Nava Tirupathi Temples – The Sacred Cluster of 9 Vaishnava Shrines
Introduction
The Nava Tirupathi temples, located along the banks of the Tamirabarani River in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu, form one of the most sacred pilgrimage circuits in Vaishnavism. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, these nine Divya Desam temples are glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by the Azhwars, especially Nammazhwar, who composed hymns (Pasurams) in praise of all nine shrines.
Pilgrims visiting the Nava Tirupathi also connect it with the Navagrahas (Nine Planets), though the presiding deity is Vishnu in each temple. A journey here is considered spiritually equivalent to a Navagraha Shanti along with a Divya Desam yatra.
History and Mythology
According to legend, the Nava Tirupathi temples were established to bless devotees with relief from planetary influences while simultaneously granting moksha (liberation) through Vishnu’s grace. Nammazhwar, one of the 12 Azhwars, attained enlightenment at Azhwar Thirunagari, one among the Nava Tirupathi temples.
Each temple has unique sthala puranas (local legends) associated with Lord Vishnu’s manifestations, ranging from his forms as Vaikunthanathan, Vijayasana Perumal, Mayakoothan, Jagannatha Perumal, and more.
The Nine Nava Tirupathi Temples
The Nava Tirupathi temples, aligned in a sequence along the Tamirabarani river, are:
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Sri Vaikuntanatha Perumal Temple, Srivaikuntam – Associated with Surya (Sun).
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Alwarthirunagari Temple – Associated with Guru (Jupiter), birthplace of Nammazhwar.
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Thirukolur Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple – Associated with Kubera.
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Thirukulanthai Aravindalochanar Temple – Associated with Chandra (Moon).
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Thiruppuliyangudi Kaasinivendhan Perumal Temple – Associated with Budha (Mercury).
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Thirukkulanthai Srinivasa Perumal Temple – Associated with Sukra (Venus).
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Thenthirupperai Makara Nedunguzhai Kaathan Temple – Associated with Rahu.
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Thiru Pulingudi Kaaichinivendhan Temple – Associated with Ketu.
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Thirukolur Vaithamanidhi Temple – Associated with Saniswaran (Saturn).
(Sequence may vary slightly in some traditions, but all 9 are equally revered.)
Temple Timings
| Temple | Graha | Morning Hours | Evening Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Vaikuntam | Surya | 7:00 am – 12:00 pm | 5:00 pm -8:00 pm |
| Natham | Chandra | 8:00 am -1:00 pm | 1:30 pm – 6:00 pm |
| Thiruppulingudi | Budhan | 8:00 am -1:00 pm | 1:30 pm – 6:00 pm |
| Thirutholaivillimangalam | Ketu | 8:30 am – 1:00 pm | 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm |
| Irattai Tirupathi | Rahu | 8:00 am -1:00 pm | 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm |
| Penungulam | Shani | 7:30 am- 12:00 pm | 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm |
| Then Thiruperai | Sukran | 7:00a m – 12:00 pm | 5:00 pm -8:30 pm |
| Thirukolur | Chevvai | 7:30 am – 12:00 pm | 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm |
| Azhwar Thirunagari | Vyzhan | 7:00 am – 12:00 pm | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm |
Special Festivals
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Garuda Sevai Festival (Vaikasi month – May/June): The most famous festival, where the processional deities from all nine Nava Tirupathi temples are brought to Azhwar Thirunagari on Garuda Vahanam. Thousands of devotees gather to witness this divine spectacle, where Nammazhwar’s hymns are recited.
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Vaikunta Ekadasi – Celebrated grandly at Srivaikuntam.
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Other Utsavams tied to Tamil months and Vishnu traditions.
Location
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District: Thoothukudi (Tuticorin), Tamil Nadu
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Nearest Town: Tirunelveli (30 km)
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Nearest Railway Station: Tirunelveli / Alwarthirunagari
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Nearest Airport: Tuticorin Airport (40 km) / Trivandrum International Airport (150 km)
Plan Your Nava Tirupathi Yatra with SouthGuru Holidays
At SouthGuru Holidays, we offer customized pilgrimage packages covering all nine Nava Tirupathi temples along with nearby Divya Desams like Tirukkurungudi and Nanguneri. Our services include cab rentals, guided tours, group pilgrimage packages, airport transfers, and accommodation assistance for a seamless spiritual journey.
📞 Contact SouthGuru Holidays
📧 Email: sales@southguru.in
🌐 Website: www.southguruholidays.com
📞 Call: +91-73565 07555
