Thirupatisaram Sri Thiruvazhmarban (Kuralappa Perumal ) Temple, KanyaKumari

Address

Thirupatisaram Sri Thiruvazhmarban (Kuralappa Perumal ) Temple,Thiruppathisaram, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu 629901

Deity

Thiru Kurala Appan, Amman: Kamala Valli Thayar

Introduction

• Thiruvazhmarban Temple, also known as Sri Kuralappa Perumal Temple, is located in Thiruppathisaram, a village in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu.
• The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, worshipped as Thiruvazhmarban, and Goddess Lakshmi, worshipped as Kamalavalli.
• Location:
  • 5 km northeast of Nagercoil
  • 20 km northwest of Kanyakumari
  • 45 km southwest of Nanguneri Divyadesam
• Built in the Dravidian style of architecture.
• Glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the Tamil hymns of the Azhwar saints (6th–9th century AD).
• One of the 108 Divya Desams, the sacred Vishnu temples.

Puranic Significance

• The exact historical origins are unclear due to the absence of early inscriptions.
• The oldest inscription (1139 AD) mentions Natesan Chetti from Rajendra Cholapattinam making donations to the temple.
• Additional inscriptions from 1613 and 1785 AD document offerings to the temple.
• Thirumalai Nayak (1623–59 CE) is believed to have visited the temple and built the stepped temple tank.
• The temple was historically referred to as Thiruvanparisaram.
• Legends associated with the temple:
  • Saptarishis (seven great sages) are believed to have worshipped Vishnu here, leading to his divine appearance.
  • King Kulasekara Alwar came here after a conquest, and his lost horse was found grazing near Soma Theertham (temple tank).
  • After taking a bath in Soma Theertham, he felt rejuvenated and worshipped Vishnu.
  • He is believed to have constructed the temple and named the place Thiruvanparisaram (‘Pari’ means horse in Tamil).
  • The name Thiruvazhmarban derives from Tamil:
    • Thiru – Respect
    • Vazh – Live
    • Marban – Heart
    • Since Vishnu holds Lakshmi in his heart, he is called Thiruvazhmarban.

Special Features

• Temple area: Covers about 2 acres (0.81 hectares).
• Architecture:
  • Features a five-tiered gopuram (gateway tower).
  • Enclosed within a rectangular granite wall.
  • The central shrine houses Thiruvazhmarban in a sitting posture.
  • No separate shrine for Lakshmi, as she is believed to reside in Vishnu’s chest.
• Deities present:
  • Surrounding the presiding deity are Saptharishis (seven sages).
  • To the right of the presiding deity – Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita.
  • Thiruvazhmarban’s idol is made of lime and granite mixture.
  • Other deities inside the sanctum: Vishwaksenara, Kulasekara Azhwar, Nataraja, and Sivakami.
  • The festival deity (Utsava Moorthy) is made of Panchaloha (five-metal alloy), and ablution rituals are performed only for this deity.
  • Shrines for Garuda, Anjaneya, Ramanuja, Vedanta Desika, and Azhwars are in the second precinct.
• Temple tank – Soma Theertham is located outside the main shrine.
• Kalyana Vimana Mandapa (marriage hall) near the tank features paintings of the Dasavatara (ten avatars of Vishnu).

Festivals

• Poornima (Full Moon Day) – May/June
• Thiruvonam – January/February
• Krishna Jayanthi – August/September
• Vaikuntha Ekadasi – December/January
• Annual Brahmotsavam – April/May

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Managed By

Kanyakumari Devasthanam.

Nearest Bus Station

Nagerkoil

Nearest Railway Station

Nagerkoil

Nearest Airport

Trivandrum

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