Aravindalochanar Perumal Temple Guide – Timings & History

Sri Aravindalochanar Perumal Temple Guide – Timings & History by Vishnu Balaji Travels

The Sri Aravindalochanar Perumal Temple Guide – Timings & History introduces devotees to one of the most sacred shrines among the Nava Tirupati temples. Located at Tholaivillimangalam in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu, this ancient temple is one of the two famous Irattai Tirupati (Twin Tirupati) Divya Desams situated on the banks of the holy Thamirabarani River.

Dedicated to Sri Aravindalochanar Perumal, this temple is glorified by Nammalvar in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham. It is especially revered for its compassionate Lord with lotus-like eyes, peaceful surroundings, Ketu Dosha remedies, and its unique place in the Twin Tirupati pilgrimage.

The Sri Aravindalochanar Perumal Temple Guide – Timings & History helps devotees understand the temple’s history, darshan timings, spiritual significance, festivals, and pilgrimage routes.

Sri Aravindalochanar Perumal Temple History

The Sri Aravindalochanar Perumal Temple has a history dating back more than a thousand years to the Pandya dynasty.

Temple legends state that sages performed intense penance on the banks of the Thamirabarani River seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Pleased with their devotion, the Lord appeared with eyes as beautiful as a fully blossomed lotus and blessed the devotees with wisdom and liberation.

Because of His divine lotus-like eyes, He became known as Sri Aravindalochanar, meaning “The Lord with Lotus Eyes.”

The temple later flourished under the patronage of the Pandya kings and continues to be one of the most spiritually significant Divya Desam Temples in Tamil Nadu.

Why Visit Tholaivillimangalam Perumal Temple?

The Tholaivillimangalam Perumal Temple is unique because it houses two separate Divya Desam temples that together form the sacred Irattai Tirupati.

Pilgrims visiting one temple traditionally complete their worship by visiting the other shrine, making the pilgrimage spiritually complete.

The “Twin Tirupati” (Irattai Tirupati) Phenomenon

Unlike any other Divya Desam, Tholaivillimangalam has two independent Vishnu temples located very close to each other.

They are:

Sri Devapiran Perumal Temple (south)

• Rahu Sthalam
• Standing posture
• Represents protection and victory

Sri Aravindalochanar Perumal Temple (north)

• Ketu Sthalam
• Famous for the Lotus-Eye Deity
• Associated with wisdom and spiritual liberation

Together they are known as Irattai Tirupati, one of the most sacred destinations in the Nava Tirupati pilgrimage.

The Lotus-Eye Deity

The highlight of the Sri Aravindalochanar Perumal Temple is the beautiful form of Lord Vishnu with His compassionate lotus-shaped eyes.

The name Aravindalochanar comes from:

• Aravindam – Lotus
• Lochanam – Eyes

Devotees believe that His divine glance removes sorrow and grants:

• Mental peace
• Prosperity
• Family happiness
• Good health
• Spiritual wisdom
• Success in life

Many pilgrims spend time meditating before the sanctum to experience the serenity associated with the Lotus-Eye Lord.

Temple Timings

Sri Aravindalochanar Perumal Temple Timings

Timings may vary slightly during festivals and special poojas.

Daily Pooja Timings

Main Deities

• Moolavar: Sri Aravindalochanar Perumal
• Thayar: Karuthadankanni Nachiyar
• Utsavar: Sri Aravindalochanar
• Direction: East Facing

Navagraha & Dosha Remedies (Rahu & Ketu)

The Sri Aravindalochanar Perumal Temple is traditionally associated with Ketu among the Nava Tirupati temples.

Devotees worship here for relief from:

• Ketu Dosha
• Delays in marriage
• Obstacles in education
• Career uncertainty
• Mental confusion
• Spiritual blockages
• Unexplained health concerns

Since the temple forms part of Irattai Tirupati, many pilgrims also visit the nearby Sri Devapiran Temple (Rahu Sthalam) to complete both Rahu and Ketu Pariharam during the same pilgrimage.

Special prayers are considered highly beneficial on Amavasya, Ketu-related Nakshatras, and other auspicious days.

