Irattai Thiruppathy

Irattai Tirupati Temple refers to two temples of the Nava Tirupati, namely Devapiran temple and Aravindalochanar temple dedicated to Vishnu located in Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route, Tamil Nadu, India in the banks of Thamiraparani river. All these 9 temples are classified as “Divya Desams”, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints Alvars. The two temples are located adjacent to each other. All these 9 temples of the Nava Tirupati are also classified as “Divya Desams”, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet-saints called the Alvars. The Irattai Tirupati is a Ketu Sthalam, sacred to the deity Ketu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temples are dedicated to Vishnu who is worshipped as Devapiran and Aravindalochanar and Lakshmi as Varagunavalli and Karuthadankanni.

A granite wall surrounds both the temples, enclosing all their shrines. The rajagopuram, the temple’s gateway tower has a flat structure. The temples follows Tenkalai tradition of worship. Six daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temples, of which the ten-day annual Vaikuntha Ekadashi during the Tamil month of Margali (December – January) and the Nammalvar birth celebrations with Garudasevai with all nine temple of Nava Tirupati, being the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Legend

As per the regional legend, the place finds mention in Brahmanda Purana and Padma Purana where it is called Kedara Nilaya. Once, a sage named Suprabha wanted to perform a penance and in his search for land, he ploughed at this place. He found a balance (tola) and a bow (vil), which, when he lifted, turned into a couple. The couple had been cursed by Kubera once for insulting him. Since the bow and balance were redeemed to their original form, the place is called Tolavillimangalam. The sage Suprabha continued to perform penance, at the end of which, the devas received the share of offering (Havibhaga). Vishnu was pleased by the devotion of the sage and since he appeared with devas, he came to be known as Devapiran. The sage continued to perform penance at this temple and while walking down the river with lotus pond, he found Vishnu following him. At the request of the sage, Vishnu resided in this place as Aravindalochanar (the one who appeared from lotuses). As per another legend, the Ashvins wanted the share of the offerings made by men. They prayed to Brahma who redirected them to pray at this place. The twins came to the place and performed penance at this place. They had a dip in the tank, which came to be known as Ashvini Tirtha. Vishnu appeared to them bearing lotus flowers in his had and granted their wishes.