4 kms east of the cracker town of Sivakasi on the Srivilliputhur – Virudhanagar road, is the Ninra Narayana Divya Desam in Thiru Thangal. The Lord is seen in a standing posture atop a hill(the Thangal Malai). There is the Lord Ranganatha Sannidhi on the Western Entrance, from where one has to climb 10-15 steps to reach the Ninra Narayanan Sannidhi.
The temple, which has been renovated in the last few years thanks to help from local industrialists, now wears a new, bright look inside. Though located in a not so centric location and thus not attracting big devotee crowds on normal days, the priests at the temple are doing a great job of conducting the daily poojas, with a high degree of sincerity and devotion, despite having to climb several steps every morning and evening.
The Andaal Divya Desam at Srivilliputhur is about 25Kms(West) from here.
A war of words between the 3 Devis
A fight arose between the three Devis- Sri Devi, BhooDevi and NeelaDevi- as to who was the senior most among the three and the favourite of the Lord. To prove her status, SriDevi came down to this place and undertook penance near the ‘Thangala hills’. Pleased with her prayers, Lord Vishnu appeared before her and acknowledged that she was his favourite. In memory of this event, this place came to be called ‘Sri’ Puram. It is believed that Bhoodevi and Neeladevi agreed with this verdict of the Lord and decided to stay here at this place.
Aadi Trip to SriVilliputhur
Every year, on the 5th day of the Tamil month of Aadi, ThiruThangal Appan goes to SriVilliputhur, about 25kms from here. PeriyaAzhvaar praises the Lord in the morning, while Garuda Sevai is a special feature in the evening. The next morning, 6th day of Aadi, ThiruThangal Appan takes flowers from Andaal, another unique occurrence.
11 Archa Murthis inside the sanctum
Inside the sanctum, one can see as many as 11 Archa Murthis, the only Divya Desam to have these many archa-vigraha within the sanctum. The archa-vigrahas are: Deiveeka Vasudevan, Sridevi, Neeladevi, Bhoomadevi, Brigu Rishi, Markandeya Rishi, Garuda, Arunan (Suryan’s Charioteer), Anirudhan, Ushai and Jambavathi (only temple to have an image of Jambavathi).
Garuda and Serpent Lord Aadhiseshan
A unique feature at this Divya Desam is that Garuda is seen along with his traditional enemy, ‘The Serpent Lord Aadhiseshan’. Garuda is also seen adorned with jewellery.
Krishna’s grandson wedding at ThiruThangal
Krishna’s grandson Anirudhan got married at this place to Baanaasuran’s daughter Ushai. It is believed that Deiveega Vasudevan came down to attend this wedding.
A fight between Sacred Banyan tree and Aadhiseshan
Once a fight arose between a sacred Banyan tree and Aadhiseshan as to who was more powerful. They went up to Brahmma who decided in favour of Aadhiseshan as it was on the Serpant Lord that Lord Vishnu slept. Unhappy with Brahmma’s decision, the sacred tree undertook penance seeking Vishnu’s blessings. The Lord asked him to go to ThiruThangal and take the form of a hill. Fulfilling his wish, the Lord would come there to the hill and accept SriDevi, who was undertaking penance, at the foot of the hill.
Festivals:
Aani Brahmotsavam, Aavani Pavitrotsavam, Puratasi Garuda Sevai, Chitra Pournami- 3 day procession
Quick Facts
Deity : Ninra Naarayanan East Facing Standing Posture
Goddess : Shengamalar Thaayar
Utsavar : ThiruThangal Appan
Paasurams : 5- BhoothathAzhvaar(1) 2251, ThirumangaiAzhvaar(4)-1399,2068,2673(71) and 2674(120)
Temple timing : 6am-12noon and 4pm-8pm
Priest : Mappilai Bhattar @ 94873 68285
Bus : Frequent buses between Virudanagar(25kms) & Sivakasi and Srivilliputhur & Sivakasi. Mini buses ply every 5-10 mts between Sivakasi and ThiruThangal
Train : 2661 Chennai Tenkasi Podhigai Express stops at ThiruThangal
Place to Stay : Best to stay in Madurai to visit this place
Source:prtraveller
