Vaikuntapathi Perumal Thoothukudi

Vaikuntapathi Perumal, Thoothukudi

Vaishnavite Temples - Thoothukudi

God

Vaikunta Perumal, facing east

Goddess

Mahalakshmi, facing east

Other Deities

Garudan, Anjaneya, Aandal, Chakrathazhwar

Vaikuntapathi Perumal Thoothukudi is a small east-facing temple with a single Prakaram housing the sanctum and the shrines. The entrance is through a gate in the east. The temple is adjoining a Shiva Temple and both are interconnected. A temple tank is present a little away on the northeast side of the temple.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No information

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Vaikuntapathi Perumal Thoothukudi is said to be an old temple going back to the later Pandyas who ruled these parts. Historical information is not available as of now. Some years back before the renovation was taken up the temple was inspected by the archaeology department and declared to be without any inscriptions.

Legend

Vaikuntapathi Perumal Thoothukudi is believed to have been built by a Pandya King called Shankara Rama Pandyan who ruled from Kayathar. He had no progeny and prayed to the Lord. He was told to go to Rameswaram and on the way recover a Lingam worshiped by Sage Kashyapa in a location that will be identified by a circling Garuda (Brahminy Kite). He did so and recovered the Lingam and built a temple. He is also believed to have built Vaikuntapathi Perumal Thoothukudi.

Anjaneya is believed to have taken off to Sri Lanka as a messenger (Dhoota) from here and hence the name of the place was Dhoot Kudi which later became Thoothukudi. The pilgrims who walk all the way from other places to Tiruchendur through Thoothukudi pass through this temple. The pathway for them is nicely done through the town and well maintained in various places.

Directions

Vaikuntapathi Perumal Thoothukudi is in the center of town and not very difficult to locate. The surrounding areas are is a one-way traffic road and you may have to work out accordingly. Parking is difficult. There is a large area on the western side, but this gate is kept closed.

Stay and Food

Thoothukudi being a major town has many hotels and restaurants.

Vaishnavite Temples

Tamilnadu Temples