Thenthiruperai Perumal Temple Guide – Timings & History

Thenthiruperai Perumal Temple Guide – Timings & History By Vishnu Balaji Travels

The Thenthiruperai Perumal Temple Guide – Timings & History introduces devotees to one of the most beautiful Nava Tirupati temples situated on the southern banks of the sacred Thamirabarani River in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. This ancient Divya Desam is dedicated to Sri Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Perumal, a unique form of Lord Vishnu celebrated by Nammalvar in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham.

The temple is especially famous for the divine Makara-shaped earrings (Makara Kundalams) worn by the Lord, its association with Sukra (Venus) among the Nava Tirupati temples, and the blessings believed to bring prosperity, marriage harmony, wealth, and happiness.

The Thenthiruperai Perumal Temple Guide – Timings & History is an ideal resource for devotees planning a spiritual pilgrimage through the Nava Tirupati circuit.

Sri Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Temple History

The Sri Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Temple History is deeply connected with Bhudevi (Mother Earth) and the sacred Thamirabarani River.

According to temple legend, Bhudevi performed severe penance on the banks of the river to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu. During her worship, she discovered two divine Makara-shaped earrings emerging from the sacred waters and offered them to the Lord.

Pleased by her devotion, Lord Vishnu accepted the ornaments and appeared wearing the beautiful Makara Kundalams. Since then, He has been worshipped as Sri Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar, meaning “The Lord adorned with long Makara-shaped earrings.”

The temple later flourished under the Pandya rulers and remains one of the most important Divya Desams in South India.

Why is the Temple Called Thenthiruperai?

The name Thenthiruperai has a beautiful meaning.

• Then means “South.”
• Thiru means “Sacred.”
• Perai refers to the place where Bhudevi received the divine Makara ornaments.

Because the temple lies on the southern side of the Thamirabarani River, it became known as Thenthiruperai, distinguishing it from other sacred places.

Temple Timings

Thenthiruperai Perumal Temple Timings

Temple timings may vary during festivals, Garuda Sevai, and Vaikunta Ekadasi.

Daily Pooja Timings

Main Deities

• Moolavar: Sri Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar
• Thayar: Kuzhaikadhuvalli Nachiyar
• Utsavar: Sri Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar
• Posture: Standing
• Direction: East Facing

Sukra Sthalam (Venus Remedies)

Among the Nava Tirupati temples, Thenthiruperai Perumal Temple is traditionally regarded as the Sukra (Venus) Sthalam.

Devotees visit this temple seeking blessings for:

• Marriage prospects
• Happy married life
• Wealth and prosperity
• Fertility and family happiness
• Luxury and comfort
• Financial growth
• Artistic talents
• Business success

Special prayers are commonly offered on Fridays, the day associated with Sukra Bhagavan (Venus). Worship of Sri Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar is believed to reduce the adverse effects of Venus and bless devotees with abundance and harmony.

Temple Architecture

The temple showcases classic Pandya architecture with:

• Beautiful granite sanctum
• Ancient Rajagopuram
• Sacred temple tank
• Elegant Vimana
• Stone mandapams
• Historic inscriptions
• Sculpted pillars
• Peaceful temple corridors

The temple’s serene riverside setting adds to its spiritual charm.

Major Festivals

The temple celebrates numerous Vaishnavite festivals throughout the year:

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

The Garuda Sevai Festival is the most significant celebration, when all nine Nava Tirupati Perumal deities gather with Nammalvar, attracting thousands of pilgrims.

Navathirupathi Yatra Routes

The Thenthiruperai Perumal Temple is traditionally the seventh temple in the sacred Nava Tirupati Yatra.

Traditional Route

1. Srivaikuntam – Sri Kallapiran Temple
2. Thiruvaragunamangai – Sri Vijayasana Perumal Temple
3. Thirupuliyangudi – Sri Kaaichina Vendhan Perumal Temple
4. Perungulam – Sri Mayakoothar Perumal 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 Pilgrimage

Suitable for pilgrims starting early from Tirunelveli.

Two-Day Pilgrimage

Recommended for families and senior citizens who wish to enjoy a relaxed and comfortable darshan.

Temple Dress Code

Men

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

Women

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

Traditional attire is recommended.

Temple Rules

• Remove footwear before entering.
• Photography inside the sanctum is prohibited.
• Maintain silence during darshan.
• Mobile phones should be kept on silent mode.
• Respect temple customs and priestly instructions.
• Keep the temple premises clean.

How to Reach

By Road

• Srivaikuntam – 12 km
• Tirunelveli – 38 km
• Thoothukudi – 42 km

By Train

Nearest Railway Station: Srivaikuntam Railway Station

Major Junction: Tirunelveli Junction

By Air

Nearest Airport: Tuticorin Airport (approximately 40 km)

Nearby Temples

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

Travel Tips

• Fridays are considered highly auspicious for Sukra Pariharam.
• Begin your pilgrimage early to comfortably complete all Nava Tirupati temples.
• Wear traditional attire for a smooth darshan.
• Carry drinking water during summer visits.
• Visit during the annual Garuda Sevai to witness all Nava Tirupati Perumal deities together.

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 devotional 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 Thenthiruperai Perumal Temple or complete all Nava Tirupati temples, Vishnu Balaji Travels ensures a comfortable, spiritually fulfilling, and well-organized pilgrimage.