Azhwar Thirunagari Sri Aadhinatha Swamy Temple, Thoothukudi

Diety: Aadhi Nathar Amman: Aadhi Natha Valli
Temple Address: Azhwar Thirunagari Sri Aadhinatha Swamy Temple, Azhwar Thirunagari, 85A, Kuil Nintar Street, Alwarthirunagari, Tamil Nadu 628612
Open between: 06:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 04:00 AM to 08:30 AM

Introduction

• Located in Thirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu.
• Thirukkurugoor is the Avathara Sthalam (birthplace) of Nammalwar.
• The site highlights Nammalwar’s contributions to Vaishnavism and is known as “Azhwar Tirunagari”.
• The Perumal Temple in Thoothukudi District Alwar Thirunakari is over 2000 years old.
• Moolavar (main deity) Adinatha Perumal is worshipped along with Adinathavalli Thayar.
• Worshiping here is believed to remove Navagraha doshas (planetary afflictions).
• Karuda Mandapam in front of the Moolavar was built by the bridegrooms.
• Nammazhvar’s sanctum (Vimanam) is larger than the Perumal’s sanctum, symbolizing Vishnu’s love for his devotees.
• Nammazhvar’s idol is believed to have been made using water from the Tamiraparani River.
• Ithala ‘Mohana Veena’ or ‘Kal Nathaswaram’ is considered a marvel of the world.
• Adinatha Perumal is said to have manifested on his own (Swayambhu murti).
• Sacred water bodies: Brahma Theertham and Tamiraparani River.
• Sacred tree (Sthala Vruksham): Puliyamaram (Tamarind Tree).

Puranic Significance

• Vishnu’s prophecy: “I will appear as Sadagopan in Kali Yuga to compose Northern Vedas in Tamil.”
• Nammazhvar was born to Udayanangai and his wife in Alvarthirunagari, Pandyanadu.
• The child, later named Maran and Parangusan, did not cry or breastfeed after birth.
• Concerned parents placed him in a cradle under the sacred Adityashan fermented tree near the Thirukurugur temple.
• Madurakavi Alwar, who lived in Tirukoilur, had a vision of light in the sky while in Kashi.
• He followed the light, which led him to Thirukurugur, where he found Nammazhvar.
• Nammazhvar accepted Madurakavi as his disciple and taught him divine knowledge.
• He translated the essence of Rig, Yajur, and Atharvana Vedas into Tamil through Thiruvirutham, Thiruvasiriyam, and Periyathiruvandati.
• Due to his profound knowledge, Nammazhvar became known as Maran, the one who Tamilized the Vedas.
• He is also called Vakulaparanar due to wearing a sacred Tantaruliya Mahilamala.

Beliefs

• Under the sacred fig tree, 36 great saints visited Nammazhvar and received his teachings.
• Sculptures of 36 Divya Desa Perumals are carved on the walls beneath the tree.
• The site is also known as ‘Sesha Kshetram’, as the date palm here is considered to be Adisesha.
• Devotees suffering from Naga Dosha (serpent afflictions) can get relief by:
  • Lighting 9 ghee lamps each for Perumal, Nachiyar, Garuda, Nammazhvar, and the sacred fig tree.

Special Features

• The temple has a granite wall enclosing all shrines and two sacred water bodies.
• The Rajagopuram (temple tower) stands at 95 ft (29 m).
• Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Aathinathan/Aathipiran.
• The Swamyabhu murti of Vishnu faces east and stands upright, but his feet remain buried beneath the earth.
• Goddess Lakshmi (Aathinathanayaki) and Bhudevi (Thirukkurukornayaki) are also worshipped here.
• Located on the banks of the Tamiraparani River.
• The sacred water body in the temple is called Brahma Theertham.

Festivals

• Brahmotsavam (April – May, Chittirai month) – 10-day annual celebration.
• Nammazhwar’s birth festival, featuring Garudasevai with all nine temples of Navatirupathi.
• Other major celebrations include:
  • Vaikunta Ekadasi
  • Krishna Jayanthi
  • Tamil & English New Year
  • Deepavali & Pongal

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Saints and Singers

Nammazhvar has sung 11 hymns.

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Best Time

07.00 12.30 மற்றும் 17.00 21.00 அனைத்துதகவல்களுக்கும் : 04639-273984 ஸ்ரீஅஹோபிலமடம் – மைதிலிசீனிவாசன் : 04639-273845 சுந்தரராஜன் : 9443408285

Accommodation

Tirunelveli

Nearest Bus Station

Azhwar Thirunagari

Nearest Railway Station

Tirunelveli

Nearest Airport

Madurai

Location on Map

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