Nellai Govindan

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On the northern side of the outermost prakaram of Tiruchendur is a shrine to Venkatachalapati (also known as Nellai Govindan), along with sub shrines to Gajalakshmi, Pallikonda Ranganathar with his consorts. Situated on the route between Tirunelveli and Tiruchendur are 9 of the 108 Divya Desam Temples Of Vishnu, collectively known as Aalwar Nava TiruppatikalThe Skanda Pushkarini or the Naazhi Kinaru is a step well is believed to have sprung up when Skanda's spear pierced the ground. It has an outer and a smaller inner well. The water in the outer well is brackish while the water in the inner one is fresh and clear. Kumara Tantram is the worship protocol observed here, in a manner similar to Keralite temples. Eight

worship services are offered each day to Subramanyar. Special worship services are offered to Shanmukhar on the Vishakam asterism each month, and on Chittirai Vishu and Aippasi Vishu. The last friday of each month witnesses a procession of Senthilandavar and his consorts in the outer prakaram, whils processions within the inner sanctum in a manner similar to the Sri Bali ceremony in Kerala are carried out on a daily basis, in addition to special processions on Kartikai, Vishakam asterisms and the Sashti phase of the moon. There are 2 annual Bhrammotsavams here celebrated for 12 days each in the months of Maasi and Aavani . On the seventh and eighth days of both of these festivals, Shanmukhar is housed in the Shanmukha Vilaasa mandapam before and after the processions. The chariot festival happens on the 10th day and the float festival on the 11th. Also celebrated here is the annual Skanda Sashti festival in the tamil month of Aippasi where Soora

Samhaaram is enacted in all its splendour on the seashore, following which Skanda's marriage with Devasena is enacted.. The Vishaakam festival is celebrated for 12 days in the month of Vaikaasi . PS: If you look close at the idol you will learn that it is of Sre Murugan.

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