BLOGS Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Rettai Tirupathi South) | Devapiran Temple, Thirutholaivillimangalam Nava Tirupathi Temples April 27, 2026 Rettai Tirupathi SOUTH Devapiran Perumal Temple, also known as Thirutholaivillimangalam Irattai Tirupathi Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, is located in Tholaivillimangalam village in Thoothukudi district. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divya Desams glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham. Along with the Aravindalochanar temple located 100 yards away, it is together referred to as Irattai Tirupathi meaning Twin Tirupathi. This sacred South Temple is the Rahu Sthalam in the Nava Tirupati Navagraha series, and together with the North Temple (Aravindalochanar), forms the unique Rettai Tirupathi the only twin temple set in the entire Nava Tirupati circuit. For pilgrims completing this yatra, Ananta Vihara in Thirukolur is the most convenient and peaceful homestay base. The South Temple enshrines Lord Srinivasan also known as Devapiran in a standing posture facing east. The temple has two prakarams. Lord Srinivasa graces in a standing form under the Gupta Vimanam in the sanctum sanctorum. The Moolavar of this temple is Sri Srinivasan, also named Devapiran. He gives his seva in Nindra Thirukkolam (standing posture) facing east, with two Pirattiyaars on either side. This temple’s presiding deity is visible to Indira, Vayu Bhagavan (Air), and Varuna Bhagavan (Rain). Nammalvar has sung 11 Pasurams on the glory of the deity here. Manavala Mamunigal has also done Mangalasasanam here. The sacred water body here is Varuna Theertham, and the Thamirabarani River. The Vimanam above the sanctum is the Kumudha Vimaanam. The Legend Why He Is Called Devapiran Somakasura, a demon, had stolen the four Vedas from Lord Brahma. Lord Vishnu recovered them after Brahmaji prayed to Him and agreed to stay in this temple. Lord Vishnu had also appeared for Sage Athreya Suprabha and decided to make this place His abode along with the Aravindalochanar Perumal Temple nearby. Legend also has it that Indra, Vayu, and Varuna all worshipped Lord Vishnu at this sacred site. Since the Lord appeared here as the benefactor of the Devas (celestial beings), He came to be known as Devapiran meaning “the God of the Devas.” The Name — Thirutholaivillimangalam A man and a woman who had been cursed by Kubera to assume the forms of a measuring scale (Tulai) and a bow (Villi) were relieved of their curse by Sage Atreya Suprabha here giving this sacred place the name Tulaivillimangalam, which over centuries became Thirutholaivillimangalam. Why Rettai Tirupathi Is Unique Thirutholaivillimangalam is referred to as Irattai Tirupathi it counts as two in the Nava Tirupati scheme but is considered one of the 108 Divya Desams. Nammalvar has sung a total of 11 verses about Thirutholaivillimangalam, where he refers to Vishnu as Nedumaal, Devapiraan, Tamaraitadankannan, and Aravindalochanan. The temple has ancient roots with inscriptions suggesting contributions from both the Pandya and Nayak kings. It exemplifies classic Dravidian architecture with simple yet elegant structures typical of the Nava Tirupati temples. Navagraha Significance Rahu Sthalam The planetary deity of this temple is Ketu / Rahu the shadow graha. Devotees visit this temple seeking relief from Rahu’s malefic astrological effects. Devotees pray here for: Relief from Rahu dosha Protection from sudden difficulties and confusion Progress in career and wealth Relief from curses and ancestral doshas Spiritual liberation Temple Open Hours: 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Timings may vary — confirm before visiting) Major Festivals Vaikunta Ekadasi is a major festival celebrated with great enthusiasm, attracting devotees from across the region. The Brahmotsavam an annual festival featuring rituals, processions, and cultural performances is held during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May–June). The Garuda Sevai Utsavam in the month of Vaikasi (May–June) witnesses nine Garudasevai a spectacular event where festival idols from all Nava Tirupati shrines are brought on Garuda vahanas. Nammalvar’s idol is also carried in a palanquin and his pasurams for each of the nine temples are recited. How to Reach From Distance Route Tirunelveli ~22 km Bus / Taxi Thoothukudi ~29 km Bus / Taxi Tiruchendur ~26 km Bus / Taxi Srivaikuntam ~9 km Auto / Taxi Nearest Railway Station: Srivaikuntam (~9 km) | Alwarthirunagari (~6 km) Nearest Airport: Thoothukudi Airport (~40 km) Best Time to Visit: October – March | Festival Season — Vaikasi (May–June) ⚠️ Access Note: The temple is located in a rural village setting. Hiring a cab or auto from Srivaikuntam is recommended for comfortable access. Most Recent Posts All Posts Nava Tirupathi Temples Nearby Attractions Temples Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Rettai Tirupathi South) | Devapiran Temple, Thirutholaivillimangalam Stay Near Rettai Tirupathi North | Sri Aravindalochanar Temple, Thirutholaivillimangalam Thirupuliyangudi Perumal Temple Explore More Category Nava Tirupathi Temples (5) Nearby Attractions (4) Temples (3) Tags Chandran Sthalam Homestay in Tirunelveli Homestay Near Kutralam Homestay Near Nava Tirupati Natham Temple Nava Kailayam Stay Nava Tirupati 2nd Temple Nava Tirupati Homestay Nava Tirupati Yatra Pilgrim Homestay TN Srivaikuntanathan Perumal Temple Stay Near Tiruchendur Temple Stay Tamil Nadu Thirukolur Accommodation Thirupuliyangudi Perumal Temple, Thiruvaragunamangai Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple Vijayasana Perumal Temple,
