Kovilkulam Thennazhagar Temple - Thirunelveli

Address

Kovilkulam Thennazhagar Temple – Thirunelveli

Kovilkulam, Brahmmadesam Post, Ambasamudram Taluk,

Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu,

Phone: +91 – 4634 – 251 705

Moolavar

Thennazhagar (Vinnagar Perumal)

Amman

Sundaravalli and Soundaravalli.

Introduction

Thennazhagar Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Kovilkulam Village, near Ambasamudram, in the Thirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is Thennazhagar (also known as Vinnagar Perumal), and the consorts are Sundaravalli and Soundaravalli. The temple’s sacred tank, Markandeya Theertham, is an important feature. The annual 5 Garuda Seva event in Ambasamudram includes a procession with the Utsava deity, Soundararaja Perumal.

Puranic Significance

History of Lord Vishnu’s Darshan to Sage Markandeya
Sage Markandeya, a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, was traveling across various Vishnu temples. As he journeyed towards the Pothigai Hills, he prayed to Lord Vishnu, who granted him darshan along with his consorts, Soundaravalli and Sundaravalli, at this temple site.

Thennazhagar’s Origin
The origin of Thennazhagar is linked to a devoted Vishnu worshipper from Kovilkulam village. In his dream, Lord Vishnu instructed him to visit the Kalazhagar Temple in Madurai. Upon following the divine command, the devotee brought the idol from Madurai and installed it in Kovilkulam, where it became known as Thennazhagar, or “Azhagar of the South.” The deity is also called Sripathy Vinnagar Perumal.

Beliefs
Devotees visit the Thennazhagar Temple to seek blessings for physical beauty and handsomeness, often offering sweet pudding (Sarkarai Pongal) to the deity. Special prayers and pujas are conducted for Lord Vishnu and his consorts.

Special Features
The temple, which is about 1500 years old, is built in the “maada kovil” architectural style. It features a sanctum sanctorum, ardha mandapa, maha mandapa, and a front-side mandapa with pillars. The main shrine houses the beautiful idol of Thennazhagar in a standing form, with his consorts Sundaravalli and Soundaravalli on either side. The idol has four arms, holding a conch and a discus, and is made from a lime mixture called Karai. Although the original idol was damaged, the current idol has been newly crafted and installed. The temple does not offer Tirumanjanam to the idol but performs special rituals for Garudazhwar, the mount of Lord Vishnu, especially on Swati star day in Aadi (July-August).

Historically, a tank surrounded the temple, and this area was known as Kovilkulam (Kovil meaning temple and Kulam meaning tank). While the temple once had vibrant festivals, they have diminished in recent times due to lack of proper administration. However, the temple still houses some vahanas (temple vehicles), though in a deteriorated state. The Utsava deities, Soundararaja Perumal and his consorts, have been relocated to a temple in Ambasamudram for safety.

Festivals

Aadi Pooram (July-August): Celebrated with special pujas and rituals, including a 10-day festival that used to be a grand occasion.
Purattasi Saturday (September-October): A significant day for worship and special observances.
Vaikunda Ekadasi (December-January): Celebrated with grand rituals in honor of Lord Vishnu.
Garuda Seva: Thennazhagar joins other deities from nearby temples, such as Krishnan Koil, Navaneetha Krishnan Temple, Purushothama Koil, and Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, for the annual 5 Garuda Seva Utsavam in Ambasamudram.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/03/thennazhagar-temple-kovilkulam.html