Nanguneri Sri Vanamamalai Perumal Temple, Tirunelveli

Address

Nanguneri Sri Vanamamalai Perumal Temple, Nanguneri, Tirunelveli District, Phone no 04635 250119

Deity

Thothadrinathan, Amman: Vara Mangai Thayar

Introduction

• Vanamamalai Perumal Temple, also known as Arulmigu Sree Vanamamalai Totatri Perumal Temple, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Located in Nanguneri, Tamil Nadu, on the banks of the Thamiraparani River.
• The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams glorified in the Divya Prabandham by the Azhwar saints (6th–9th century AD).
• Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Vanamalai Perumal, and Goddess Lakshmi as Varamanagi.
• Believed to have been built by the Pandyas, with later contributions from Vijayanagar kings and Madurai Nayaks.
• Covers 5 acres (20,000 m²) and features a five-tiered temple tower (Rajagopuram).

Puranic Significance

• Mentioned in Brahmanda Purana, Skanda Purana, and Narasimha Purana.
• Sage Narada learned about this sacred site from Lord Shiva.
• Legends associated with the temple:
  • Goddess Lakshmi was born here as Srivaramangai, giving the place the name Varangunamangai.
  • Adisesha, the serpent deity, performed penance here to serve as Vishnu’s resting place.
  • Garuda, Vishnu’s vehicle, also performed penance and was granted the role of guarding Vaikunta.
  • A childless king, Kaaarya, worshipped Vishnu here and was blessed with children. He built the temple and established an oil ablution ritual.

Historical Significance

• Earliest inscriptions date back to 1236 CE from Sundara Pandya I.
• Other inscriptions:
  • 1275 CE (Kulasekara I) – Tax collection details.
  • 1284 CE (Sundara Pandya II) – Land donation details.
  • 1299 CE (Vikrama Pandya III) – Gift of land to the temple.
  • 1305 CE – Gift of money to sculpt the image of Sadagopar.
• Came under Travancore kings, and administration was later entrusted to Vanamamalai Mutt (1447 CE).
• The idol of the goddess was brought from Tirupati, and priests were replaced by those from Tirupati.
• In the 17th century, the temple received help from Naik rulers for resolving local disputes.
• 1794 CE – Nawab of Carnatic, Abdul Umra, donated extensive lands to the temple.

Special Features

• The temple has a large five-tiered gopuram (gateway tower).
• Enclosed within two prakarams (closed precincts).
• Several pillared halls, including:
  • Ardhamandapam and Mahamandapam (main halls).
  • Festival hall in the second precinct, featuring sculpted pillars depicting Mahabharata legends.
• Main deity: Vanamamalai Perumal, seated on Adisesha (serpent).
• Sridevi and Bhoodevi flank Perumal inside the sanctum.
• The Thayar (Goddess) shrine is located in the second precinct.
• The second prakaram has pillared halls with sculpted depictions of Vishnu’s avatars.

Festivals

• The Chariot Festival (Brahmotsavam) is the most prominent, celebrated in Chittirai (March–April).

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Nanguneri

Nearest Railway Station

Nanguneri

Nearest Airport

Tuticorin

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