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 Thirukarthigai, Diwali 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.