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,