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.
