Sunday, July 3, 2016

Devapiran Temple, (Irattai Tirupati Temple), Tholavillimangalam, Thoothukudi – The Temple

Devapiran Temple, (Irattai Tirupati Temple), Tholavillimangalam, Thoothukudi – The Temple
The temple occupies an area of 5 acres (2.0 ha) and is surrounded by a granite wall 580 ft. (180 m) long and 396 ft. (121 m) broad. Unlike other South Indian temples, the temple does not have a Rajagopuram, the temple's gateway tower. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines and two of its three bodies of water. The sanctum houses the image of Devapiran in standing posture. The image is made of Saligrama stone and ablution is usually done with milk. The temple represents Ketu in the nava graha Kshetrams.





The hall preceding the sanctum, the Artha Mandapam houses the festival image of Kallapiran made of panchaloha with the images of Sridevi and Bhudevi on either of his sides. It is believed that the sculptor caressed the cheeks of the image with his hand as he got enchanted by the image and it is seen in the image. The Ardha mandapa is guarded by two Dvarapalas on either side.





There are two shrines for the two consorts of Vishnu, Caikunta Nayaki and Chorantha Nayaki, both facing each other. There are separate shrines for Senai Mudaliyar, Garuda, Venugopala, Manavalamamunigal and Yoga Narasimha. There is another shrine that houses the images of the ten avatars of Vishnu, the Dasavatharam.





The temple has five precincts. The Mahamandapa and the Swarga Mandapa are believed to be later additions. The Dwajasthambam mandapa has pillars with refined architectural features. The temple maintains an elephant, which is housed in the hall close to the temple flagstaff.