Nava Tirupathi Divya Desam
Saint poets, Azhvaars (there were 12 of them including Andaal) were ardent devotees of Lord Vishnu. These saint poets composed verses in Tamil and revitalized the religious spirit sparking off a renewal of devotional worship, referred to as the Bhakti movement. The Azhvaars visited temples and sung praises in the name of Vishnu. Such temples have come to be known as Divya Desams. The compilation of the verses (known as Paasurams) is the revered Naalayira Divya Prabandham(4000 verses). There are 108 Divya Desams in all, around 20 are in the Pandya region(Madurai-Tirunelveli belt). In each of these temples, Vishnu can be seen in one of the following forms- Reclining, Seated or Standing posture ( and even a walking posture!!!).
In this Divya Desam series, we take you on a trip to cover 12 temples around Tirunelveli, including Nava Tirupathi (9 temples on either side of the river Tamaraibarani)
How to reach Tirunelveli
From Chennai, one can take Kanniyakumari Exp (445am arrival), Ananthapuri Exp(730am arrival) or Nellai Exp(8am arrival).
Where to Stay
The Railway Retiring room is a good and safe place to stay. Also, there are several budget and deluxe hotels near the railway station.
Not to Miss when in Tirunelveli
Ø “Iruttu Kadai Halwa”(Dark Shop Halwa) opposite Nellaiappar temple is the best Halwa you can taste in Tamil Nadu
Ø The famous Courtallam waterfalls is just over an hour’s drive from Tirunelveli
Ø Sea Shore Temple at Tiruchendur- 60 kms East of Tirunelveli
Nava Tirupathi Temples
These are 9 Vishnu temples on either side of Tamaraibarani river. These temples hold a special place in the 108 Divya Desams. While Irattai Tirupathi features as two temples in the Nava Tirupathi list, it is counted as one divya desam only. Nammazhvar, the only Azhvaar to have sung at the Nava Tirupathi temples, refers to certain temples in great detail, while some get only a passing mention. With extensive renovation work being funded by the TVS Group, these temples now have a mark of freshness about them. At each of these nine temples, one can find a display board with temple timings and route map.
One can start the Nava Tirupathi trip from SriVaikuntam and end with Azhvaar Tirunagari. From SriVaikuntam, one can take an auto/taxi to go around the other 8 temples. This will cost around Rs. 250-300 and will take about 5 hours.One can also begin the Nava Tirupathi journey at Azhvaar Tirunagari and end with SriVaikuntam.
SriVaikuntam is about 30 kms from Tirunelveli on the Tiruchendur road. Buses ply every 10 minutes on this route from Tirunelveli’s new bus stand. Also, there are daily local trains on the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur route, though less frequent. One can see the towering structure of Vaikuntanathan temple as one enters the Tamaraibarani bridge, off Tiruchendur highway. The story goes that the Lord, disguised as the thief, presented himself before the King to save the thief. Hence, the Lord here is also known as ‘KallarPiran’. In Vishnu temples, Adisesh, the Serpent God unfurls his hood over Vishnu in a reclining posture. A unique feature of the Lord here is that Adisesh has his hood above the Lord in standing posture, one of its kind in the 108 Divya Desams.
Another feature of the temple is that the Sun’s rays falls directly on Lord Vaikuntanathan on two days(April-May and October-November period) every year. It is believed that this temple was used as a fort in the fight between the legendary freedom fighter Veerapandiya Kattabomman and the British in the 1800s. Surprisingly though, Nammazhvar only makes a passing mention of this temple in his Paasurams.
Temple timing: 7am-12noon and 5pm-8pm
Contact: A.K. Vaikunta Natha Bhattar @ 98656 28681 / Srinivasa Bhattar @ 99521 62359
2. ThiruvaragunaMangai (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2010/08/varagunamangai-divya-desam.html)
This temple is about 2 kms East of SriVaikuntam and is known to many as the Vishnu temple at Natham. True to his name, Lord Vijayaasanar is seen to be sitting majestically like a victorious king on the throne. It is believed that a visit to this temple will help one attain moksha. This place is said to be a ‘Chandran’ Kshetram.
Temple timing: 9am-5pm
Contact: Narasimha Bhattar @ 04630 256476 / 94864 92279
1 km from Natham is the Lord KaasinaVenthar temple at Thirupulingkudi. The East facing Lord is seen in a reclining posture with a lotus stalk from his navel terminating in a flower on Brahma’s image on the wall of the sanctum. The story goes that Vishnu, along with Goddess Sridevi, came down to visit this place. Angered at being ignored for the trip, Goddess Bhoodevi hid herself in the netherworld. After Vishnu pacified her, it is believed that the two Goddesses came back together and gave darshan here with the Lord. An interesting feature of the temple is that Vishnu’s feet can be viewed through a small window in the passage.
Temple timing: 9am-5pm
Contact: Gopalakrishnan Bhattar@ 04630 256476 / 93666 18185
Contact: Gopalakrishnan Bhattar@ 04630 256476 / 93666 18185
These are two temples within a 100 yards of each other in the middle of a jungle and are counted as one for the purpose of the 108 Divya Desams. One has to cross a small canal to reach this temple. The road leading up to this temple is very narrow. The first of the two temples has Lord Devapiran in a standing posture facing East.
Sage Suprabhar who performed a yagna at this place relieved a man and a woman from Kubera’s curse, which had turned them into a measuring scale (Tulai) and a bow (Villi). Hence this place is called Tulai Villi Mangalam. At the second temple one finds Lord Aravindalochanar in a seated posture facing East.
