Nava Tirupati: Bhagawan Vishnu With Nava Grahas (Part 2)

Thirupuliyangudi Perumal Temple

Thirupuliyangudi Perumal Temple, associated with Budha Graha located in Thirupuliyangudi of Tuticorin district, 1 km east of Natham. The temple has Dravidian architecture. Lord Vishnu is here as Sri Kaisina Vendhan Perumal and Laxmi as Malarmagal. Perumal is in a lying posture (Bhujanga Shayanam) facing east, using a vessel as a pillow. Lord Brahma is seated on a lotus stalking from Lord Vishnu’s navel.

When Vishnu and Laxmi were on the river banks, Bhoomadevi felt disregarded and went , leaving the earth dark and dry. Then, Vishnu and Laxmi went netherworld to pacify Bhoomadevi, both of them appeared on earth with Vishnu, and the earth was prosperous again.

Once, Indra killed a Rishi and had Brahmahatti Dosha (Brahamhatya- killed Brahman). To get rid of the dosha, he prayed to Lord Perumal and was free from the dosha. Yagansharma was cursed to become a demon, as he disrespected Vashishtha and his daughter and was relieved of Lord Vishnu’s curse.

Alwarthirunagari Perumal Temple

Alwar Thirunagari Perumal Temple, located in Alwar Thirunagari of Thoothukudi district, about 26 km from Tirunelveli, is a Nava Tirupati associated with Guru (Jupiter) of the Navagraha. . Here, Lord Vishnu is in the form of Sri Aadinatha and Laxmi as Aadinathanayaki or Thirukuroornayaki. Guru Graha is responsible for the learning abilities of a person, memory power, social status, advising to all, teaching skills, discipline, gold, treasure, money, holy place, Justice.

The statue of Vishnu is believed to be Swayambhu, whose feet are in the ground facing east. The place is also known as Dhantha Kshetra, Varaha Kshetra, Sesha Kshetra, and Thirtha Kshetra. The place is also called Thirukuroor and is the birthplace of Nammalvar.

There is a very old tamarind(imli) tree in the temple which itself is a good attraction. The sculpting done in the temples are also very beautiful and precise to look at.

Sri Makar Nedunkazhai Kannan Temple

Sri Makar Nedunkazhai Kannan Temple, located in Thenthirupperai of Tuticorin district, is associated with Shukra (Venus) of the Navagraha. Shukra is believed to be responsible for relationships. Here, Vishnu is in the form of Makar Nedunkazhai Kannan and Laxmi as Kuzhaikudavalli. The temple has a Dravidian-style architecture, and the Perumal blesses his devotees from the Badra Vimaana tower under the sanctum Santorum.

Bhoodevi chanted the mantra taught by Durvasa Rishi to please Lord Vishnu. While coming out of the sacred River Thamiraparani, she found two fish-shaped earrings and offered them to Perumal on a Panguni Poornima day. Varuna, God of Rains, performed penance on Perumal in this temple to cleanse himself of his disrespectful behavior against Vashishtha and his daughter at the advice of Guru.