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Stay Near Sri Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Perumal Temple, Thenthiruperai | Nava Tirupati — Shukra (Venus) Sthalam
- Nava Tirupathi Temples
- April 30, 2026
Sri Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Perumal Temple
Sri Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Perumal Temple in Thenthiruperai is one of the Nava Tirupati temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located along the Tiruchendur Tirunelveli route in Thoothukudi district on the banks of the Thamiraparani River. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams extolled in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by the Alvar saints.
This temple is associated with Parasurama Avatara and the planet Shukra (Venus). The presiding deity here is Lord Vishnu wearing beautiful fish-shaped earrings (Makara Kundala) a rare and deeply meaningful divine form found nowhere else in the Divya Desam circuit. For pilgrims on the full Nava Tirupati Yatra, Ananta Vihara in Thirukolur is the most peaceful and convenient homestay base.
The Moolavar of this temple is Sri Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Perumal, also named Nigaril Mugil Vannan. He gives his seva in Veetrirundha (seated) posture facing East, granting darshan to Shukran, Lord Rudra, and Lord Brahma. The Thayars here are two — Kuzhaikadhu Valli and Thiruperai Nachiyar each with their own separate sannadhis.
The sanctum sanctorum houses Lord Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar seated in Veera Asana posture facing East, with his left leg folded, along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. The tower above the sanctum is the Bhadra Vimanam, and the sacred water body is Shukra Pushkarani. The pillars in the temple hall sport exquisite sculptures and carvings. The Dwajastambam and Bali Petam are outside the main hall, while the Garuda shrine is to the left of the sanctum.
The rajagopuram, the temple’s gateway tower, is flat in structure. The temple follows the Thenkalai tradition of worship.
The Meaning Behind the Name
Makara in Tamil means fish. The Lord who wore the fish-shaped earrings came to be known as Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar the one who adorns long fish-shaped earrings. And Bhudevi, who offered the earrings, became Sri Perai or Thiruperai Nachiyar. Since then, this sacred place is also known as Thiruperai.
The Legend — Bhudevi's Penance & the Sacred Earrings
Lakshmi, feeling that Lord Vishnu spent more time with Bhudevi, expressed her wish to Sage Durvasa to gain the same beauty. When the sage came to meet Bhudevi, she did not receive him with proper respect. The sage cursed Bhudevi, who lost all her charm. Bhudevi undertook severe penance on the banks of the Thamiraparani River to regain her form and the love of the Lord. There she found two beautiful earrings in the shape of fish and offered them respectfully to Vishnu on a Panguni Pournami day the Full Moon in March–April. The Lord, pleased with her penance and offering, accepted the earrings, adorned himself with them, and relieved her of her curse.
The Legend of Varuna Relief from Guru's Curse
Varuna, the God of Rains, performed penance on Perumal here to cleanse himself of his disrespectful behaviour against Jupiter (Guru) and performed Tirumanjanam to the Lord. The place then received rains, according to the Sthala Puranas.
The Legend of Bhadra The Poet Devotee
Bhadra, the son of planet Shukra (Venus), who was cursed by Sage Durvasa, offered his worship by building a Vimanam for the Lord which came to be known as the Bhadra Vimanam. The Lord, pleased with his devotion, appeared before him with his consorts and relieved him of his curse.
Unique Feature Navakailasam Connection
The same place of Thenthiruperai also hosts one of the Navakailasam Shiva temples Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Thenthiruperai the seventh in the Navakailasam series. This makes Thenthiruperai a doubly sacred destination combining both the Nava Tirupati Vishnu pilgrimage and the Nava Kailayam Shiva pilgrimage in one location!
Navagraha Significance Shukra (Venus) Sthalam
Each Lord of the nine Nava Tirupati temples represents one of the Navagrahas. Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar denotes Shukra the planet Venus. Praying here is believed to remove afflictions of planet Venus and bestow wealth, comforts, and joy on devotees.
Devotees pray here for:
- Relief from Shukra (Venus) dosha
- Wealth, prosperity, and financial stability
- Beauty, charm, and marital happiness
- Artistic and creative success
- Removal of ancestral curses
- Relief from sins and spiritual liberation
Special Day: Friday (Velli Kilamai) prayers are especially powerful here.
Temple Open Hours: 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Temple Contact: 4639 273 902
Major Festivals
Six daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple. The ten-day annual Vaikuntha Ekadashi during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January) and the Nammalvar birth celebrations with Garuda Sevai with all nine Nava Tirupati temples are the most prominent.
The Garuda Sevai Utsavam in the month of Vaikasi (May–June) witnesses nine Garudasevai a spectacular event in which festival idols from all nine Nava Tirupati shrines are brought on Garuda vahanas. An idol of Nammalvar is also brought here on a palanquin and his pasurams dedicated to each of the nine temples are recited.
Other key festivals:
- Panguni Pournami — March–April (Special — the day Bhudevi offered the earrings!)
- Vaikuntha Ekadashi — December–January (10 days)
- Brahmotsavam — Vaikasi (May–June)
- Nammalvar Birth Celebrations
How to Reach
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From
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Distance
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Route
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Nearest Railway Station: Srivaikuntam (~11 km) | Tirunelveli (~38 km) Nearest Airport: Thoothukudi Airport (~30 km) Bus Route: Regular buses from Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli & Tiruchendur stop at Thenthiruperai Best Time to Visit: October – March | Panguni Pournami (March–April) | Vaikasi Garuda Sevai (May–June)
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