Nava Tirupathi, Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Tholaivillimangalam): Where The Lord Bestowed His Grace On A Sage! 

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Srinivasa Perumal temple, also known as the Devapiran temple in Tholaivillimangalam is the fifth of the Nava Tirupathi temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is also one of the Navagraha temples (nine planets) in Vaishnavism associated with the planet Rahu.

There is no separate shrine for the planet and Lord Vishnu here as Srinivasa Perumal represents the planet Rahu. It is located 22 km from Tirunelveli in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu on the banks of the Thamiraparani river. It is one of the twin temples called Irattai Tirupath (South), the other being the Aravindalochanar temple (North) in the same place, Tholaivillimangalam.

Nava Tirupathi: Srinivasa Perumal temple legend

A sage named Suprabha, who being an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu wanted to perform a yajna (ritual sacrifice in front of a sacred fire) set out on a mission to find a suitable place for the same. He came across a beautiful place on the banks of the Thamiraparani river and chose it for his mission. When he started ploughing the land in order to clear it for the purpose, he came upon a balance (Thol) and a bow (Vil) from the earth. Upon the sage laying his hands on them, they transformed into a couple.

The couple then narrated their story to the sage that they belonged to the devaloka (the plane of existence where the gods (devas) existed). Once it so happened that they disrespected Kubera (the god of wealth), who cursed them to be transformed into a balance and a bow. On seeking his forgiveness, Kubera said that they will revert to their original forms when a sage sets his hands on them. Having got back their original forms, the couple sought the blessings of Sage Suprabha and left the place. Hence the place came to be hailed as Tholvillimangalam.

Sage Suprabha engaged himself in the performance of various Yajnas and divided the sacrificial offerings amongst the devas (gods), which was due to them. Lord Vishnu who was immensely pleased by the devotion of Sage Suprabha, appeared before him as Srinivasa and showered his blessings on the sage. Since the Lord aided the sage in dividing the sacrificial offerings of the Yajna and providing it to the devas(gods) duly, he came to be hailed as Devapiran.

Nava Tirupathi: Srinivasa Perumal temple significance

The presiding deity of the Srinivasa Perumal temple in Tholaivillimangalam, one of the twin temples of Irattai Tirupathi (South) is Srinivasa Perumal. He is in a standing posture in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. There are no separate shrines for his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi in this temple.

The Urchava murthy or the festival deity bears the name, Devapiran. He is present together with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi acknowledged as Alarmel Mangai Thayaar and Padmavathy Thayaar. It is a belief in this temple that Padmavathy Thayaar bears the Lord in her heart. The turmeric offered as prasad to people is said to cure incurable diseases. The sacred waters of the temple are called Varuna theertham and Thamiraparani respectively. The sacred tree here is Vila maram (Wood apple tree).

Srinivasa Perumal temple of Tholaivillimangalam (Irattai Tirupathi South), one among the Nava Tirupathi temples, is also one of the 108 Divyadesamas or temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is extolled in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the Tamil canon by the Alwars saints (poet saints) from the 6th to 9th centuries CE. There is also a chapter known as 'Nava Tirupathi Mahatmeeyam' in the Brahmandapurana by saint Veda Vyasa.

During Garuda Sevai Utsavam, an annual festival in May - June, the nine idols of Nava Tirupathi are brought out. It is a beautiful sight to watch amidst thousands of people, who gather to witness this festival. During the Karthigai month (mid November - December), festivities are observed for sixteen days and Irattai Garuda Seva (twin Garuda Seva) can be witnessed on the fifth day.

Srinivasa Perumal temple, Tholaivillimangalam (Irattai Tirupathi South) is open from 8 AM to 1 PM and 2 to 6 PM.