Thirupathisaaram

108 Divya Desam, Kanyakumari District

God

Thirukuralappan (also called Thiruvazhmaarban), facing east

Goddess

Kamalavalli Naachiyar (facing east)

Other Deities

Garuda, Anjaneya, Ganesha, Vishwaksena, Nataraja, Kotanda Rama, Nammazhwar

Thirupathisaaram is a beautiful temple situated in a hilly backdrop, in front of which is the large temple pond. There are two Prakarams. An intricately carved temple car is stationed outside the east facing gateway. The deity is about 7 feet tall and is made of a paste of Mustard and Jaggery, hence no ablution is performed. No separate shrine for the goddess as she is believed to be enshrined in the Lord’s heart here at Thirupathisaaram. The shrine of Kothandarama is on the left as you enter the Sanctum Sanctorum. Lord Rama is 6 feet tall and is seen with Lakshmana and Sita on either side, Anjaneya and Vibeeshana on his right, King Kulasekara Azhwar and Sage Agastya on his left. There are two Garuda’s here at Thirupathisaaram, one for the main deity and one for Lord Rama. There are also many beautiful carved pillars around in the Mantapams. A river called Pazhayar runs a little way behind the temple.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Lakshmi Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

Vimaanam – Indrakalyana Vimaanam

History

Thirupathisaaram is the birthplace of Udaya Nayaki who is the mother of Nammazhwar (7th Century CE). Nammazhwar has sung hymns for the Lord here. King Kulasekhara and Thirumalai Nayak have carried out renovations for the Thirupathisaaram temple. The Temple tank’s entrance features were constructed in 1106 CE as mentioned here.

Legend

On the request of Prahlada, the goddess is believed to have merged with the heart of the Lord here when he came back in an angry form after killing Hiranyakashipu and hence he is called Thiruvazhmarban (Maarbu means heart in Tamil) here at Thirupathisaaram. Garuda, Kaali, Udaya Nayaki and others are believed to have worshiped the lord here and been blessed by his Darshan here at Thirupathisaaram.

Directions

Thirupathisaaram is about 3.5 kilometers northeast of Nagercoil. Regular town buses are available to reach the temple which is open from 6.00 am to 10.00 am and 5.00 pm till 8.00 pm normally.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest is Nagercoil.

108 Divya Desams