Legend has it that Lord Vishnu was impressed with Sage Suprabhar’s daily Lotus pooja and gave darshan to the sage on the Northern banks of Tamaraibarani. Hence, it is believed that one who does special ‘Lotus Flower’ pooja at this temple will be relieved of all sins.
Temple timing: 8.30am-1pm and 2pm-530pm
Contact: Seshamani Bhattar@04630 256372 / 94435 54570 - Balaji Bhattar @ 90472 17914
6. Thiru Kuzhandhai (Perungulam) (http://www.prtraveller.blogspot.in/2008/11/mayakoothan-thiru-kulanthai.html)
The Maayakoothan temple at Thirukuzhandhai is about 10 kms East of SriVaikuntam and near Eral. This place is now known as Perungulam. Legend has it that Vishnu went on his Garuda Vaahan to rescue Goddess Lakshmi from an Asura. Hence, one finds Garuda as the Utsav deity here. In the battle that ensued, Vishnu is said to have performed his victory dance standing on Asura’s body and hence the name MaayaKoothan.
Temple timing: 730am-1230pm and 430pm-730pm
Contact: MaayaKoothar Bhattar @ 04630 256372
7. ThenThiruperai(http://www.prtraveller.blogspot.in/2008/09/then-thiruperai.html)
Back across the bridge and on to the South bank of Tamaraibarani, one finds the big Nigaril Mugilvannan temple at ThenThiruperai where the Lord is seen in a seated posture facing East.
Legend has it that Goddess Bhoodevi found two fish shaped ear rings while performing a penance, on the banks of Tamaraibarani, to relieve herself of Sage Durvasa’s curse and offered it to the Lord. The Lord who wore this came to be known as ‘Makara Nedun Kuzhaikathan’.
Another story is that Varuna (the Rain God) performed a penance here to be relieved of his curse. As a mark of this, it is believed that Varuna, visits this temple, every year, on the full moon day in the month of Panguni and worships Vishnu.
Temple timing: 730am-12noon and 5pm-830pm
Contact:Anantha Padmanabha Bhattar @ 04639 273902 / 93605 53489 AKK Bhattar @ 04639 272030
3 kms South West of Thiruperai is the Vaitha Maa Nidhi temple at Thiru Kolur, where the Lord is in a reclining posture facing East.This is the birth place of MaduraKaviAzhvaar, the ardent devotee of Nammazhvaar. Legend has it that Kubera attained salvation from Goddess Parvati’s curse at this place and it was here that his Nava Nidhis were restored. It is said that a visit to this temple will help one recover lost wealth. The Lord here is said to help his devotees in distress.
Temple timing: 730am-12noon and 1pm-8pm
Contact: Srinivasa Bhattar @ 04630 291634
9. Azhvaar Tirunagari-The birth place of Nammazhvaar (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2008/09/azhvaar-tirunagari-aathinaathan-temple.html)
The last halt at the Nava Tirupathi temples is the AadiNaathan temple at Azhvaar Tirunagari (Kurugur). It is said that AadiNathan emerged on his own from the earth, though this does not figure among the only 8 temples where the Lord is believed to have emerged on his own.
Granting the prayers of a childless couple, Lord Nambi of Thirukkurungkudi is believed to have been born here as Nammazhvaar. When born, Nammazhvaar is said to have not opened his eyes or cried and he was taken to the tamarind tree within the temple.
Here, Nammazhvaar resided for 16 years till ThiruKolur’s Madurakavi (who was to later become his
disciple) came and posed some interesting questions about life and that is when Nammazhvaar is said to have spoken for the first time.
So impressed was MaduraKavi (Azhvaar) with Nammazhvaar’s answers, that he said ‘ I do not need God, Nammazhvaar is enough’. Though Nammazhvaar died young, while in his 30s, his contribution to the Bhakti Movement is immense as can be seen from the fact that he sung praises of the Lord in one-third of the 108 Divya Desams. When Vaishnavites say Azhvaar, it means they are referring to Nammazhvaar, such is the reverence for him. There is a separate sannidhi for Nammazhvaar at this temple. He is the only one to have sung praise of Vishnu at the Nava Tirupathi temples. The centuries old tamarind tree at the temple neither bears fruit nor closes its leaves at dusk.
An important festival at this temple is the Vaikasi Utsav, when the deities from all the Nava Tirupathi temples congregate here at Azhvaar Tirunagari to listen to the Paasurams with Nammazhvaar seated on the Hamsa Vaahan. During Margazhi, one is a witness to ‘Thiru Mudi’ Sevai, the only one of its kind in Divya Desams. This is one of the three Divya Desams in TN where Araiyar Sevai, the visual song and dance enactment of the ‘Paasurams is still being performed. There is a stone nadaswaram at this temple, which is played out on special occasions. Most of the inscriptions here date back almost a 1000 years.
Temple timing: 7am-12noon and 5pm-8pm
Contact: Appu Sadagopachari 04639 273984 / Thiruvengada Bhattar @ 04639 272079
10. Vaanamaamalai(Nanguneri) - (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2010/04/vanamamalai-thothadri-nathan-nanguneri.html)
Situated about 30kms from Tirunelveli off the Nagercoil NH7 is the Lord Vaanamaalai Thothadri Nathar temple at Nanguneri. Out of the 108 Divya Desams, there are only 8 that have Lord’s Idol emerging on its own from the earth and this is one of the eight.
A speciality of this Divya Desam is that an oil pooja is performed daily for the main deity and this oil is deposited in the 25 feet open well within the temple. The oil is said to have medicinal values and is believed to cure both internal and external illness including ulcer and skin diseases.
