Then Tirupperai

Tirupperai, a charming village nestled near Tirunelveli city in the Tamil Nadu state of India, boasts a prominent temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu known as the Makara Nedunkuzhai Kathar Temple. This revered site holds the esteemed position of being the 97th Divya Desam, gracing the Pandya region. Along the picturesque banks of the river Tamraparni, a cluster of nine Vishnu temples, affectionately known as the Nava Tirupatis, takes root. Among these sacred shrines along the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur route, Tirupperai stands as the Sixth. In this article, let's embark on a spiritual journey to explore the fascinating details of this hallowed temple.

Highlights:

• Nammalwar has composed Pasurams about this site in his verses.
• It is considered as the 97th Divya Desam temple. It is located in Pandya region.
• It is considered as the Sixth Nava Tirupati temple.
• God - Nedunkuzhaik Kathan
• Goddess - Kuzhaikkadu Valli Nachiar and Tirupperai Nachiar
• Utsav - Nigaril Mukil Vannan
• Teerth (holy water) - Shukra Pushkarani
• Vimana - Bhadra Vimana

Legend:

According to a captivating legend, Bhoo Devi, following the sage Durvasa's counsel, undertook rigorous penance on Lord Vishnu's sacred grounds. Emerging from the waters of the river Tamraparni after her bath, she discovered two fish-shaped earrings. Grateful to the divine, she offered these earrings to Lord Vishnu, thus earning him the name Nedunkuzhaik Kathan. Bhoo Devi herself came to be known as Sri Perai, and the place was thereafter named Tirupperai in her honor.

In another legend, Varuna, performed penance on Lord Vishnu's sacred grounds to seek redemption for his past transgressions and disrespect towards his Guru Brihaspati.

Temple Layout:

While the temple is expansive in size, it features a relatively modest number of shrines. Its entrance faces east and is adorned with a majestic Gopura. Both before and after entering through the Gopura, you'll encounter beautifully designed mandapas.

Within the sanctum, Lord Nedunkuzhaik Kathan is enshrined, seated alongside Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi, all in a seated posture. The sanctum also houses the divine presence of sages Bhrigu and Markandeya.

The temple's festival (Utsav) image  is known as Nigaril Mukil Vannan, who is accompanied by his two consorts, all elegantly positioned within the sanctum.

Within the temple's prakara, you'll discover shrines dedicated to the presiding Goddesses, Kuzhaikkadu Valli Nachiar and Tirup Perai Nachiar (Bhoo Devi).

Remarkably, the presiding deity, his consorts, and the festival icon all bear exquisite Tamil names, adding to the temple's spiritual significance.

The temple also houses several sub-shrines dedicated to Garuda, the Alwars, and Vishwaksena, enriching the spiritual experience for devotees.

As you embark on your journey to Tirupperai, you'll be immersed in its rich history, profound legends, and spiritual allure.

Happy travelling.