Sri Annamalaiyar Temple

Address

Sri Annamalaiyar Temple, AnnamalaiPuthur, Tirunelveli – 627 860.

Deity

Annamalaiyar

Introduction:

• The Annamalaiyar Temple in AnnamalaiPuthur, Tirunelveli district, is a lesser-known spiritual site.
• Referred to as “Tenthiruvannamalai” in the south, mirroring Thiruvannamalai in the north.
• Located 8 km from Marukkalankulam, the temple is compared to major sites like Tenkasi and Tenthirupathi.
• The temple was built over 200 years ago during the British period by a Siddhar named Periyasamy.

Puranic Significance:

• Siddhar Periyasamy, originally from Thiruvannamalai, built the temple after being driven out by a growing Christian presence.
• Upon discovering that the area resembled Thiruvannamalai, he constructed a temple for Lord Annamalaiyar.
• Known for performing miracles, Periyasamy lit a lamp on his head during Thirukarthika, wandering from house to house while villagers poured oil to keep the flame burning.
• His original idol is still housed in the temple’s sanctum.
• The temple has a large hill resembling Thiruvannamalai, with a Saptakannimar temple and a large pond.
• A head-lighting ceremony is held annually in his honor during Thirukarthika.

Special Features:

• The hill and landscape closely resemble Thiruvannamalai, though the hill is positioned east of Shiva instead of the west.
• A Saptakannimar temple and a large pond mirror similar features found in Thiruvannamalai.
• A chariot race is held at midnight on Thirukarthika, though the temple remains relatively unknown to the outside world.

Festivals

Karthikadeepam

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000

Nearest Bus Station

Tirunelveli

Nearest Railway Station

Tirunelveli

Nearest Airport

Tuticorin

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