Friday, March 3, 2017

Vanniyappar Temple, Alwarkurichi, Thirunelveli

Vanniyappar Temple, Alwarkurichi, Thirunelveli
Vanniyappar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located in Alwarkurichi Village in Thirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. This temple is nearly 1000 years old. The environment of the temple is too peaceful and pleasant for Siddhas and to those performing meditation. The Temple was believed to be built by Pandya King Maravarman Sundarapandyan at the banks of Rama Nadhi. This temple was the third largest after Papanasam (Thirunelveli) and Tenkasi Kasi Vishwanathar temple and spread out in nearly one acre. Presiding Deity is called as Vanniyappar (Agneeswarar) and Mother is called as Sivakama Sundari. Theertham is Agni Theertham and Sthala Vriksham is Vanni Tree.



Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
History
Agni Theertham is the original place where Agneeswara (Vanniyappar) had existed. Later, the idol was moved to current place amidst Vanni gorve by Sri Vijayendra Bhupathy Mudaliar and built a temple around it. Hence, he is placed amidst Vanni Grove. He came to be called as Vanneeswara.


The Temple
For brief details, please refer below link;
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Festivals
Maha Shivaratri in February-March; Margazhi Thiruvadirai in December-January; Panguni Uthiram in March-April and Tirukarthikai in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
Devotees worship Goddess Kalyanambal to get rid of marriage obstacles. Devotees worship Garbarakshambigai for Child boon. Devotees suffer from Rahu Dosham, Kethu Dosham and Kalasarpa Dosham will worship respective gods in this Temple.
An Ambica, in a pregnant posture appears in a pillar in the mandapam opposite the Lord’s shrine. Women perform abishek to her praying for safe delivery of the child. Women seeking child boon also worship here. Virgins expecting to be married soon pray to Lord Vanniyappar and Mother Sivakama Sundari. Devotees perform abishek and archanas to Lord and Mother.
Contact
Sri Vanniyappar Temple,
Alwarkurichi, Thirunelveli District
Phone: +91 – 4634 – 283 058
Mobile: +91 97904 01895 / 96599 66003 / 96981 76089
Connectivity
Alwarkurichi is located at about 14 Kms from Ambasamudram, 24 Kms from Tenkasi, 11 Kms from Papanasam, 24 Kms from Veeravanallur, 60 Kms from Thirunelveli, 130 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 200 Kms from Madurai. Buses plying from Thirunelveli to Tenkasi stop at Alwarkurichi. Nearest Railway stations are located at Tenkasi, Veeravanallur and Ambasamudram. Nearest Airport is located at Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.  

References