The 600 years old Vaanamaamalai mutt(Jeers) are the hereditary trustees of the temple. Most of the main festivals at this temple are celebrated in a unique way, not found in any other Divya Desams.
The main deity (Lord Deivanayakan) and Goddess are brought to the Mutt and the entire pooja festivities of the divine couple is performed at the Mutt.
Temple timing: 8am-12noon and 5pm-9pm
Contact: Nambi Srinivasa Bhattar 04365 250119
To reach Nanguneri : 45 minute bus trip from Tirunelveli New Bus stand. Buses every 5 minutes. Kanniyakumari Exp and Ananthapuri Express from Chennai stop at Nanguneri station.
11. Thirukkurungkudi Nambi (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2008/06/thirukurungkudi-divya-desam.html)
Known as the ‘South Badri’, Azhagiya Nambi temple at Thirukkurungkudi is about 15 kms from Nanguneri. While the Lord lectures Ramanuja at (North) Badri, it is said that, here at Thirukkurungkudi, the Lord took the role of a disciple and obtained Vaishnava Initiation from Ramanuja and hence the Lord here is also called Vaishnava Nambi.
Chola, Pandya and Naayak Kings are said to have played a significant role in the construction of this temple. Culverts show that this temple in its current form and structure is at least 700 years old.
Under half a km from the main temple is the Thirupaarkadal Nambi temple and about 8 kms from here on the Western Ghats is the Thirumalai Nambi temple, where it is believed that Lord Hanuman took the leap to Lanka from here. Also, it is said that Lord Rama made his plans for the construction of the bridge to Lanka from here and then went over to Thirupallani. The Lord here has 39 different names including Kurungkudi Nambi, Vaishnava Nambi, Tirupparkadal Nambi and Malai Mel Nambi. Lord Nambi himself is believed to have been born as Nammazhvaar at Azhvaar Thirunagari.
The famed Araiyar Sevai originated from Thirukkurungkudi. Legend has it that the Lord used to listen to Araiyar’s Abhinayam hiding behind a wall in Bashyam Street(South Mada St). In recognition of this significant event, even today, one can see the name of this street in Tirunelveli’s Gazette. It is believed that ‘Vaikuntam’(the ultimate destination for Vaishnavites) is in ‘calling distance’ from this place. Thirumangai Azhvaar composed the last of his Paasurams here at this temple and is believed to have attained moksham from here.
Thirukkurungkudi is said to be the home to the Vaishnava tradition of ‘Kaisika Ekadesi’. On this day, the employees of the temple perform a Kaisika Natakam(drama)-worship of the Lord through dance, music and drama. This special event at the Thirukkurungudi temple dates back several hundred years. This year the Kaisika Natakam will take place at 10pm on 1st December.
Timings: 8am-12noon and 5pm-9pm
Contact: Murali Bhattar@ 94432 05739
How to reach Kurungkudi: Frequent buses from Valliyoor. One can also take a bus from Nanguneri.
12. Srivilliputhur (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2008/02/108-divya-desam-srivilliputhur-aandal.html)
Srivilliputhur, the birthplace of Andal, is considered to be among the holiest of the 108 Divya Desams because it is the birthplace of not one but two Azhvaars and a father-daughter one at that- Periazhvaar and Andal.. Legend has it that this town was built by two hunters Villi and Puttan and hence the name Villiputhur. The temple dates back to 1st Century AD.
The 196 ft high temple tower is 2nd only to Srirangam’s Rajagopuram. The temple tower is the one that is featured on the TN Government logo. The 9 tier temple chariot is said to be the biggest in Tamil Nadu. One finds Lord Garuda, the charioteer of Lord Vishnu, along side the main deities.
In all other temples, you would find Garuda standing opposite the main deity. It is believed that Garuda, brought Lord Ranganathan of Srirangam, to Srivilliputhur, faster than expected and hence he was accorded the special status here. A unique tradition followed to this day at this temple, not seen in any other Divya Desam, is that Lord Vadapatrasayi adorns the garland worn the previous evening by Andal (the Goddess).
Andal’s Thiruppavai (30 verses in praise of Lord) is one of the most beautifully composed songs among the 4000 Paasurams. It is believed that singing these 30 verses will bring peace and prosperity as well as God’s grace. Periazhvaar composed a total of 473 Paasurams, the first 12 is the famous Thirupallandu. It is said that Periazhvaar sang this first, in a debate on how best to serve the Lord, in front of the Pandya King in Madurai using Elephant’s bells as the beats for the song. A big attraction at the temple is the Araiyar Sevai, the song and dance enactment of the Paasurams. Vaikunta Ekadesi festival(Dec-Jan) attracts devotees from all over.
Temple timing: 630am-12noon and 4pm-9pm
Contact: Bala Mukunda Araiyar @ 94438 67345 / Mappillai Srinivasan Bhattar @ 94425 47533
Frequent buses from Tirunelveli via Sankaran Koil-Rajapalayam (2 hours). There is a direct train thrice a week (Podhigai Express) from Chennai
Labels: Nava Tirupathi Divya Desam
posted by PRabhu S @ 7:16 pm
72 Comments:
Thanks to Mr. Prabhu for giving such a wonderful details with all necessary information about the place and temple and contact details of battar with phone nos. This kind of information will help lot of yatris to make their trip successful with ease.
Gayathri, Triplicane,Chennai
Dear Gayathri,
Thanks for reading and the comments.
