Sri Adinatha Swamy Temple (Azhwar Thirunagari Temple / Kurugur Nambi Temple) Tamil Nadu
Sri Adinatha Swamy Temple, also known as Azhwar Thirunagari Temple or Kurugur Nambi Temple, is located in Alwarthirunagari, a small town in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, on the banks of the sacred Tamirabarani River. This place is one of the most important centers for Vaishnavism and is one of the 108 Divya Desams praised in the hymns of the Alwars.
The temple is believed to be over 1000 years old, with references dating back to the early medieval Chola period. It has received contributions and renovations from Pandya, Chola, and Nayak kings. The site itself is considered eternal, as it is the birthplace of the great saint Nammalvar (9th century), one of the twelve Alwars.
Deity Details
Lord Vishnu is worshipped here as Adinatha Swamy / Aadi Nathar / Azhagiya Nambi. He is seen in a standing posture, blessing devotees along with his consort Goddess Adinathavalli Thayar.
The temple is unique because it houses the shrine of Nammalvar, the saint-poet, who is regarded as an incarnation of Vishnu’s discus (Sudarshana Chakra). His shrine is considered as important as the main sanctum.
Architecture
The temple follows Dravidian style architecture, with a tall five-tiered Rajagopuram (gateway tower). Inside the complex, you can see large mandapams, beautifully carved pillars, and separate shrines for Nammalvar and Thayar. The temple’s layout follows the classic Vaishnava Agama principles. The Tamirabarani River flowing nearby adds to the sanctity, and devotees often take a holy dip before entering.
History
This temple has been an important spiritual center for centuries. It is famous as the birthplace of Nammalvar, one of the greatest Alwar saints, who composed nearly one-fourth of the 4,000 Divya Prabandham hymns while staying here in meditation. Historical records show that Chola and Pandya rulers supported the temple, donating land and wealth for its upkeep. Later, the Vijayanagar and Nayak kings also contributed to its expansion.
Sthalapurana
Long ago, the region of Kurugur (present-day Alwarthirunagari) on the banks of the sacred Tamirabarani River was a place of intense penance and worship. Sages performed yagnas (sacrificial rituals) here, seeking Lord Vishnu’s blessings. Pleased with their devotion, Lord Vishnu manifested here as Adinatha Swamy (the Primordial Lord) to bless them and promised to stay eternally at this holy place for the upliftment of mankind.
The most important part of the temple’s Sthalapurana is about Nammalvar, one of the twelve Alwars. He was born in this very place around the 9th century CE, under a tamarind tree within the temple precincts. Local legends say that he was no ordinary child—he did not cry, speak, eat, or move after birth. Recognizing his divine nature, his parents left him under the tamarind tree near the temple tank, where he remained in deep yogic meditation for 16 years.
This tamarind tree is considered extremely sacred and is worshipped even today inside the temple. It is believed that Lord Vishnu himself resided in the heart of Nammalvar, guiding him spiritually.
This tamarind tree is considered extremely sacred and is worshipped even today inside the temple. It is believed that Lord Vishnu himself resided in the heart of Nammalvar, guiding him spiritually.
The Sthalapurana also says that Kurugur is one of the places where Lord Vishnu chose to dwell permanently to bless his devotees. That is why he is worshipped here as Adinatha Swamy (the Primordial Lord), standing in a benevolent form. Devotees believe that worshipping here grants them moksha (liberation) because of the combined grace of Adinatha Swamy and Nammalvar.
Festivals
Sri Adinatha Swamy Temple at Azhwar Thirunagari celebrates several important Vaishnava festivals with great devotion. The most famous is the Vaikasi Garuda Sevai, where the festival deities from all the nine Nava Tirupathi temples are brought together on Garuda Vahanam, and Nammalvar’s idol is taken in procession, with his hymns sung in front of each deity. Another major festival is Vaikasi Visakam, marking the birth star of Nammalvar, celebrated with special rituals and recitations. The temple also observes Vaikuntha Ekadasi, Brahmotsavam, Krishna Jayanthi, Deepavali, and the Tamil New Year, all with colorful processions, music, and Vedic chanting, attracting thousands of devotees.
