Tirukurngudi Sri Azhagia Nambirayar (Vaishnava Nambi) Temple, Tirunelveli
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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
- Main festivals:
- 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