Early morning had darshan at Kashi Vishwanath temple Tenkazi, next Sankarankovil, then Srivilliputhur followed by Meenakshi temple Madurai amazing day. We reached about 11 am. Happy
to see Veda Parayanam going on (chanting). Think it was the Kumbabishegam Festival. "Srivilliputtur ‘OH’. The very name kindles our souls. It occupies the foremost place in the 108 Divya Desams."
Close up of deity I think is Garudazhwar. "Both VISHNUCHITTAR who had been affectionately called “PERIA ALWAR” because of his love and dedication to LORD KRISHNA and his divine daughter
ANDAL who stands for the unification of the Microcasm and Macrocasm were born here. "
Close up of deity. Left is Sri Andal. Right think is Sri RANGAMANNAR. "To the devotees and vaishnavites, Srivilliputtur is synonymous with Lord Vishnu, Periyalwar and Andal. It gave –‘Tiruppavai’ of Andal and ‘Tirupallandu’ of Periyalvar- the hymns on Lord Vishnu to Tamil Literature."
Behind the deities these men were performing Yagna, giving ahuthis. "The temple consists of two parts. The first part is called VADABADRA SAYANAR TEMPLE and the second part is known as ANDAL SANNADHI."
There was a huge pandal, if I may say so, gold colored. On its side young Brahmin boys sat as you see. "The Alwars lived in 8th century. So we can that temple existed even before that. The
VADABADRASAYANAY TEMPLE was constructed by the King VILLI who ruled the place."
Behind where the yagna was held, saw Kalash Stapana ie kalas filled with water ie energised with mantra chanting.
Usual entrance to temple. "The tall tower was constructed by PERIA ALWAR with the help provided by the pandia king Vallabadevan AD 765-815 as per GURU PARAMBARA traditions."
Corridor with pillars, shops on either side towards sanctum. "On either side of the hall, Vanamalai Jeear monastery with shops, and monasteries of Vedantha Desikar and Manavalla Saint are set up."
Stone ceiling of corridor. Apologies for any errors in captions. If find do write back.
Gate to sanctum was closed. Left centre pillar has carving of warrior on horse, crushing enemy.
Another pillar. Something special about this town, liked the vibrations in and around the temple.
This is the Divine Marriage Hall. Ceiling painted. Mythical animal YALI sculpture on either side. "On the inside ceiling of this hall, the paintings of Nayakkar Dynasty period’s Ramayana have been drawn."
Wow sculpture. Due to festival could not go ahead. "Passing the Marriage Hall, we come across the hall of Flag Staff. In the columns of this hall, the carved figures of Rama, Lakshmana, Arjunan, Karnan, Rathi Devi, Manmadhan, Gugan, Kalaimagal, Veerapathirar, Sakthi, Venugopalan, Viswakarma, Rudhra kanigai, Jalandhiran and Mohini look excellently beautiful."
After darshan lady pulls a chariot with Kalash. "Dhuwaraga Palagar statues have been installed on both sides of the entrance to Mahamandapam and Arthamandapam. There is a Swing Hall inside the Big Hall. The statues of Thirumalai Naikkar and Chokkappa Naikkar are found carved in the pillars of this hall."
Local musicians preced the chariot. Visiting the temple during festival was a totally different and great experience. "Though the Andal temples was built in 788 A.D. It was expanded and
renovated by Maveli Vanathi Rayar in the 15th century. Besides, Madurai Thirumalai Nayakar (1623-59 A.D.), Chokkanatha Nayakar IV (1659-82) and Veerappa Nayakar (1682-89) did renovation work and made additions."
A close up of gopuram from main entrance side. It has eleven tiers and 192 feet height. " It has found a fitting place in the emblem of Government of Tamilnadu."
Rear side of the main gopuram. "The temple tower though ascribed to Vallabha Pandya and Periyazhwar, seems to have come into existence in the 17th century. " To read good article about
temple Click here
Back side of main gopuram. To read about the Divyadesams Click here
Close up of top part of gopuram. Centre is Kirti Mukha (to ward away evil spirits). Below that is Vishnu sitting on his vehicle Garuda. Missed visiting Rajapalayam -- an industrial hub for textiles, handloom
ie only 10 kms away. Sivakshi ie famous for making of crackers is a 30 minute drive. Good site about temple Click here
Small temple as we entered from main entrance. If you like sweets taste Srivilliputtur Palkhoa (Milk Khoa) which is as famous as Tirunelveli Halwa.To visit temple official site Click here