Glad that you found the information useful
Prabhu
exactly what i wanted. thank you so much for providing such precise details. makes me plan my travel to the divya desams extremely easy.
krish
Krish,
Hi! Thanks for your comments.
Do read prtraveller.blogspot.com too
Prabhu
Hi Pradhu,
Thank you very much for the informative posts...it is really helpful.....I was searching for a temple details...I got every information I searched for.
Thanks AGain
Abhilash MS
Abhilash,
Hi! Thanks for the message.
Good that you liked it and found it useful
Also, do visit: www.prtraveller.blogspot.com
PRabhu
Hi,
Excellent description of the temples. It is really very useful information and guidance to reach these temples. I would be grateful, if you could give me such detailed note to visit the Divyadesam temples in Kerala.
Thank you in advance.
Radha
Dear Madam,
Thanks for the comments.
It might be a while before I write on the Kerala Divya Desams.
However if you would like a route plan, I can email it to you.
Do let know your email id.
Also, please do visit www.prtraveller.blogspot.com
where i have posted other divya desam stories
Regards
Prabhu
Thanks Mr. Prabu, my emaid id is anuradha_ji@rediffmail.com
If you could give some details regarding stay and travel costs it would be very useful for kerala based divyadesams. I am planning to take my parents this April.
Thank you once again for your guidance.
Thanks Mr. Prabu, my emaid id is anuradha_ji@rediffmail.com
If you could give some details regarding stay and travel costs it would be very useful for kerala based divyadesams. I am planning to take my parents this April.
Thank you once again for your guidance.
hi MR.Prabhu i'm yamuna frm malaysia. i was pechiamman devote. i was searching for sengottai pechiamman temple past 3 years in onlineto cum there but cud't fine. but 2day whn i seach i got to knw tht sengottai is near to kerala and tirunelvi . i wan details about sengottai pechiamman n her image n hw to cum there.. i really hope u can help me sir.tis is my email add kutty_yamuna@yahoo.com
Madam,
Thanks for writing.
Shengottai is about 60kms West of Tirunelveli and about 170kms South West of Madurai on the Kerala border on the Western Ghats.
From Madras, Pothigai Express(Dep around 845pm) goes directly to Shengottai(arrival around 9am the next morning).
Shengottai is also just about 5kms from Courtallam falls.
Do let know if you need any other information.
I dont have any photographs of the temple you have mentioned.
Regards
Prabhu
Hi Mr Prabhu
Very useful info on the Divya Desams around Nellai. Its comprehensive and facilitates easy travel. I need a clarification. Is the road from Thirukkurungudi to the Nambi temple on western ghats (8 km)motorable? Do we have buses going there?
Shivagurunathan
Dear Mr. Guru,
Thanks for the comment.
1. Buses do not go there.
2. There are jeeps available from the temple- will cost about Rs. 500 to 550/-. These jeeps will be available through the day.
3. Two Wheelers can go atop the hill but will be risky. Cars cannot make it.
Hence, best option is to use the jeep even though it seems a little expensive.
Regards
Prabhu
Dear Prabhu
Good account of the Nava thirupathis and the other divya desams nearby. I have been there many times, including during the annual garuda sevai uthsavams. Intend being there on the 31st May, 01st June this year as well for the festival. Great to have known a like minded person.
Best regards
Shri. Prasanna
Thanks for reading and the comment.
Enjoy your month end trip to Nava Tirupathi
Regards
Prabhu
Hai i am planning to visit nava thirupathi, can i finish all the nine temples with in one day, if i take a private taxi?
Hi!
Here's the suggested route:
1. Reach Sri Vaikuntam by 7am
2. After darshan at Sri Vaikuntam, you can take an auto or a taxi from there at around 730am..
You will be able to complete all the other 8 Divya Desams by 130pm /2pm.
The auto/taxi guy will guide you on the correct route.
Auto will charge about 250-300 for the nava tirupathi trip. Car from Sri Vaikuntam will cost about 400-500.
But just fyi- After Srivaikuntam, you can take the Azhvaar Tirunagari, Thirukolur, Then Thiruperai route and finish with Thiru Pulingudi and Natham(these two temples are open between 10am and 5pm) as the last two temples.
On day 2 morning, you can visit Nanguneri and Thirukurungudi.
Please also check my current divya desam blog: www.prtraveller.blogspot.com
(for more on nava tirupathi temples and other divya desams and perumal koils)
Do let know if you need any other information on this....Stay, auto numbers, taxi numbers , cost etc...
Prabhu
94440 40748
very useful informations sir. i came to know that malaimelnambi sthlam is a parikara sthalam for who born vyadhipadha karanam and there is a place called vyadhipada kattam to have that parikaram. iam searching for the details and i could not get exact details. is there any place like in thamirabarani river bank. my astrolder says this much details only and he also dont know the exact name of the place for that pooja. can u pl guide me. thanking u . manivannan.kailash@gmail.com is my id.
Sorry about this delayed reply.
The temple is Vaitha Maa Nidhi temple at Thiru Kolur.
http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2008/09/thiru-kolur-vaitha-maa-nidhi-perumal.html
Prabhu
HAI PRABHU,
HATS OFF FOR YOUR EXCELLENT WORKS.
KARTHICK
HELLO PRABHU,
I WANT TO VISIT NAVA TIRUPATI BUT I AM STARTING FROM TIRUCHENDUR TEMPLE IN THE MORNING 8.30 AM AFTER THAT I WANT TO SEE NAVATIRUPATI IS POSSIBLE ME TO SEE ALL 9 TEMPLES WITHIN THAT DAY THROUGH TAKING JEEP FROM ANY PLACE NEAR TIRUCHENDUR
KARTHICK, BANGALORE
Yes, you can.
