Irattai Thiruppathy
| Irattai Thiruppathy Temples | |
|---|---|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Tuticorin |
| Location | |
| Location | Thirutholavallimangalam |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Country | India |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Dravidian architecture |
Irattai Tirupati Temple refers to two temples of the Nava Tirupathi, nine Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route, Tamil Nadu, India in the banks of Thamiraparani river. All these 9 temples are classified as "Divya Desams", the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints Alwars.[1] The two temples are Devapiran temple and Aravindalochanar temple located adjacent to each other.
The Temple
There are two temples, one a north temple and other a south temple. Both the temples have two prakarams(closed precincts of a temple). It is referred to as Ketu sthalam, a location for the snake deity, Ketu.
Nava Tirupathi
The following is the list of the 9 temples.[2]
- Sri Mayakoothar Temple - Thirukkulandhai, Perunkulam
- Makara Nedunkuzhai Kannan Temple, Then Thirupperai
- Rettai Tirupathi - South Temple, Tholaivillimangalam
- Rettai Tirupathi North Temple, Tholaivillimangalam
- Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple - Thirukolur
- Adhinaatha Perumal Temple - Thirukkurugur(Azhwar Thirunagari)
- Kaaisinavendhan Temple - Thiruppulinkudi
- Vijayaasana Perumal Temple - Thiru Varagunamangai(Natham)
- Sri Vaikuntanatha(Kallapiran) Temple - Sri Vaikuntam
Festival
The Garuda Sevai utsavam(festival) in the month of Vaikasi(May-Jun) witnesses 9 Garudasevai, a spectacular event in which festival image idols from the Nava Tirupathis shrines in the area are brought on Garuda vahana(sacred vehicle). An idol of Nammalvar is also brought here on a Anna Vahanam(palaquin) and his paasurams(verses) dedicated to each of these 9 temples are recited. The utsavar(festival deity) of Nammalvar is taken in a palanquin to each of the 9 temples, through the paddy fields in the area. The paasurams(poems) dedicated to each of the 9 Divyadesams are chanted in the respective shrines. This is the most important of the festivals in this area, and it draws thousands of visitors.