BLOGS Sri Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy Perumal Temple Nearby Attractions, Temples May 19, 2026 Sri Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy Perumal Temple Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy Temple is one of the best examples of Nayak architecture in Tamil Nadu, built over an area of 1.8 acres and revered for its 17th and 18th century carvings. Prayers offered here are considered equal to prayers offered in Tirupati.   Located 13 km east of Tirunelveli on the Tiruchendur highway, the Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy Temple is one that has not caught much of devotees’ attention despite boasting one of the best art and sculpture collections that can be seen in any temple in Tamil Nadu.   Often called the South Tirupati of the region, this magnificent temple is an under-celebrated treasure of Tirunelveli district where the blessings of Lord Venkatachalapathy (Lord Vishnu) are believed to be as powerful as those at the famous Tirupati Devasthanam in Andhra Pradesh. For pilgrims and travellers visiting this sacred shrine, Ananta Vihara in Thirukolur just ~20 km away is the most comfortable and conveniently located homestay base. The sanctum houses the vigraham of Lord Venkatachalapathy in a standing posture. The four-feet-tall vigraham is made of granite and has four arms the Lord holds a Conch and Chakra in two hands, while the other two have Abayamudra and Kadahasta. The vigrahams of Goddess Sridevi and Goddess Bhudevi are located on either side. There is a separate shrine for Goddess Alarmael Mangai.  The temple occupies an area of 1.8 acres and is surrounded by granite walls. The temple originally had three precincts but at present has two. The five-tiered Rajagopuram is 110 ft. tall a magnificent landmark visible from the Tiruchendur highway.  The rituals followed here include soothing Vedic chants by the saints four times a day, following the Thenkalai tradition of worship along with other Vaishnavite festivals.  There are 42 sculptures in the temple, each just as stunning as the others making it one of the finest sculptural galleries in any Tamil Nadu temple.  The Meaning Why “Krishnapuram”? The temple dates back to the 9th Century AD and is said to have been built by Sadasiva Nayakar. Krishna Nayakar is said to have renovated the temple in the 16th century  and hence the name “Krishna” puram.   The village was originally named Thiruvenkatapuram and got changed to Krishnapuram during the rule of Krishnappa Nayak History Built by the Madurai Nayak Dynasty It is understood from the inscriptions that the temple was built by Krishnappa Nayak (1563–72), the son of Viswanatha Nayak  the founder of the Madurai Nayak dynasty. Krishnappa is attributed to the construction of the precincts around the temple and the soaring temple tower. The copper plates from Sadasiva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire indicate grants to light lamps perpetually and lay gardens. There were six villages dedicated to allow the continuous functioning of the temple. Krishnappa Nayak also laid four streets around the temple for the smooth passing of the temple car. The villages Ariyakulam, Kodikulam, Kuthukaval, Puthaneri, Pottukalam, Sriramakulam, and Alikudi were donated to the temple for the performance of daily poojas. An Agraharam with housing for 108 Brahmin families well-versed in Vedas and agamas was established. Deivachillayar  Mayilerum Perumal  the son-in-law of the minister of Viswanatha, played a key role in the construction of the temple. The village was originally administered as a sub-temple of Ramaswamy Temple of Tirunelveli, came under the administration of Nellaippar Temple from 1973, and under the dominion of Tiruchendur Devastanam from 1986. The Legend — Lord Srinivasa Chose to Stay Here Lord Srinivasa appeared and agreed to stay here with Sridevi and Bhoodevi forever. Twelve Rishis and poets known as Azhwars wanted to be here always at the feet of the Lord  the twelve steps leading to the Sanctum of the Lord are represented by them. Prayers offered here are considered equal to prayers offered at Tirupati. This profound legend makes Krishnapuram one of those rare temples where Lord Vishnu himself chose to permanently reside — making every darshan here extraordinarily powerful and meritorious! The Unique 42 Sculptures — A Gallery of Nayak Mastery Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is a storehouse of Nayak architecture. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines. The temple has a five-tiered Rajagopuram the temple’s gateway tower. The Vijayanagar and Nayak kings commissioned pillared halls and major shrines of the temple during the 16th century. The temple is one of the best examples of Nayak architecture and is revered for its 17th and 18th century carvings  a sculptural heritage that rivals even the famous temples of Madurai and Thanjavur. Major Festivals The most important festival is the 10-day annual Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrated in December–January. On this sacred day, the Vaikunta Dwaram the gate to the Lord’s inner sanctum  is opened, and devotees believe that passing through it grants them entry into Vaikuntam Lord Vishnu’s divine abode.  Other key festivals: Vaikuntha Ekadashi — December–January (10 days — most grand) Brahmotsavam — Tamil month Chittirai (April–May) Sri Rama Navami — March–April Panguni Uthiram — March–April (Thirukalyanam) Aadi Pooram — July–August Temple Car Festival — grand chariot procession through four streets How to Reach From Distance Mode Tirunelveli ~13 km Bus / Taxi Thoothukudi ~45 km Bus / Taxi Tiruchendur ~45 km Bus / Taxi Srivaikuntam ~20 km Taxi Ananta Vihara, Thirukolur ~20 km Taxi / Own vehicle Nearest Railway Station: Seydunganallur (~5 km) | Tirunelveli Junction (~13 km) Bus Route: All buses from Tirunelveli to Tiruchendur on the highway stop at Krishnapuram Best Time to Visit: November – February | Vaikuntha Ekadashi (December–January) Most Recent Posts All Posts Nava Kailasam Temples Nava Tirupathi Temples Nearby Attractions Temples Stay Near Papanasam | Nature, Temples & Peaceful Getaway | Ananta Vihara, Thirukolur Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) Complete Travel Guide | Stay Near Ananta Vihara Manapad |The Hidden Coastal Gem Near Tiruchendur | Travel Guide & Homestay Explore More Category Nava Kailasam Temples (9) Nava Tirupathi Temples (9) Nearby Attractions (7) Temples (5) Tags Adhinatha Perumal Temple Agasthiyar Falls Agasthiyar Falls Papanasam Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve Alwarthirunagari