Nallathangal Temple, Vathirairuppu (Watrap), Virudhunagar

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.