Mela Thiruvenkatanathapuram Venkatachalapathy Temple – Thirunelveli

Address

Mela Tiruvengadanathapuram,

Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu – 627006

Phone: +91 – 462 – 2341292 / 2340075

Moolavar

Venkatachalapathy

Amman

Alarmel Mangai

Introduction

The Venkatachalapathy Temple, also known as Mela Thiruvenkatanathapuram Temple, is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Mela Thiruvenkatanathapuram, Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.

Puranic Significance

The temple has a history of over 1000-2000 years.
The temple’s origin is associated with the ruler King Venkatappa Naicker, who constructed the temple after being blessed with a child by Lord Srinivasa (Vishnu).
The area was initially known as “Salivadipuram” or “Vaiprachiam” and was later renamed Thiruvengadanatha Puram after the king’s name.
The temple is referred to as “Then Thirupathi” due to its spiritual significance, and visiting it is considered equivalent to visiting the famous Thirupathi temple in the north.

Significance:

The temple is considered a “Prarthana Sthalam,” where devotees come to pray for a healthy life, prosperity, liberation from curses, and successful marriages.
It is believed to have the powers equivalent to visiting Thirupathi, making it an important pilgrimage site for devotees who may be unable to travel to Thirupathi.

Swayam Vyaktha Kshetram:

The temple has a unique history of being established as a “Swayam Vyaktha Kshetram.” The place was initially a jungle known as “Salivadipuram” or “Vaiprachiam,” and there was a hillock called “Swetha Parvatham” nearby.
Legend has it that Pylar Rishi, a disciple of Veda Vyasa Rishi, visited this place and heard an invisible voice while bathing in the Srinivasa Theertham in the Tamaraibarani River. He could only visualize Lord Venkatachalapathy and not have a direct darshan.
Pylar Rishi performed a spiritual offering of flowers, and after seven days, the flowers turned into a bright light, and Lord Srinivasa appeared before him.
Following this divine manifestation, Pylar Rishi established a small temple in his mind, incarnated Lord Srinivasa along with Goddesses Bhudevi, Neeladevi, and Alarmel Mangai, and created the idol from a large piece of rock.

Festivals

Garuda Sevai: The temple’s most famous festival is Garuda Sevai, celebrated every Saturday and on Thiruvonam Star day in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (September-October) each year.