Many of the temples are open between 7am and 12noon. And between 5pm and 9pm
But a few of the temples are open between 9am and 5pm.
If you start by 7amish or so from Tirchendur, you should be able to finish all the Nava Tirupathi Divya Desams by 1pm or so
There are 4 temples right on/just off the Tiruchendur highway. You can finish those first when you come from Tirchendur(Thenthiruperai(1), Thirukolur(2) Azhvaar Tirunagari(3) and Sri Vaikuntam(4).
From Sri Vaikuntam, you can go to Natham and thirupulingudi(open from 9am -5pm)
And then finish Mayakoothan and Rettai Tirupathi and you can come back to join the Tiruchendur highway near Azhvaar Tirunagari.
If you start 830am or so from Tirchendur, you can visit 5-6-7 of the 9temples by 1pm and you can visit the remaining 2 or 3 between 5and 6pm.
However, if you do inform the Bhattars in advance, they can keep the temple open(mayakoothan and rettai tirupathi temples can be the last of the 9temples as per your time schedule) since you are coming from Bangalore.
Pls also visit prtraveller.blogspot.com nava tirupathi temples for a little more details(that is my current blog)
Do let know if you need any other information/clarification on this.
Prabhu
Yes, you can.
Many of the temples are open between 7am and 12noon. And between 5pm and 9pm
But a few of the temples are open between 9am and 5pm.
If you start by 7amish or so from Tirchendur, you should be able to finish all the Nava Tirupathi Divya Desams by 1pm or so
There are 4 temples right on/just off the Tiruchendur highway. You can finish those first when you come from Tirchendur(Thenthiruperai(1), Thirukolur(2) Azhvaar Tirunagari(3) and Sri Vaikuntam(4).
From Sri Vaikuntam, you can go to Natham and thirupulingudi(open from 9am -5pm)
And then finish Mayakoothan and Rettai Tirupathi and you can come back to join the Tiruchendur highway near Azhvaar Tirunagari.
If you start 830am or so from Tirchendur, you can visit 5-6-7 of the 9temples by 1pm and you can visit the remaining 2 or 3 between 5and 6pm.
However, if you do inform the Bhattars in advance, they can keep the temple open(mayakoothan and rettai tirupathi temples can be the last of the 9temples as per your time schedule) since you are coming from Bangalore.
Pls also visit prtraveller.blogspot.com nava tirupathi temples for a little more details(that is my current blog)
Do let know if you need any other information/clarification on this.
Prabhu
Hai Prabu,
Nice Work. Keep it up. Really it's useful for the Devotees like me who are all from far Distance can easily plan the NAVA TIRUPATHI Trip and even they can call to the Bhattar Directly (If they need to do SPECIAL POOJA). I think Better you can give the Bhattar's Contact Phone No. Instead of Kovil's Contact No. Coz, I tried 2/3 Temple's Phone No. which are NOT IN USE. But Excellant Work. KEEP GOING.
We are expecting the other DIVYA DESAMS like MALAYALA NATTU TIRUPATHI TRIP & VADA NATTU TIRUPATHI TRIP to be planned. Thus help others to have TRIP to those Places.
KARTHI - CHENNAI +91 98427 11221
thank you for reading and the comment..
Will do.
Prabhu
Sir,
Thanks you very much for the detailed info. I am from chennai -planning to visit tiruchendur over a weekend. kindly help me plan a trip to cover tiruchendur and nellai temple and all the navatirupathi temples and leave to chennai from tirunelveli by evening train at 7pm.
thanks,
Avinash
avinash.sashee@gmail.com
You can cover Nava Tirupathi in one half of a day.
You can start from Tirunelveli at 6am, reach Sri Vaikuntam @ 7am. From Srivaikuntam you can take an auto/car (around 300-500)and finish all the 9temples in 4-5hours.
Alternately, you can start very early in the morning 5am, reach Tiruchendur by 6amish. Finish that temple by 7amish and on your way back to Tirunelveli, you can do the 9temples by starting at Azhvaar Tirunagari.
You can finish these 9temples by 2pm after visiting Tiruchendur first up in the morning.
You can visit temples around Tirunelveli in the evening - 4pm-9pm- Nellaiappar, Rajagopalaswamy, Mel Thiruvenkatanathapuram...
Prabhu
Prnams to Mr Prabhu
today only i visited the webpage..very useful and wonderful informations..thanks a lot..let ur contributions continue for the sake of persons like me..
Govindarajan
Thanks to you for giving valuable information about navatirupati.
We are a group of about 40 persons who will be visiting navatirupati.
We shall be visiting srivilliputtur and from there to sankaran koil.We were told we could visit 4 navatirupatis between sankaran koil and tiruchendur.which are these 4 navatirupatis? Could you suggest a route from sankaran koil to tiruchendur and also navatirupatis?our plan is to visit 4 navatirupatis between sankaran koil and tiruchendur,stay at tiruchendur for the night.
leave tiruchendur in the morning and visit remaining temples,finishing off at nanguneri and finally tirukurungudi.
Where can we stay at tirunelveli for the night near railway station?
My email id is sowmya69@gmail.com
I shall be extremely grateful for an early reply.
Madam,
thanks for your comment.
below are the details:
Sri Vaikuntam , 28kms from Tirunelveli is the first of the Nava Tirupathi Divya Desam when you come from Tirunelveli
4kms East of Sri Vaikuntam is Azhvaar Tirunagari ( the birth place of NamAzhvaar), 3kms East of Azhavaar Tirunagari is
Thiru Kolur Divya Desam (birth place of Madura Kavi Azhvaar) and 2kms East of Thiru Kolur is Then Thiruperai
All these are just on/off the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur highway.
these 4 divya desams are open between 7am and 12noon.
the remaining 5divya desams can be visited in 2-3 hours...
Retiring Rooms at Tirunelveli is a good and safe place to stay..
But if you are large group, Janakiram hotel is a good economical place to stay
- it is 5min walk from the railway station opposite the old bus stand.
Do let know if you need any other information.
you may also visit prtraveller.blogspot.com for more specifics on the nava tirupathi temples.
Prabhu
Sir, We (8 persons including 2 kids) are arriving Tirunelveli on 30.12.10. We intend to check-in to a hotel at Tirunelveli on 30.12.10 morning and visit Nava Tirupathi and Tiruchendur. As this is the first time, we are coming to South side, kindly offer your suggestions/recommendation/plan/details for economical hotel (for stay) and travels (for hiring a vehicle) for which we would be very thankful.
Krishna
Janakiram-0462 2331522
Bharani-0462 2333234
Aryaas-0462 2501651
All these 3hotels are within half a km of the Railway Station
Car - Ganesh Travels - 94436 71632
THank you for the information of our village.
Dear Mr.Prabhu,
Thanks for the above information. If i want to cover, thirukurungudi and nanguneri also in a single day along with nava thirupathi, is it possible? if so, can you please direct me? i would be coming to tirunelveli by this month end.
Thanks & Regards
Sri
Dear Mr. Prabhu,
We had been to NavaThirupathy recently.
Thanks to your descriptions we could enjoy the temples very well. But for your details we would not have seen a few important things as oil tank in Vanamamalai and great Nammalwar birthplace.
We were lucky to start our journey to the Navathirupathy temples with the blessings of Acarya Vanamamalai Jeer who was in Nanguneri.
Thank you Pl. continue your good efforts.
Ramaa
Thanks You for your Kind Words.
Good to hear that you had a good darshan.
Prabhu
Prabhu Thanks a lot for your information.
I want to go to Malaimel Nambhi temple. Can any one tell me exactly the distance to walk from foothill? Do many people go by walk or by Jeep? is it safe to go by walk?
Jeep is better, especially if you are planning a trip this Summer.
Please call the Bhattar in advance to have the Jeep organised.
Prabhu
Thanks prabu sir. I'm meeting my future wouldby there on 5th of may 2012 and ur information is useful
Bangalore
Jothivasu
09902079146
very good information i will go to navathirupathi 4 this june so ur informations r very useful 4 me thks a lot
Dear Sir
Wonderful information and well written too.. I am taking your write up with me on the tour I am on..
regards
Sir
Nice blog
Very informative too
Keep it up
Thank You for the kind words.
Prabhu
Thank You for the kind words.
Prabhu
Great Information Prabhu. Thanks a lot for sharing the details. God Bless.
Sir,
Thank You for your kind words and the prayers.
Prabhu
can you suggest me nellaiappar kovil timings..and special poojas there..i trust that you will provide a correct information
suggest me about nellaiappar kovil ..timings and special poojas.
We are coming from Madurai, about 15 persons including elderly, kindly guide us the way where we start. We are coming in a cab
Start at Srivaikuntam at 7am
Then go to Azhvaar Tirunagari (8am-915am)
Thiru Kolur - 9.30am
Then Thiruperai- 10.15am
Mayakoothan ( Perungulam) 11.15am
Erettai Tirupathi( Twin Temples) -12.15pm
Finish with :
Thirupulingudi and Natham
130pm-230pm
And you can come back to Tirunelveli by 330pm.
Prabhu
Thanks a lot to all Bhagavatars who share very useful information in this blog.
Dear Mr. Prabhu....
We want to cover, Srivilliputhur (thiruvannamalai & thiruthangal temples too), intend to stay in Tirunelveli, & to cover navathirupathi, thirukurungudi and thiruchendur. Duraion 5 days ...5th day leaving by Nellai Express to Chennai...Sir.. can u please help me by suggesting daywise coverage. I want to stay for 1 day in Srivilliputhur (intend to reach by Podhigai Express from Chennai) Regards /Sridharan...
Day 1:
Srivilliputhur - 730am-1030am
Thiruvannamalai- 11am-12noon
Thiruthangal- 4pm-6pm
OR
( if you are not in a hurry, you can do 730am-1230pm at SVP and then do Tiruvannamalai and Thiruthangal 2nd half of the day - 4pm- 8pm)
Either case, you can reach TVeli in the night. (2hours)
Night Stay: Tirunelveli
Day 2: 7am-12noon - Tirunelveli
Nellaiappar/ Mel Thiruvengadam/Kariya Manickam Perumal ( walking distance from Nellaiappar)
3pm - Thirukurungudi - Malai Temple
430pm- Thirukurungudi
630pm Nanguneri
Back to TVeli for dinner by 830pm
(If you want to do leisurely, you can around Tveli 2nd half of day 2 and sleep early)
On day 3 1st half, you can do Thirukurungudi Malai Temple, Thirukurungudi DD and Nanguneri
(7am-12noon)
And you can do the below temples on Day 4...
