Sri Villiputhur

Ranganathan - Andal Srivilliputhur

Andal and Perumal (file photo)

Thiruvilliputhur also now known as SriVilliputhur is one of the 108 divya desams.

The legend goes thus: Periyalwar, in his daily pooja rituals, used to string flowers from the garden as garlands and dedicate them to the Lord, Rangamannar. One day, he saw that his daughter had playfully worn the garland on her which was meant for Rangamannar. On seeing this, Periyalwar chided her and warned her not to repeat the same ever again. On that night, in the dream of Periyalwar, Sri Rangamannar asked him not to get angry on the action performed by Sri Andal and he desired that from next day the garland first worn by Andal should be dedicated to him. Hence Sri Andal is called as "Soodi Kodutha Sudar Kodi".Hearing the stories about Sriman Narayana, Andal fell in love with Him. Sri Ranganathar of Sri Rangam, appeared in the dream of Periyalwar and asked him to come along with Sri Andal to SriRangam. As his command, Periyalwar along with Sri Andal went to Sri Rangam. Ranganathar then married Andal

It is to be noted that, Thiruppavai, one of the important devotional Tamil pasurams (stanzas),part of Dhivya Prabhandam was written here by Andal.

The majestic tower of the temple

The temple consists of two main sannidhis. The first one is called Vadabadra saayanar and second is the as Andal sannidhi.The temple tower of Srivilliputhur is 11-tiered tower structure. The tower of this temple is 192 feet high and is the official symbol of the Government of Tamil Nadu. It is said to have been built by Periyaazhvar during AD 765-815 according scriptures.

Sri Andal temple is placed next to Vadabathre Saayi sannidhi. There are separate sannadhis for Sri Ramar, and Sri Srinivasa Perumal. After crossing the Kodi maram (Flag Pole), a mandapam named "Madhavi Mandapam" where you can see beautiful paintings of Lord Narayana. Next to it is the Mani Mandapam,Artha Mandapam and then the Moolavar sannadhi is situated.

In Moolavar Sannadhi is seen in Kalyana Kolam along with Sri Andal and Garudan. The Garudan next to the Perumal and Thayar is an unique feature here as normally in all the Vaishnava temples, Garudan is found facing the perumal sannadhi.

A separate idol of Sri Andal in the Nandhavanam (Garden) is seen indicating that she was born here at this garden.

Periyalwar sannadhi is situated on the North side of the temple facing south. There are two tiers or floors in this temple. In the ground floor , Sri Narashimhar and the twelve Alwars are seen. On the upper floor is the Moolavar Vadabadhara Saayi sannadhi. Chakrathalwar, Sri Kannan and 'Allal Thavirtha piraan' utsavars are situatd.

The Moolavar of this sthalam is Sri Vadabhadra Saayi also known as Rangamannar. The Moolavar is giving his seva in a Bhujanga sayanam posture facing east.

Prathyaksham for Mandugamuni,Periazhwar.

Thayaar in this sthalam is Kothai Nachiyar (Andal) also known as Soodi Kodutha sudarkodi.

Mangalasasanams The temple is revered by the verses of Periyalwar and Andal

Temple location Srivilliputhur is a small town. You can see the tower of the temple from anywhere in the town. Walkable from most of the places.

Temple Timings It is normally open from 5 am –12.30pm and 4.30pm-8.30pm

How to reach?

This temple is situated in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu. It is well connected by rail and road. The nearest airport is Madurai. From Srivilliputtoor station, the temple is around 3 kms.

Where to Stay?There are budget hotels in Srivilliputhur.
Where to Eat?There are no big restaurants in Srivilliputhur. However decent food are available in many of the restaurants. Milk pedas (pal gova) are famous here and is local delicacy akin to the Halwa of Tirunelveli.

Contact Executive Officer
Srivilliputtur Andal Temple
Srivilliputtur- 626125
Tamil Nadu
Phone No: 04563-260254
Useful data
State: Tamil Nadu
District: Virudhunagar
Famous for: Pilgrimage
Languages: English,Tamil
Best Season: Throughout the year. Summer( from May to July) could be very hot and dry when the mercury shoots to 40 degree celsius.
Weather: Summer 33-42°C, Winter 16-28°C
Altitude: Sea level