Alwar Tirunagari

Alwar Tirunagari, nestled near Tirunelveli city in the Tamil Nadu state of India, is a picturesque village that boasts proximity to the renowned Srivaikundam. This village is home to a prominent Vishnu temple known as the Adinathar Temple, which holds the distinction of being the 98th Divya Desam within the Pandya region. Situated along the sacred banks of the Tamraparni River, it is among the revered Nava Tirupatis, a group of nine Vishnu temples along this revered river. This temple, in particular, is the fifth among the Nava Tirupatis, each of which holds profound significance in the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur route. In this article, let us embark on a journey to explore the rich heritage of this temple.

Highlights:

• Nammalwar has composed 11 Pasurams about this site in his verses.
• It is considered as the 98th Divya Desam temple. It is located in Pandya region.
• It is considered as the 5th Nava Tirupati temple.
• It is the birthplace of Nammalwar.
• God - Adinath
• Goddess - Adinatha Valli and Kurukoora Valli
• Utsav - Polindhu Ninra Piraan
• Teerth (holy water) - Brahma Teerth
• Sthala Vruksha (holy tree) - Tamarind
• Vimana - Govinda Vimana

Legend:

Kurukoor

The village of Alwar Tirunagari was originally known as Kurukoor, and its name has been attributed to various stories. According to one version, Lord Vishnu, acting as Brahma's Guru, imparted sacred mantras, leading to the name Gurukoor and eventually Kurukoor. Alternatively, the village could have been named after its ruler, Kurukan. A different story suggests that the word "Kuruku" in Tamil, meaning conch, led to the name Kurukoor, as it is believed that the conch of Lord Vishnu attained liberation at this site.

Nammalwar

Nammalwar, considered one of the greatest among the 12 Alwars, is believed to have remained speechless from birth. He was found sitting beneath a tamarind tree, which still stands within the temple complex. It is said that Nammalwar's first interaction occurred with Madurakavi Alwar, who followed a divine light to reach this sacred site. Without visiting any other Divya Desams, Nammalwar composed hymns about various Vishnu temples. His works were later compiled by Madurakavi into four distinct books: Tiruvaimozhi, Tiruviruttam, Tiruvaasiriyam, and Periya Tiruvandadi. Alwar Tirunagari was named after Nammalwar in honor of his birth here.

Dhanta

A devout individual named Dhanta once sought entry to the temple but was denied due to his caste by the priests. Dhanta then crafted a sand image of Vishnu on the Tamraparni River's banks and worshiped it fervently. In response, the priests lost their eyesight. An ethereal voice directed them to seek forgiveness from Dhanta, which they did, subsequently regaining their sight. This incident gave rise to the alternate name of Dhanta Kshetra, and an image of this devoted soul can be found in the Ardha Mandapa.

Varaha

In response to the supplications of sages, Lord Vishnu manifested in the form of Varaha, along with Bhoo Devi, and granted them darshan at this holy site. Hence, Alwar Tirunagari is also referred to as Varaha Kshetra.

Indra

Indra, absolved of a curse, sought redemption through prayers to the deity at this sacred location.

Lakshmi

A belief holds that Goddess Lakshmi incarnated as a tamarind tree at Alwar Tirunagari, beneath which Nammalwar was born. She meditated with the intention of marrying Lord Vishnu, and He, in the form of a Magizha flower garland, wed her.

Lakshmana

According to another legend, Lord Rama instructed Lakshmana to take birth as the tamarind tree at this site. In atonement for sending Sita to the forest, Lakshmana chose to remain motionless, thus incarnating as Nammalwar. He assumed a Yogic posture for 16 years, symbolizing his penance. Consequently, this site is also known as Sesha Kshetra, as it represents Lord Sesha (Lakshmana) in tree form.

Conch

In another narrative, following Narada's counsel, a sage named Shankha fervently prayed to Lord Vishnu at Alwar Tirunagari. Each morning, he worshiped Vishnu in human form, and each night, he transformed into a conch, submerging himself in the Tamraparni River, where it merges with the sea. In conch form, he conducted daily rituals. Once, a whale attempted to engulf the conch, prompting the sage to implore Vishnu for assistance. Vishnu took on human form, swallowed the whale, and bestowed moksha upon the devotee. This connection with the sea and the conch has led to the name Teertha Kshetra for this site.

Temple Layout:

Santum


The sanctum, facing eastward, houses the imposing deity Adinath, flanked by his consorts Adi Nayaki and Kurukoora Nayaki. All three deities stand in a dignified posture. The presiding deity's icon is believed to be swayambhu (self-manifested). Within the sanctum, one can also find exquisite utsav images of Adinath and his three consorts, including Andal.

Gopura


The temple's east-facing gopura (towered entrance) is modest in size and features a mandapa (pavilion) in front of it.

Garuda

Facing the sanctum, you'll encounter the bali peetha (sacrificial platform), flagstaff, and the shrine of Garuda. Notably, Garuda is depicted uniquely in this temple, featuring four arms and holding a conch and discus in its upper arms. In close proximity to the flagstaff, a sub-shrine dedicated to Hanuman can be found.

Other Shrines

Within the Ardha Mandapa (half-pavilion), you'll discover shrines dedicated to Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, as well as Tirunindra Perumal and Vishwaksena. The prakara (enclosed pathway) houses numerous captivating sub-shrines, including those of Gnanapiran (four-armed Vishnu) with Garuda opposite, Venu Gopala with his two consorts, Paramapadanatha, Dasavatara, Sudarshana, Nadamuni, Alwars, Tiruvengadamudaiyan, and Narasimha with his two consorts.

Goddesses


The temple is graced by the presence of Goddesses Adi Nayaki and Kurukoora Nayaki, each residing in their respective shrines within the prakara.

Nammalwar


The tamarind tree where Nammalwar was born and the site where the upanyasa of Manavala Mamuni took place are also situated within this temple complex.

At the heart of the temple complex, you'll find a grand shrine dedicated to Nammalwar. This shrine features its own flagstaff and bali peetha.

Sculptures


The temple boasts a wealth of exquisite sculptures, including life-sized depictions of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrughna, Hanuman, and various graceful women. Mandapas near the flagstaff are adorned with pillars bearing captivating sculptures. Additionally, intriguing carvings adorn the temple walls, providing a glimpse into its artistic heritage.

Other Temples

Alwar Tirunagari village is home to several other temples, each contributing to its spiritual tapestry. These include Tiruvengada Mudaiyan in South Mada Street, Srinivasa in West Mada Street, Aranganathan in North Mada Street, and Appan Sannadhi, a temple dedicated to Nammalwar's father, located approximately 1 km from the main temple.

Festival

During the Tamil calendar month of Vaikasi, the temple hosts the Arayar Sevai festival annually. This vibrant celebration involves the grand procession of the utsav murtis from all nine Tirupati temples, with the deities mounted on Garuda. They converge upon this temple to bless Nammalwar, who is seated atop the revered Hamsa vahan. This festival is a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage preserved within the sacred precincts of Alwar Tirunagari.

Happy travelling.