Aravindalochanar Perumal Temple (Irattai Tirupati
Temple), Tholavillimangalam, Thoothukudi – The Temple
The
exact history of the temple is not known, but it is understood from the
neighbouring inscriptions, the temple has been a part of a series of temples
built by Pandyas and expanded by Madurai
Nayaks. The temple occupies an
area of 1 acre (0.40 ha) and is surrounded by a granite wall.
The Rajagopuram, the temple's gateway tower, is a flat structure,
unlike other South Indian temples, which have a conical elevated structure. A
granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines and halls. The
sanctum houses the image of Aravindalochanar facing east. The image is made
of Saligrama stone.
The hall
preceding the sanctum, the Artha Mandapam houses the festival image of Aravindalochanar
with the images of Sridevi and Bhudevi on either of his sides. The Mahamandapa
has shrines for Senai Mudaliyar, Garuda, Venugopala, Manavalamamunigal and
Azhwars. The temple is situated in a thick forest. Lord Vishnu graces in the
temple under the Gupta Vimana (tower) in the sanctum Sanctorum.
Moolavar: Aravinda Lochanar or Senthamarai Kannan
Thayar: Karunthadankanni
Pushkarani: Varuna theertham, Thamiraparani
Vimanam: Kumudha Vimaanam
Mangalasasanam: Nammalvar, Manavala Mamunigal