Temple Architecture

The temple reflects traditional Pandya architecture with:

• Beautiful granite sanctum
• Ancient Vimana
• Traditional stone mandapams
• Historic inscriptions
• Sacred temple tank
• Peaceful prakaram
• Intricately carved sculptures

Though modest in size, the temple is admired for its calm atmosphere and timeless beauty.

Major Festivals

Important festivals celebrated include:

• Nava Tirupati Garuda Sevai
• Vaikunta Ekadasi
• Brahmotsavam
• Purattasi Saturdays
• Panguni Festival
• Rama Navami
• Krishna Jayanthi
• Chitra Pournami
• Deepavali
• Karthigai Deepam

During the famous Garuda Sevai, all nine Nava Tirupati Perumal deities gather along with Nammalvar, attracting thousands of devotees from across India.

Navathirupathi Yatra Routes

The Sri Aravindalochanar Perumal Temple is the sixth temple in the traditional Nava Tirupati Yatra.

Recommended Pilgrimage Route

1. Srivaikuntam – Sri Kallapiran Temple
2. Thiruvaragunamangai – Sri Vijayasana Perumal Temple
3. Thirupuliyangudi – Sri Kaaichina Vendhan Perumal Temple
4. Perungulam – Sri Mayakoothar Temple
5. Tholaivillimangalam – Sri Devapiran Perumal Temple
6. Tholaivillimangalam – Sri Aravindalochanar Perumal Temple
7. Thenthiruperai – Sri Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Temple
8. Thirukolur – Sri Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple
9. Alwarthirunagari – Sri Adinatha Perumal Temple

One-Day Tour

Suitable for pilgrims beginning early from Tirunelveli.

Two-Day Tour

Ideal for families and senior citizens seeking a relaxed darshan experience.

Temple Dress Code

Men

• Veshti (Dhoti) preferred
• Shirt or Angavastram
• Full-length trousers permitted
• Avoid shorts and sleeveless clothing

Women

• Saree
• Salwar Kameez
• Churidar with Dupatta
• Half Saree

Traditional and modest attire is recommended.

Temple Rules

• Remove footwear before entering.
• Photography inside the sanctum is prohibited.
• Maintain silence inside the temple.
• Keep mobile phones on silent mode.
• Respect temple traditions and priestly instructions.
• Maintain cleanliness inside the temple premises.

How to Reach

By Road

• Srivaikuntam – 10 km
• Tirunelveli – 35 km
• Thoothukudi – 42 km

By Train

Nearest Railway Station:
Srivaikuntam Railway Station

By Air

Nearest Airport:
Tuticorin Airport – approximately 40 km

Nearby Temples

• Sri Devapiran Perumal Temple
• Perungulam Mayakoothar Temple
• Thenthiruperai Perumal Temple
• Thirukolur Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple
• Alwarthirunagari Adinatha Perumal Temple
• Srivaikuntam Kallapiran Temple
• Vanamamalai Perumal Temple
• Tiruchendur Murugan Temple

Travel Tips

• Visit both Irattai Tirupati temples together for a complete pilgrimage.
• Plan your visit during the Garuda Sevai Festival for a rare spiritual experience.
• Early morning darshan offers a peaceful atmosphere.
• Carry water and wear comfortable traditional clothing.
• Allocate enough time to complete the entire Nava Tirupati circuit.

About Nava Tirupati Tour Package by Vishnu Balaji Travels

Vishnu Balaji Travels offers professionally organized Nava Tirupati Temple Tour Packages for families, senior citizens, and pilgrimage groups.

Pickup Available From

• Chennai
• Madurai
• Tirunelveli
• Nagercoil
• Trivandrum
• Bangalore
• Coimbatore

Package Includes

• Private AC Vehicle
• Experienced Driver
• Flexible Temple Itinerary
• Hotel Booking Assistance
• Darshan Planning
• Family-Friendly Pilgrimage Support
• Multi-Day South India Temple Tours

Whether you wish to visit only the Sri Aravindalochanar Perumal Temple or complete the entire Nava Tirupati pilgrimage, Vishnu Balaji Travels ensures a comfortable, well-planned, and spiritually enriching temple tour.