Sri Vaikundanatha Perumal Temple , Thiruvaikuntham (Srivaikuntam)
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📍 Thiruvaikuntham (Sri Vaikundam), Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu
National SignificanceThe 72nd Divya Desam at Srivaikundam is the foremost of the Nava Tirupathi cluster (Surya Sthalam), where the sun's rays directly illuminate the sanctum twice a year and the Lord manifested as a thief (Kallapiran) to redeem a penitent burglar.
🕒 Practical Information
🕉️ Spiritual Details
Sri Vaikundanatha Perumal / Kallapiran (Nindra Kolam)
Moolavar: Sri Vaikundanathan (Nindra Kolam / Standing posture facing East holding club/Gada with Adisesha unfurling His umbrella hood over the Lord); Utsavar: Kallapiran; Thayar: Vaikundavalli (Bhoodevi) Thayar; Vimanam: Chandra Vimanam; Theertham: Thamirabarani River, Bhrigu Theertham; Pratyaksham: Surya (Sun God), Sage Bhrigu, Thief Kaladhooshaka.
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Vaikundanatha Perumal / Kallapiran (Nindra Kolam)
Thiruvaikuntham (Sri Vaikundam), Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu
Srivaikuntam, Tamil Nadu 628601
Spiritual Highlights
UNVERIFIED
Twice a year during Uttarayana and Dakshinayana transits, the morning sun rays enter through the gopurams to directly illuminate the feet of Vaikundanatha.
Offering prayers on Sundays for Surya dosha relief, participating in the Nava Tirupati circuit.
UNVERIFIED
About Sri Vaikundanatha Perumal Temple , Thiruvaikuntham (Srivaikuntam)
Sri Vaikundanatha Perumal Temple in Srivaikundam, Thoothukudi district on the banks of the sacred Thamirabarani river, Tamil Nadu, is the 72nd Divya Desam. Celebrated in 2 pasurams by Nammazhwar, it is the 1st temple of the Nava Tirupathi (the Nine Sacred Tirupathis of Tirunelveli), astronomically dedicated to Surya Bhagavan (the Sun God).
According to the sthala puranam, a thief named Kaladhooshaka was devoted to Lord Vaikundanatha, offering half of his stolen wealth to the temple and using the rest for charity. When caught by the king's guards, the thief prayed desperately to Vishnu. Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Kaladhooshaka, appeared in the royal court, and preached the highest nuances of Rajadharma and karma to the king. When the Lord revealed His cosmic form, both king and thief fell prostrate in tears. Hence, the Utsavar is lovingly hailed as Kallapiran (the Divine Lord who became a Thief to save a devotee).
An astronomical wonder occurs twice every year on the 6th day of Chithirai (April) and Aippasi (October): the early morning rays of the rising Sun travel straight through the ornate corridors and fall directly upon the lotus feet of the Moolavar. People suffering from ocular issues, heart ailments, and Pitru Doshas offer worship at this premier Surya Parihara kshetram.
Architecture & Heritage
Dravidian Pandya Architecture (Early Pandya dynasty stone structure (9th century CE) with Vijayanagara expansions)
Chandravimanam, 110-foot five-tier Rajagopuram, Tamraparani riverfront location, pillared hall adorned with sculpted yalis and warriors.
Stone sculpture depicting Adisesha spreading his hoods as an umbrella over the standing moolavar.
Rituals & Traditions
Four daily kalas per Vaikanasa tradition; special morning deepa aradhana when sun rays illuminate the sanctum.
Nava Tirupati Garuda Sevai during Vaikasi Visakam, when Nammalvar is carried to all nine temples.
Ven Pongal, Puliyodarai, Theertham.
Visitor Guidelines
Traditional ethnic wear: Dhoti/Kurta for men; Saree or Salwar with Dupatta for women.
Level stone praharams with ramp at temple entryway; easily accessible for elderly devotees and wheelchairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Vaikundanatha Perumal / Kallapiran (Nindra Kolam)
Vaikundavalli Thayar Sannidhi, Surya Bhagavan (Sun God) Planetary Shrine, Adisesha Chhatra (Inside Sanctum), Chakrathazhwar & Yoga Narasimha Sannidhi, Sri Ramanuja Sannidhi, Nammazhwar Sannidhi, Garudazhwar Sannidhi
Thiruvaikuntham (Sri Vaikundam), Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu
Srivaikuntam, Tamil Nadu 628601
How to Reach
Tuticorin Airport (TCR) (approx 22 km)
Srivaikuntam Railway Station (SVV) (approx 1.5 km)
Srivaikuntam Bus Stand (approx 0.5 km)
