Divya Desams series -TIRUVILLIPUTTUR (Srivilliputhur)

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TIRUVILLIPUTTUR (Srivilliputhur)

 

This Divya shetram is close to Tenkasi on Tenkasi Virudhunagar road. This shetram is the birthplace of Periaazhwar and Sri Andal. The moolavar is Vatapatrasayee in a reclining posture with Andal and Garudaazhwar on either side of the Lord. The Thayar is Andal also called Kothai Nachiyar. The Theertham is Tirumukkulam and the Vimanam Samsana Vimanam. The standing posture of Garuda along with Lord Vishnu is unique in this temple.

 

The legend has it that Periaazhwar was serving the deity in this shetram by offering garlands from the garden he maintained. He found a child on a flower in the garden and named her Andal and brought her up in the service of the Lord. One day Periaazhwar found Andal wearing the garland meant for the Lord. He prepared fresh garlands and offered them to the Lord. Periaazhwar was surprised to find the Lord refusing to accept the garlands except the one used by Andal. Hence Andal is called Choodi Kudutha Nachiyar. As per the wishes of the Lord Periyaazhwar gave Andal in marriage to Sri Ranganathar and Andal on entering the sanctum merged with the Lord.

 

It is believed that two hunters named Villi and Puthan built this town and hence this place gained the name Srivilliputhur.

Andal’s celebrated 30 verses in praise of the Lord, called Tiruppavai, are being rendered in all Vaishnavite temples during the early hours of each day in the Tamil month of Margazhi.

Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam:

Periyaazhwar – 133

Andal – 549 (pasuram number as found in Naalaayira Divya prabhandam). The Tiruppavai verses are inscribed on the gold plated Vimanam of Andal sannadhi. The temple has a majestic tower, which has been adopted in the emblem of the Government of Tamilnadu.

Om Namo Narayanaya

Padmashri Sampathkumar