Thiruthangal Sri Ninra Narayana Perumal Temple, Virudhunagar

Address

Thiruthangal Sri Ninra Narayana Perumal temple, Thiruthangal, Sivakasi, Virudhunagar District., Tamil Nadu 626130

Deity

Nindra Narayanan Amman: Anna Nayagai

Introduction

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Introduction

• Ninra Narayana Perumal Temple (also called Nindra Narayana Perumal Temple) is located in Thiruthangal, near Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu.
• Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, worshipped as Ninra Narayana, with Lakshmi as Arunakamala Mahadevi.
• It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, 91st in the list, glorified in Divya Prabandham by Azhwars (6th–9th centuries AD).
• Built in Dravidian architectural style, believed to have been constructed by Pandya king Devendra Vallabha.
• The temple has three inscriptions, with two dating back to the 8th century.
• Located on a 100 ft (30 m) tall granite hill, enclosed by granite walls.
• No Rajagopuram (gateway tower), unlike other temples.
• Later additions were made by Pandya kings, Vijayanagar rulers, and Nayaks.
• Near Karunellinathar Shiva Temple, accessible from the hillock.

Puranic Significance

• The temple contains multiple inscriptions related to offerings and construction activities.
• 1032 CE inscription describes the temple as Paramaswamy’s chosen abode on the hillock.
• Vallabha Pereri Lake existed near the temple.
• 1308–1323 CE: Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I built a shrine for Singhaperumal (Narasimha).
• 1220 CE: Tiruvenkatanatha’s sons built the western precinct and a mutt for reciting Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas.
• 1216–1238 CE: Maravarman Sundara Pandyan initiated special poojas.
• 1227 CE: Minister Gurukulatharaiyan constructed sanctum, Mahamandapam, and Ardhamandapam.
• Tirumangai Andal installed metal images of Karmachanai Emperuman and the Devis.
• Festival idols are taken out in procession on the new moon day.

Mythological Story

• A debate arose among the three consorts of Vishnu (Sridevi, Bhumadevi, and Neeladevi) about who was the greatest.
• Sridevi’s supporters: She is the goddess of fortune, praised in the Vedas, and resides in Vishnu’s chest.
• Bhumadevi’s supporters: She is the source of the world, calm, patient, and was rescued by Vishnu as Varaha.
• Neeladevi’s supporters: She is the goddess of water, making Vishnu Narayana (protector of water).
• The debate intensified, leading Sridevi to leave Vaikuntha and perform penance at Thangalamalai as Sengamala Nachiyar.
• Vishnu appeared before her, declared her the greatest, and the place was named Thiruthangal in her honor.

Beliefs

• Devotees seeking marriage can pray to Ithalattu Perumal for their wishes to be fulfilled.
• Performing special marriage rituals and offering Puliyodarai (tamarind rice) to the deity is believed to remove marriage obstacles.

Special Features

• The temple is similar to Srirangam and Alagar Kovil, as Perumal resides under the Somachandra Vimanam.
• Separate shrines for Hanuman and Chakrathalvar.
• Rishis like Arun, Markandeya, and Bhrigu are present in the temple.
• Nearby temples for Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan on the same hill.
• Four consorts in Perumal’s sanctum:
  • Annanayaki (Sridevi)
  • Amruthanayaki (Bhumadevi)
  • Ananthanayaki (Neeladevi)
  • Jambavati (Perumal married her at this temple).
• The main goddess (Lakshmi) stands tall in the sanctum and gets married to Perumal daily.
• Perumal receives special anointment (Abhishekam) on festival days.
• Alwars praised the temple as “Thiruthangalappan Divya Desam”.
• Ranked 48th in the 108 Divya Desams and 5th in the Pandiya Nadu Divya Desams.
• The temple is mentioned in Silappathikaram.
• 1300-year-old temple, rituals performed according to the Vaikhanasa Agama tradition.

Festivals

Vaikuntha Ekadash

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thiruthangal

Nearest Railway Station

Virudhunagar

Nearest Airport

Madurai

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