Nallathangal Temple, Vathirairuppu (Watrap), Virudhunagar
Nallathangal
Temple is located in the village named Vatrayiruppu, in the small town
Srivilliputhur, in the district of Virudhunagar, in the state of Tamilnadu. It
is the one and only temple in the state that is largely dedicated to Lord
Nallathangal. This temple is about 1000 years old. The presiding deity of this
temple is Nallathangal. The important festivals of this temple are Navarathri
in September-October. Tamil New Year, Deepavali, Pongal, all the days of
Poornima and Amavasya celebrate in grand manner.
This
temple is kept open continuously from early morning to evening without a break
for Lord’s Darshan for the devotees. Vatrayiruppu is a place of perennial water
sources and fertile green fields in Srivilliputhur Taluk in Virudhunagar
district. The place is fertile with paddy fields, sugarcane and coconut
cultivation and is praised as Kutti Kerela. Arjuna River is the
life line of the place.
Legends
Nallathangal
was a resident of Vatrayiruppu. Nallathambi was her elder brother
hailing from an agricultural family noted for their high qualities. Nallathangal
was married to one Kasirajan of Madurai. Nallathangal became mother
of seven children. Madurai was then under severe famine. She had to
come to Vatrayiruppu seeking the help of brother Nallathambi. He was not
available in the house then. His wife ignored her and did not
receive her.
She only
gave them an old earthen pot, wet woods and a cup unfit for
use. However, she was able to light the oven with her power of
chastity, cooked food and managed hunger. Yet, unable to manage the
situation, she took the extreme decision and committed suicide by falling into
a well with all her children. On his return, Nallathambi came to know the
tragic events, killed his wife for her cruelty and stabbed himself
fatally.
Nallathangal
was a devout woman. Lord and Mother appeared before the brother and sister and
blessed them with life again. Nallathangal begged God to have them at their
feet and not return them to earth. The Lord said that the time will come
soon and asked her to protect people till then. The temple was built for both
sister and the brother. The children are also here in the form of idols.
Temple
Opening Time
The
temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. continuously.
Prayers
Seeking
child boon and welfare of children, devotees place cradles made of lime before
the Goddess and Children shrine in the temple. Realizing their wishes, devotees
offer tonsuring and name the children Nallathangal and Nallathambi.
Connectivity
Watrap town
is very well connected by rail, road and air. The temple is located in Watrap
Town. The nearest railway station is Srivilliputtur. There are several passenger trains from Madurai to Srivilliputtur. The Pothigai
Express is a daily train
from Chennai Egmore to Senkottai that reaches Srivilliputtur at 6.13 in the
morning. From Srivilliputtur you can take a local bus to Watrap.
Watrap
Town is connected from NH 208 around 10 km (From Krishnan Kovil) and
17 km (from Alagapuri Village) and there are plenty of buses are operated
to and from Madurai, Srivilliputhur, Virudhunagar, Kovilpatti, Sivakasi and
Theni. The nearest Airport is Madurai (72 km) and there are plenty of
Local Taxi Operators are operating the taxis to Madurai Airport for Pickup and
Drop facility.