Sri Sowriraja Perumal Temple , Thirukkannapuram ✓

Sri Sowriraja Perumal Temple in Thirukkannapuram, near Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, is the 33rd Divya Desam. It is universally venerated as one of the greatest Vaishnava kshetras in India, celebrated in 128 pasurams by five Alvars—Periyalvar, Andal, Kulasekhara Alvar, Nammazhwar, and Thirumangai Alvar. In Sri Vaishnava theology, Thirukkannapuram is equivalent to Srirangam and is hailed as the embodiment of the sacred Ashtakshara Mantra (Om Namo Narayanaya).

The title Sowrirajan (Lord with a lock of hair) stems from a famous historical miracle. The Chola king visited the temple late one night and asked the priest Rangabhattar for a garland. Having already placed the Lord's garland on his own wife, the panicked priest gave it to the king. Finding a long strand of woman's hair in the garland, the furious king demanded an explanation, threatening execution. Devoutly trusting the Lord, the priest blurted out that Lord Vishnu naturally had long locks of hair! When the king returned next morning to inspect the idol, Lord Vishnu miraculously manifested a long, luxurious braid of real hair (Sowri) down His neck, saving His devotee's life.

A unique, awe-inspiring festival occurs here on every Amavasya (new moon) day: the Utsavar Lord Sowrirajan turns toward the southern ocean and walks out with Vibhishana, re-enacting the timeless promise made to Vibhishana that He would grant him the walking darshan of Srirangam here.