Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Nizhal Thangal, Attoor, Kanyakumari

Nizhal Thangal, Attoor, Kanyakumari
The Nizhal Thangal, Attoor is one among the few renowned Worship centers of Ayyavazhi in the western Kanyakumari. It is also the second Thangal built in the Thamarai Thangal series only after the Nizhal Thangal of Nelli-Ninra Vilai, and the first ever Temple built with the Sahasrara architecture.



History
Though this Thangal was built in 1988, the new structure with Sahasrara architecture was built recently. The foundation stone for the new structure was laid in 2005 by Bala Prajapathi Adikalar and was inaugurated by him on 23 April 2007.



Architecture
This is one of the Nizhal Thangals in Kanyakumari district (west) built in 'Lotus architecture'(Sahasrara). It's top-roof is covered by 1008 lotus petals. The Thangal was constructed facing the geographic east and daily Panividais are conducted here twice (5.00 am and 5.00 pm) and Ucchi-Panividais are conducted on every Sundays at 12.00 noon. The newly built structure was inaugurated on 23rd April 2007 by Bala Prajapathi Adikalar, the present Pattathu Ayya of Swamithoppu Pathi.



Festivals
Thiru Edu-Vasippu is the main festival conducted here. The festival includes a celebration for 10 days starting from the second Friday of the Tamil month of Chithirai (April/May) every year. The 15141 verses of holy text Akilathirattu Ammanai is ceremonially recited during the 10 festival days. Religious conferences are also held every year. Ayya Vaikunda Avatharam is the second most popular festival which is held usually on the 18th of the Tamil month of Masi. Special Panividais are conducted and Annual celebration of the Akila-Ara Patasalai (spiritual schools) are held along with the Masi Celebration. Other festivals including ThirukarthigaiDiwali etc. are also celebrated with high fervor.
Connectivity
Nizhal Thangal is located at about 1.5 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 15 Kms from Thuckalay, 6 Kms from Marthandam, 6 Kms from Kulasekharam, 28 Kms from Nagercoil, 20 Kms from Colachel, 49 Kms from Kanyakumari and 50 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. It is located at Attoor near Thiruvattaru in SH-90, midway between Marthandam and Kulasekaram. Nearest Railway Station is Marthandam Railway Station (9 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram.