| Description This Divyadesam
is located in Nanguneri near Tirunelveli
and is also known as Totadrikshetram or Vanamamalai. It is also referred to as Bhooloka
Vaikuntham. Vanamamalai is home to the Vanamamalai Jeeyar Mutt. Located nearby is the
Divya Desam Tirukkurunkudi. Deities:
The Moolavar here is Totadrinathan, in a seated posture facing east. He is flanked by his
consorts, who also have their own sancta. Taayaa'rs name here is Sireevaramangaittaayaar.
Legend has it that when Vishnu vanquished the Madhukaitapa demons,
Bhudevi, fearing that she had lost her purity, meditated upon Vishnu at this shrine.
Vishnu is believed to have blessed her, and taken this abode, along with his consorts Sri
Devi and Bhudevi as in Vaikuntham. The celestial nymphs Urvashi and Tilottama are said to
have worshipped Vishnu here. Their images, bearing the 'Ven Chaamaram' fanning the deity,
are seen in the sanctum.
Legend also has it that Bhrahma, Indra, Bhrigu muni and Markandeya were blessed with a
vision of Vishnu at this shrine.
The temple: This grand temple has two prakarams ornamented with the
Pandal Mandapam, Jayanti Mandapam, Srivilli Mandapam, Kulasekhara Mandapam and the
Veerappa Mandapam. An imposing 7 tiered rajagopuram adorns its entrance. There are
also shrines to Varamangai Taayaar, Andal, Lakshmi Narayanar, Lakshmi Varahar and
Venugopalar. The oil used in ablution ceremonies here is considered to be of medicinal
value.
Festivals: This temple is administered by the Vanamamalai jeeyar Mutt.
The annual festivals are held in the months of Pankuni and Chittirai. |