*******
Day 3: 6am-830am at the temple- Tiruchendur
On the way back Nava Tirupathi
(25kms from Tiruchendur is Thenthiruperai)
930am-1pm
Thenthiruperai
Perungulam
Rettai Tirupathi
( You can have temple Thaligai food/ rest for 2-3hours at Rettai Tirupathi- food will be good here)
4pm-8pm
Thirupulingudi
Natham
Sri Vaikuntam (5pm)
Azhvaar Tirunagari
Thiru Kolur
Prabhu
Sir thanks for the detailed info and directions which should help us in making our pilgrimage comfortable....Regards R sridharan.
Thank You for the kind words
Prabhu
Dear Sri Prabhu,
We(3 people in our Family) have planned for visiting
Nava thirupati (excluding srivilliputtur) so basically 11 Divya Desams in and around tirunelveli only. We checked up with Ganesh travels for the 11 temples tour, they are quoting Rs.2500 for a car. Please kindly advise us on the cost, best possible route to take etc.
We are arriving at tirunelveli on Saturday morning(6th-Sept-14) by kanyakumari Exp.
thanks in advance
am assuming you have spoken to him and used the cab.
am assuming that rate includes Nanguneri and Thirukurungudi as well.
if the above two are included, then it is a reasonable rate.
Hope you had good darshan.
Prabhu
Dear Shri Prabhu,
we had good darshan of all the 11 Divya Desam temples, finally the cost came down to Rs.2300.
The Total Kilometer travelled was around 200 KM. For this the rates seem reasonable as you have mentioned.
Though, but we missed Thirukurugundi Malai Nambi temple, due to travel restriction beyond evening 4pm.
In all it was a divine experience, and express my heart felts pranams to yourself and your
excellent blog\guide on these temples.
Thank you
Good to hear this, Sir.
For Malai Nambi, it is better to talk to the Bhattar in advance, a day earlier, so the jeep is kept ready and the devotee goes in time.
Prabhu
Dear Mr. Prabhu,
We are coming from Thirupullani to Srivaikuntam (party of 3) hoping to cover Navathirupathi and do archanai in each temple. Can you please suggest best route, with regard to time, and travel company/taxi and their phone number? we are hoping to stay a night in Srivaikuntam so can you please suggest a hotel/place to stay? we are traveling around the 17-18th of December.
Thanks
Sadagopan
Tirunelveli Ganesh Cabs @ 94436 71632.
Auto or car is available from outside Srivaikuntam temple through the day
Auto will cost Rs. 450/500
Car will cost Rs. 750/1000
to cover the Nava Tirupathi temples.
Srivaikuntam: 7am-8am
Azhvaar Tirunagari: 830am-10am
Thiru Kolur: 1030am-11am
ThenThiruperai: 11.15am-11.45pm
Mayakoothan: 12n-1230pm
Lunch Thaligai at Erettai Tirupathi: 1pm-2pm
2pm-3pm: Erettai Tirupathi
315pm-345pm;Thirupulingudi
4pm-430pm: Natham
( This is quite a relaxed scheduled and car will charge a full day rate)
Normally all cabs/auto will cover the entire nava tirupathi in 1/2day starting at 7am to finish by 1pm /2pm or so ( where as I have suggested 1hour and 1 1/2hours for the first two temples in this list)
Night Stay can be organised in one of the Nava Tirupathi areas. We can finalise that closer to that date.
Prabhu
Dear Mr.prabhu,
we are a group of 5 (family including ladies and kids) travelling to Madurai from Chennai .
return from tirunelveli to Chennai.
total of 6 days,5 nights.
we have a plan to visit Madurai,srivilliputhur,kutralam,tirunelveli divyadesams.
we don't have proper plan.kindly guide us on how to prepare itinerary for this. we are planning for budget stay.
please reply back .
thanks.
Ramya
welcome.ramya@gmail.com
Madurai Day1
Azhagar Koil - 3hours
From Azhagar Koil, there is a short cut to Thiru Mogur / Yaanai Malai Narasimhar (Rock Temple) without coming back to Madurai City
Koodal Azhagar
Day 2 morning: Madurai to Shengottai/Tenkasi
Take Pothigai Express to Courtallam (5am dep Madurai- 845am arrival Tenkasi – Get down at Tenkasi station)
930am-1230pm – Falls
1230pm-130pm – Lunch at Courtallam
130pm-330pm - Bus to Srivilliputhur
(You can also take the 1215pm train from Tenkasi to SVP and have lunch at SVP at 2pm. You can take rest at SVP for 1-2hours after lunch)
4pm-8pm – SVP and Thiruthangal Divya Desam
Dinner at SVP
(If you have energy, you can take 2hour bus to Tirunelveli and you can sleep in Tirunelveli instead of SVP)
Sleep at SVP
Day 3 – From SVP to T’Veli
5am – 7am SVP to Tirunelveli
Breakfast at Tirunelveli
(if you moved into T’Veli the previous night, you can start from T’Veli to Nava Tirupathi at 7am)
On the way, 13kms- visit Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy temple – home to exquisite sculptures
8am-5pm – By care from Tirunelveli to Nava Tirupathi
(you can have lunch at Erettai Tirupathi)
Day 4 – T’Veli to Tirukurungudi
Morning 6am to Tirukurungudi by car
630am-1030am – including Hill temple
11am-12noon- Nanguneri Divya desam
Back to Tirunelveli by 1pm for lunch
Evening around Tirunelveli
Day 5: T’Veli to Mannar Koil/Ambai
By car to Mannar Koil Kulasekara Perumal Koil, Ambai Krishnan and Purushottamar Koil, Kallidaikuruchi Varaha Perumal and Papanasam Falls
And take the evening train back from T’Veli to Madras
Can organise cabs for you at Madurai and Tirunelveli, if you want.
