BLOGS Stay Near Sri Mayakoothar Perumal Temple, Perungulam | Nava Tirupati 7th Temple — Shani Sthalam Nava Tirupathi Temples April 28, 2026 Sri Mayakoothar Perumal Temple   Sri Mayakoothar Perumal Temple, also known as Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, is one of the Nava Tirupati temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Perungulam along the Tiruchendur Tirunelveli route on the southern bank of the Thamiraparani River. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams revered by the 12 Alvar saints and is referred to as the Shani Sthalam  the sacred location for the planet deity Saturn. This is the 7th temple in the Nava Tirupati circuit a deeply powerful shrine where Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Mayakoothar, the divine dancer who triumphed over evil. The specialized day of worship here is Saturday, making it a particularly important temple for those seeking relief from Saturn’s astrological effects. For pilgrims completing the full Nava Tirupati Yatra, Ananta Vihara in Thirukolur  centrally located within the circuit  is the ideal homestay base. The presiding deity of the temple is Venkatavaanan  appearing in a standing posture resembling Lord Venkateswara of Tirupati, and hence also acknowledged as Srinivasa Perumal. The festival deity is hailed as Mayakoothar. The Thayars here are Alamelu Mangai and Kulandaivalli Thayar. The presiding deity is sported in a sitting posture with Sridevi and Bhudevi on either side. The images of Bhoodevi and Sridevi along with festival images are located inside the sanctum. Since Garuda helped Vishnu in the war, he is always sported carrying both Vishnu and Lakshmi. A particularly unique feature of this temple is the presence of a shrine for the Navagrahas — which is not common in Lord Vishnu temples. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, all the shrines of the temple are located within rectangular granite walls, pierced by a three-tiered gopuram. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.  The Legend How He Got the Name Mayakoothar A demon named Asumasara, with the wish of marrying a thousand women, captured Kumudhavalli and hid her in the Himalayas. While the demon was away on his mission, Lord Vishnu heard the prayers of the devoted Brahmin Vedhasaran and freed Kumudhavalli and the others. When the demon returned and came to know of this, he waged war with the Lord. Lord Vishnu assumed his Vishwaroopa, caught the demon by his legs, thrashed him to the ground, and danced on his head. Since the Lord danced on the demon, he came to be hailed as Mayakoothar — the divine dancer in Thirukulanthai (Perungulam). The Legend of Kamalavathi A Devotee’s Ultimate Wish Another legend tells of a childless couple who did penance here. Lord Vishnu blessed them with a daughter named Kamalavathi, who became an ardent devotee of Vishnu from a young age. Her only prayer was that Lord Vishnu should marry her. Impressed by her devotion and penance, Lord Vishnu appeared before her and accepted her onto his chest as a boon. Even today Kamalavathi can be seen on his bosom in the temple. The Legend of Garuda’s Ego When Lord Vishnu began his mission to rescue Kumudhavalli, he signalled Garuda to get ready. Garuda harboured the thought that the Lord was dependent on him. To subdue Garuda’s ego, the Lord carried Garuda on his own back and proceeded to the Himalayas. Garuda, ashamed of himself, surrendered at the Lord’s feet. Hence Thirukulanthai (Perungulam) is the place where Garuda’s ego was quelled making it a sacred site not just for devotees of Vishnu, but for all who seek humility and surrender. Navagraha Significance Shani Sthalam The Perungulam Temple is associated with Koorma Avatara (Tortoise incarnation of Vishnu) and the planet Shani (Saturn). Devotees visit on Shani Peyarchi day in large numbers to offer special prayers. The temple is associated with the planet Saturn (Shani) in the Nava Tirupati series, and devotees visit the temple to seek relief from the adverse effects of Shani in their horoscopes. Devotees pray here for: Relief from Shani (Saturn) dosha Career success and job stability Protection from delays and obstacles in life Fulfillment of wishes and desires Blessings for childless couples Relief from ancestral curses Special Day: Prayers on Saturday and Shani Peyarchi days are considered extremely powerful here. Temple Open Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Timings may vary — confirm before visiting) Major Festivals During the Garuda Sevai Utsavam in May–June, the nine idols of Nava Tirupati are brought out together — a spectacular sight watched by thousands of devotees. During the Panguni month (March–April), festivities are observed for eleven days in a grand manner. The most important festival in the temple is observed in the Vaikasi month (May–June), when murtis from all nine Nava Tirupati temples assemble in one location.  Other key festivals: Vaikuntha Ekadashi — December–January Shani Peyarchi Special Puja — every 2.5 years Brahmotsavam — Vaikasi (May–June) Panguni Utsavam — March–April (11 days) How to Reach From Distance Route Tirunelveli ~42 km Bus / Taxi Alwarthirunagari ~5 km Bus / Taxi Tiruchendur ~28 km Bus / Taxi Srivaikuntam ~15 km Auto / Taxi Nearest Railway Station: Srivaikuntam (~12 km) Nearest Airport: Thoothukudi Airport (~35 km) Bus Route: Buses available from Tirunelveli and Tiruchendur via Srivaikuntam Best Time to Visit: October – March | Saturday visits | Shani Peyarchi days | Panguni Utsavam (March–April) Most Recent Posts All Posts Nava Tirupathi Temples Nearby Attractions Temples Stay Near Sri Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Perumal Temple, Thenthiruperai | Nava Tirupati Shukra (Venus) Sthalam Stay Near Sri Mayakoothar Perumal Temple, Perungulam | Nava Tirupati 7th Temple Shani Sthalam Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Rettai Tirupathi South) | Devapiran Temple, Thirutholaivillimangalam Explore More Category Nava Tirupathi Temples (7) Nearby Attractions (4) Temples (3) Tags Chandran Sthalam Devapiran Temple Homestay in Tirunelveli Homestay Near Kutralam Homestay Near Nava Tirupati Irattai Tirupathi Natham Temple Nava Kailayam Stay Nava Tirupati 2nd Temple Nava Tirupati Homestay Nava Tirupati Yatra Pilgrim Homestay TN Rahu Sthalam Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple Srivaikuntanathan