Kulasekhara Alwar Temple - Alwarkurichi

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Site Name: Kulasekhara Alwar Temple
Site Type: Hindu temple
Location:  Alwarkurichi, near Ambasamudram town, near Tirunelveli city, Tamil Nadu state, India
Highlights: A rare temple dedicated to Kulasekhara Alwar
Nearest Railway Station: Ambasamudram
Nearest Airport: Tirunelveli
How to reach: Well connected by road from Ambasamudram; public transportation is not dependable
Hotel: Few options in Ambasamduram and no option in this village; more options in the nearby city Tirunelveli
Restaurants: Only few options in the nearby Ambasamudram town

Ambasamudram is a picturesque town located on the banks of the beautiful Tamraparni river and on the foothills of the Western Ghats. The nearest city of Ambasamudram is Tirunelveli. It is located in Tamil Nadu state in South India.The town has a lot of scenic spots and temples. Alwarkurichi is a small village located near Ambasamudram. The village has a rare temple dedicated to Kulasekara Alwar, which is an unknown temple. Let us explore this temple in detail.

People from Ambasamudram and Tirunelveli regions would have heard or even visited the village named Alwarkurichi. I am not sure how many of them would have wondered why the village is called so. The village is named after Kulasekhara Alwar. He spent his last time in and around this village. The nearby Mannar Kovil is the place where he attained samadhi. I also wonder if anyone would have visited the temple of Kulasekhara Alwar located in Alwarkucichi village. The village is named after him; his temple should ideally be the center of attraction. Unfortunately, the temple remains unknown and hardly anyone visits the site which is located in the outskirts of the village.

Kulasekhara Alwar was one of twelve Alwars, the great Vaishnaivites of South India. As per the mythology, he was born when Kali Yuga started (around 5000 years ago). Historically, it looks like he lived in the 9th century CE. He was also a king who ruled part of today's Kerala state of India. This great devotee spent his last few years around Ambasamudram region.

This small village has a very small temple dedicated to Kulasekhara Alwar. The temple has a main shrine dedicated to him and a small sub-shrine facing the main shrine where Garuda is found. The temple does not have tower. No records are found about the history.

Happy travelling.


Location: Alwarkurichi, Tamil Nadu 627412, India

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