Stay Near Rettai Tirupathi North | Sri Aravindalochanar Temple, Thirutholaivillimangalam
BLOGS Stay Near Rettai Tirupathi North | Sri Aravindalochanar Temple, Thirutholaivillimangalam Nava Tirupathi Temples April 25, 2026 Rettai Tirupathi North The two temples near Thenthiruperai are known as Irattai (twin) Tirupathis Sri Devapiran Temple and Sri Aravindalochanar Temple, located at Thirutholaivillimangalam, on the Tiruchendur Tirunelveli route, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and counted among the 108 Divya Desam temples. Though Tholaivillimangalam counts as two temples in the Nava Tirupati scheme, it is counted as one of the 108 Divya Desams. The temple is more than 1,000 years old. The North Temple Sri Aravindalochanar Temple is associated with the planet Ketu and is revered as one of the most spiritually powerful shrines in the entire Nava Tirupati circuit. For pilgrims completing this sacred circuit, Ananta Vihara in Thirukolur is the most peaceful and convenient homestay base centrally located within the Nava Tirupati belt. The Moolavar of this temple is Sri Aravindalochanar, also known as Senthamarai Kannan. The Thayar is Karunthadankanni. The sacred water body here is Varuna Teertham and the Thamirabarani River. The temple faces east with an entrance arch, followed by Dwajasthambam and Balipeedam under a mandapa. Sri Aravindalochanar gives darshan as Amarntha Perumal in a seated posture with Adisheshan, measuring 6 feet in size. This temple stands out for what it doesn’t have a towering rajagopuram. Instead, the focus shifts inward, where Aravindalochanar sits serenely beneath the Kumudha Vimanam, a lotus-shaped tower symbolically associated with sacred traditions The Legend How Aravindalochanar Got His Name Rishi Suprabar, after completing a great yagna, went to the pond on the north side to gather lotus flowers. Seeing the beauty of the flowers, Aravindalochanar came out of the temple, following the sage. When Rishi Suprabar asked why Perumal was following him, Perumal said he wished to know where the flowers came from and requested Suprabar to perform puja for him at this place. Suprabar then installed Aravindalochanar and performed poojas here. In another legend, the Ashwin twins wanted a share of the offerings made by men. They prayed to Brahma, who redirected them to pray at this place. The twins came, performed penance, and had a dip in the sacred tank which came to be known as Ashvini Tirtha. Vishnu appeared to them bearing lotus flowers in hand and granted them their wishes. According to another legend, a man and a woman who had been cursed by Kubera to take the forms of a measuring scale (Tulai) and a bow (Villi) were freed from their curse by Sage Atreya Suprabha here thus giving this sacred place the name Tulaivillimangalam, which over the years became Thirutholaivillimangalam. Flood & Restoration A Sacred History Rettai Tirupathi was in danger of collapse due to a flood in the Thamirabarani River in 1990, when flood waters touched the very feet of the Lord. After the flood, with the efforts of Venu Srinivasan of the TVS Group, Thiyagaraj, and Ashok Nadar, both temples were completely dismantled and reconstructed. A grand Maha Samprokshanam was also conducted. Navagraha Significance Ketu Sthalam This is the Ketu Sthalam the sacred place for the shadow planet Ketu in the Nava Tirupati Navagraha series. People in large numbers offer prayers here to seek relief from Ketu dosha. Many believe that worship here helps them navigate confusion, fears, and sudden obstacles while also seeking guidance and academic progress. Devotees visit to pray for: Relief from Ketu dosha Clarity and focus in life Academic success and wisdom Protection from sudden obstacles Spiritual liberation and Moksha Temple Open Hours: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM & 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Timings may vary — confirm before visiting) Major Festivals The Garuda Sevai Utsavam in the month of Vaikasi (May–June) is a spectacular event in which festival image idols from all nine Nava Tirupati shrines are brought on Garuda vahanas. An idol of Nammalvar is brought on an Anna Vahanam and his pasurams dedicated to each of the nine temples are recited. The utsavar of Nammalvar is then taken through the paddy fields surrounding the temples. Other major festivals: Vaikuntha Ekadashi — December–January Brahmotsavam — Vaikasi (May–June) Nammalvar Birth Celebrations How to Reach From Distance Route Tirunelveli ~35–39 km Bus / Taxi Thoothukudi ~29 km Bus / Taxi Tiruchendur ~28 km Bus / Taxi Srivaikuntam ~8–10 km Auto / Taxi Nearest Railway Station: Alwarthirunagari (~6 km) | Srivaikuntam (~10 km) Nearest Airport: Thoothukudi Airport (~40 km) Best Time to Visit: October – March | Festival Season — Vaikasi (May–June) Most Recent Posts All Posts Nava Tirupathi Temples Nearby Attractions Temples Stay Near Rettai Tirupathi North | Sri Aravindalochanar Temple, Thirutholaivillimangalam Thirupuliyangudi Perumal Temple Vijayasana Perumal Temple | Thiruvaragunamangai Explore More Category Nava Tirupathi Temples (4) Nearby Attractions (4) Temples (3) Tags Chandran Sthalam Homestay in Tirunelveli Homestay Near Kutralam Homestay Near Nava Tirupati Natham Temple Nava Kailayam Stay Nava Tirupati 2nd Temple Nava Tirupati Homestay Nava Tirupati Yatra Pilgrim Homestay TN Srivaikuntanathan Perumal Temple Stay Near Tiruchendur Temple Stay Tamil Nadu Thirukolur Accommodation Thirupuliyangudi Perumal Temple, Thiruvaragunamangai Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple Vijayasana Perumal Temple,