| Description This is the
sixth of the nine Nava Tiruppatis in Tirunelveli district in the belt between Tirunelveli and the coastal shrine of
Tiruchendur. Only Nammalwar, who resided at Alwar
Tirunagari, has sung of these nine shrines Tiruvaikuntham,
Varagunamangai, Pulinkudi,
Tolaivillimangalam, Tirukkulandai,
Tirukkolur, Tirupperai
and Tirukkurugoor collectively referred to as
Alwar Navatiruppati. Tolaivillimangalam referred
to as Irattai Tirupati, counts as two in the scheme of Nava Tirupatis, but as one of the
108 Divya Desams. There is a only one verse of Nammalwar, attributed to
Tirukkulandai.
Deities: The Moolavar here is Srinivasan in a standing posture, while
Alamelu Mangai and Kulandavalli are the Taayars. The Utsavar here is known as Mayakoottan.
The vimaanam here is Anandanilaya vimaanam as in Tirupati.
Legend has it that Kamalavati, a devotee of Vishnu meditated upon him
to attain him as her husband; Vishnu is said to have appeared before her, and embraced her
along with his Kousthubha Mani; this shrine is known as Paalikai vanam, owing to the
legend that 'Paalikai' worshipped Vishnu here.
Legend also has it that Vishnu danced here and vanquished a demon by name Asmasaran,
hence the name Mayakkooththan.
Legend also has it that Brihaspati the preceptor of the Devas worshipped Vishnu here.
Festivals: Two worship services are carried out each day and Vaikuntha Ekadasi and Aadi
Pooram are celebrated here. |