At Madurai and Tirunelveli, best to stay in Family room at the railway station.
For this, send a postal letter in advance with the PNR number and ticket details addressed to the Station Master
Based on availability, they will give you preference.
Else, college house near Madurai Junction and Janakiram Hotel near Tirunelveli Station are good to stay.
Prabhu
Madurai Day1
Azhagar Koil - 3hours
From Azhagar Koil, there is a short cut to Thiru Mogur / Yaanai Malai Narasimhar (Rock Temple) without coming back to Madurai City
Koodal Azhagar
Day 2 morning: Madurai to Shengottai/Tenkasi
Take Pothigai Express to Courtallam (5am dep Madurai- 845am arrival Tenkasi – Get down at Tenkasi station)
930am-1230pm – Falls
1230pm-130pm – Lunch at Courtallam
130pm-330pm - Bus to Srivilliputhur
(You can also take the 1215pm train from Tenkasi to SVP and have lunch at SVP at 2pm. You can take rest at SVP for 1-2hours after lunch)
4pm-8pm – SVP and Thiruthangal Divya Desam
Dinner at SVP
(If you have energy, you can take 2hour bus to Tirunelveli and you can sleep in Tirunelveli instead of SVP)
Sleep at SVP
Day 3 – From SVP to T’Veli
5am – 7am SVP to Tirunelveli
Breakfast at Tirunelveli
(if you moved into T’Veli the previous night, you can start from T’Veli to Nava Tirupathi at 7am)
On the way, 13kms- visit Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy temple – home to exquisite sculptures
8am-5pm – By care from Tirunelveli to Nava Tirupathi
(you can have lunch at Erettai Tirupathi)
Day 4 – T’Veli to Tirukurungudi
Morning 6am to Tirukurungudi by car
630am-1030am – including Hill temple
11am-12noon- Nanguneri Divya desam
Back to Tirunelveli by 1pm for lunch
Evening around Tirunelveli
Day 5: T’Veli to Mannar Koil/Ambai
By car to Mannar Koil Kulasekara Perumal Koil, Ambai Krishnan and Purushottamar Koil, Kallidaikuruchi Varaha Perumal and Papanasam Falls
And take the evening train back from T’Veli to Madras
Can organise cabs for you at Madurai and Tirunelveli, if you want.
At Madurai and Tirunelveli, best to stay in Family room at the railway station.
For this, send a postal letter in advance with the PNR number and ticket details addressed to the Station Master
Based on availability, they will give you preference.
Else, college house near Madurai Junction and Janakiram Hotel near Tirunelveli Station are good to stay.
Prabhu
Dear Sir,
We are planning to reach Tirunelveli on 31st Jan morning and want to see Nava Thirupathis on the same day and return by Nellai. Your blog is very useful to plan all logistics. Can you please confirm if the phone numbers of the travels and bhattars is still correct? Also if we cover the navathirupathis in the first half of the day can you suggest any others we could see in the evening before taking the train at around 7 pm? Also if the taxi is hired for the day will he be able to take us to these temples in the evening and leave us at the station? We are planning to stay at Janakiram.
Thank you so much for your noble service,
Warm regards,
Priya
Hi, we are planning to visit Navathirupathi on 27th dec.Will we be able to visit all the 9 temples within a day if we reach Thirunelveli at 8am ? Please let us know. We plan to engage a car at Thirunelveli to visit the temples
Yes Madam. can you check the below link
http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2007/07/108-divya-desam-nava-tirupathi.html - and the individual stories on each of the Nava Tirupathi temples in my above blog- the numbers here would be correct.
I will also update the numbers on this story.
You can use Ganesh cabs. He will charge you reasonably, he will take you around to all the temples during the temple hours and will leave you back at Janakiram.
In the evening, you may visit the following two temples in Tirunelveli between 4pm and 630pm to be in time for the 725pm Nellai Exp:
http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2009/12/kariya-manikkam-perumal-tirunelveli.html
http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2009/12/thiru-venkatanathapuram-near.html
Prabhu
Yes you will be able to if you can leave Tirunelveli by 9am. You can first finish Srivaikuntam, Azhvaar Tirunagari, Kolur, Thenthiruperai and Perungulam by12.30pm and you can go to Erettai Tirupathi, Thiru Pulingudi and Natham between 130pm and 330pm.
You can have lunch at Erettai Tirupathi.
Prabhu
sir..i would like to visit the navathirupathis divyadesams...i will be travelling from trichy to thirunelveli...pl give infoemation as to
1...where to stay at thirunelveli 2...pl give no of cab operator at thirunelveli who will drive us around divyadesam of thinelveli....regards subhashini sampath
..email address subsha12@yahoo.com
Madam,
If you are travelling by train, then the retiring room at Tirunelveli is a good place to stay. Those will be neat and safe.
If you prefer only an outside hotel, there are many economical ones within walking distance from the station - Janakiram and Barani are two that are good.
My suggestion is for you to experience a stay in Nava Tirupathi itself. You can stay at the Ahobila Mutt in Azhvaar Tirunagari or in one of the Chattirams there. You can also experience Temple Thaligai instead of eating at a hotel. You can contact Ananthu Bhattar @ 96889 51429 who will help you with a booking.
You may contact Ganesh Cars @ 94436 71632 who will take you to Nava Tirupathi and to Vanamamalai and Thiru Kurungudi Divya Desams as well. His charges will be reasonable.
Alternately you can take a bus or train to Srivaikuntam or Azhvaar Tirunagari and then take a local auto to visit Nava Tirupathi. They will charge you around Rs. 500.
Prabhu
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