Tiruvattaru – Where Rivers Bow Before Adikesava Perumal
Divya Desam 87 of 108 | Region: Malainadu (kerala – Tamilnadu Border)
Located near Kanyakumari, on the route to Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruvattaru is a divine Divya Desam known for its tranquil surroundings and majestic deity—Adikesava Perumal. The temple’s location, nestled between the curves of sacred rivers, lends it the name “Tiruvattaru” (where vattam means circle).
Divine Highlights
- Presiding Deity (Moolavar): Adikesava Perumal – Reclining posture
- Thayar: Maragathavalli
- Theertham: Vattar Theertham
- Vimanam: Ashtanga Vimanam
The reclining form of the Lord is similar in posture to Anantha Padmanabhaswamy of Tiruvananthapuram, but with some unique distinctions, especially in iconography.
Sacred Legends & Spiritual Significance
As per the Sthala Purana, the Lord vanquished the demon Adikesi at this site. Enraged by her husband’s defeat, the demoness prayed to Ganga and Tamarabharani Rivers, creating a massive deluge to drown the land. However, the waters formed a circular path around the Lord, unable to harm Him, and she ultimately surrendered. Thus, the area where the rivers circled the Lord came to be known as Tiruvattaru.
The reclining Adikesava Perumal here is viewed through three doorways, similar to Tiruvananthapuram. However, the Shiva Lingam is positioned at the Lord’s feet, unlike in Trivandrum where it is at the head. Additionally, Brahma does not appear at the navel of the deity in this temple.
Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam
- Nammaazhwar: Pasurams 3722–3732 (as found in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham)
Nammaazhwar extols the Lord’s supremacy and the sanctity of Tiruvattaru in these verses, emphasizing the Lord’s role as protector and destroyer of evil.
Architectural Features
This ancient temple showcases classic Dravidian design with intricate woodwork and a serene layout. The temple’s location on a hillock surrounded by river waters makes it one of the most visually and spiritually appealing Divya Desams in South India.
Travel with SouthGuru Holidays
Add Tiruvattaru to your spiritual circuit and witness the mighty Adikesava Perumal, where rivers bend and demons fall. Explore the spiritual and natural beauty of Kanyakumari and its sacred surroundings.
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