Thursday Feb 27, 2025

Tirukurngudi Sri Azhagia Nambirayar (Vaishnava Nambi) Temple, Tirunelveli

Address

Tirukurngudi Sri Azhagia Nambirayar (Vaishnava Nambi) Temple, Tirukurngudi – 627 115. Phone: +91 4635 265 289.

Deity

Nindra Nambi, Amman: Kurunkudi valli Nachiyar

Introduction

  • Located in Thirukkurungudi, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu.
  • Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, worshipped as Vaishnava Nambi, and Goddess Lakshmi as Thirukurungudivalli.
  • One of the 108 Divya Desams glorified in the Divya Prabandham (6th–9th century AD).
  • Known as Dakshina Vaikuntam (Southern Abode of Vishnu).
  • Constructed in the Dravidian architectural style.
  • Surrounded by a granite wall, enclosing its shrines and two of its three temple tanks.
  • Rajagopuram (gateway tower) stands 110 ft (34 m) tall.
  • Mythological significance: Lord Vishnu appeared to slay the demon Somuka, who had abducted the four Vedas.
  • Follows the Thenkalai tradition of Vaishnavism.
  • Six daily rituals and three annual festivals:
    • Main festivals:
      • Ten-day Brahmotsavam in Chittirai (April-May)
      • Chittirai Brahmotsavam
  • Managed by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board, Government of Tamil Nadu.

Puranic Significance

  • Kaisika Puranam (part of Varaha Puranam) narrates the temple’s importance.
  • Varaha Avatar: Lord Vishnu, in the form of a white boar (Varaha Nainar), rescued Goddess Lakshmi from Hurayasham, the brother of Hiranyakashipu.
  • Vamana Avatar: Lord Vishnu, as Vamana, sought three feet of land from King Mahabali.
  • Philosophical analogy: Vamana Avatar is likened to a Banyan fruit, symbolizing vast knowledge in a small form.
  • Sri Ramanuja’s visit (11th century AD):
    • Lord Azhagia Nambi asked for initiation like a disciple.
    • Ramanuja gave him three sacred mantras, earning the deity the name Vaishnava Nambi.

Nambaduvan and Kaisika Ekadasi Legend

  • Nambaduvan, a devotee from the Panar community, lived near Mahendragiri Hills.
  • Observed Ekadasi Vrat and worshipped Azhagia Nambi.
  • Encounter with Brahma Rakshasa:
    • On his way, he met a Brahma Rakshasa who wanted to devour him.
    • Nambaduvan promised to return after his worship.
    • Lord Azhagia Nambi blessed him.
  • Transformation of the Rakshasa:
    • The Rakshasa, a Brahmin named Soma Sarma, was released from his curse due to Nambaduvan’s devotion.

Special Features

  • Thirumangai Alwar, born in Thiruvali, worshipped Azhagia Nambi and attained Moksha here.
  • Sri Ramanuja’s Mantra Upadesam:
    • The deity received mantras from Ramanuja and became known as Vaishnava Nambi.
  • Connection to Thiruvananthapuram:
    • Ramanuja established Vaishnava Sampradayam there.
    • Facing opposition from Nambudiris, Lord Anantha Padmanabha ordered Garuda to carry Ramanuja to Thirukkurungudi.
  • Pandya King’s Discovery:
    • The king found the deities of Theivanayagam and Srivaramangai Nachiyar submerged in a tank.
    • They were later installed in Nanguneri.

Festivals

  • Panguni Brahmotsavam (March-April)
  • Karthigai Festival (November-December)
  • Kaisika Ekadasi (Karthigai Month – November-December)

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Tirunelveli

Nearest Railway Station

Tirunelveli

Nearest Airport

Tuticorin

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