Irattai Tirupati

Nestled near the bustling city of Tirunelveli in the Tamil Nadu state of India, Tulaivillimangalam is a quaint village with a rich spiritual heritage. This serene hamlet is home to two prominent temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known as the Aravinda Lochan Temple and the Devar Piran Temple. Together, these twin temples hold a significant place in the hearts of devotees, as they are revered as the 94th Divya Desam within the Pandya region and collectively referred to as Irattai Tirupati, meaning twin Tirupati.

These sacred shrines are part of the Nava Tirupatis, a group of nine Vishnu temples located along the banks of the river Tamraparni in the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur route. Among these nine, the Aravinda Lochan Temple and the Devar Piran Temple stand as the eighth and ninth Nava Tirupati temples, each contributing to the spiritual tapestry of this region.

Let's delve into the highlights, legends, and the layout of these two temples:

Highlights:

• Revered in the verses of Nammalwar.
• Designated as the 94th Divya Desam, situated in the Pandya region.
• Collectively, the twin temples form a single Divya Desam.
• Recognized as the Eighth and Ninth Nava Tirupati temples.
• God -  Aravinda Lochan and Srinivasa Perumal
• Goddess - Karuthadankanni Nachiar
• Utsav Deity - Devar Piran
• Teerth (holy water) - Kumuda Teerth
• Vimana - Varuna Vimana

Legend:

According to local legends, the village's name, Tulaivillimangalam, originates from a fascinating tale. It is said that a couple was cursed by Lord Kubera and transformed into a measuring unit known as "Tulai" in Tamil and a bow, referred to as "Villu" in Tamil. Atreya Rishi, a sage, conducted a yagna in this very village. During the ritual, he discovered these two objects and touched them. Miraculously, they regained their original forms, which led to the village being named Tulaivillimangalam.

Another legend associated with the Aravinda Lochan Temple narrates that Lord Vishnu was seen holding red lotus flowers by the Ashwini Kumaras. Hence, the presiding deity of this temple is named Aravinda Lochan, signifying the Lotus-eyed Lord.

Temple Layout:

Aravinda Lochan Temple

The Aravinda Lochan Temple houses the principal deity, Aravinda Lochan. His grand icon, seated alongside his two consorts, occupies the sanctum sanctorum. The temple boasts two prakaras, and within its premises, you can find the flagstaff, bali peetha, Garuda sub-shrine, shrine for Alwars, and a Vishwaksena shrine. Notably, there isn't a separate shrine dedicated to the Goddess. The temple's entrance is characterized by a flat structure without a towering gopuram.

Devar Piran Temple

The Devar Piran Temple, the second of the twin temples, is distinctive in its own right. Although it lacks a towering gopuram, it features the principal deity, Srinivasa Perumal, in a standing posture with four arms. Within the sanctum, Srinivasa Perumal is accompanied by his two consorts, and the utsav deity is known as Devar Piran. Similar to the Aravinda Lochan Temple, this shrine includes the flagstaff, bali peetha, Garuda sub-shrine, Alwars shrine, and Vishwaksena shrine, with no separate sanctum for the Goddess.

As you embark on your journey to Tulaivillimangalam, may you find spiritual solace and a deeper connection with the rich history and divinity that these twin temples offer.

Happy travelling.