extend darshan hours.

Getting Here

• By Road:
• 29 km from Tirunelveli, 39 km from Thoothukudi.
• Well connected by buses and private taxis from both towns.
• By Rail:
• Nearest major railway station: Tirunelveli Junction.
• Local trains and buses connect Tirunelveli to Srivaikuntam.
• By Air:
• Nearest airport: Tuticorin Airport (39 km).
• Madurai Airport (160 km) is another option with wider connectivity.

Tips

• Best Time to Visit: During Vaikuntha Ekadashi (December/January) and Brahmotsavam (March/April) for grand celebrations.
• Dress Code: Traditional attire is recommended; men often wear dhoti and women saree/salwar.
• Darshan Planning: Arrive early morning for peaceful darshan, especially on festival days when crowds are heavy.
• Nearby Temples: Combine your visit with other Navatirupathi temples along the Tamiraparani river for a complete pilgrimage circuit.
• Local Facilities: Basic lodging available in Srivaikuntam; better accommodation options in Tirunelveli or Thoothukudi.
• Photography: Restricted inside sanctum; check local rules before taking pictures in temple premises.