Lakshmi Narayanar Arugankulam

Vaishnavite Temples, Tirunelveli District

God

Lakshmi Narayanar, facing east

Goddess

Mahalakshmi with main deity, facing east

Other Deities

Jatayu

Lakshmi Narayanar Arugankulam is a beautiful little east-facing temple situated practically on top of a stream that drains into the nearby Tamiraparani River. The temple itself is situated on top of a Theertham well with a single pillar supporting the sanctum sanctorum above. Surrounded by trees this is a beautiful place to spend some peaceful time. There are three Theerthams here as you circumambulate the sanctum. Devotees can take the water from each theertham in a bucket kept there and purify themselves before entering the sanctum. Unlike other temples here Jatayu is present instead of Garuda.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Rama Theertham, Jatayu Theertham, Siva Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Lakshmi Narayanar Arugankulam is a small and old temple that was destroyed by falling trees some time back. It has been reconstructed after that. The incidents and importance of the events of Arugankulam are mentioned in Tamiraparani Mahatmaeyam, Tirunelveli, and Kayathar Sthalapuranams. We came to know that in a place called Devghar in Bihar there is a section of a river called Ravana Theertham where there exists a stone inscription. In this inscription is mentioned the Theerthams of Arugankulam.

Legend

Lakshmi Narayanar Arugankulam is where Lord Rama is believed to have found Jatayu who was lying mortally injured by Raavana as he kidnapped Sita. Jatayu lamented that he could not see the Lord along with goddess Sita. For him, the Lord appeared as Lakshmi Narayana along with his consort Mahalakshmi seated on his lap. To quench the thirst of the dying Jatayu was created Rama Theertham, to give him salvation Jatayu Theertham was created. Siva Theertham was created by Lord Shiva who appeared there to bless Rama so that he may return back with Sita.

The name Arugankulam is believed to have come about from the ancient name of Dhoorva Thadagam. Dhoorva means Arugan Grass in Tamil. Since this grass was in plenty in this water-rich area the name came about.

Directions

Lakshmi Narayanar Arugankulam is about 5 kilometers northeast of Tirunelveli town. Lakshmi Narayanar Arugankulam can be reached from the north by-pass road by taking the immediate right after Tamiraparani bridge. Lakshmi Narayanar Arugankulam can also be reached from the bypass road coming from Kanyakumari by taking a left immediately after crossing the Tamiraparani bridge at a place called Naranammalpuram. There is a Shiva temple and Kaattu Ramar temple also nearby connected with the same legend as this temple.

Stay and Food

None locally. The closest is Tirunelveli.

Vaishnavite Temples

Lakshmi Narayanar, Arugankulam