Two hours from Madurai, Srivilliputhur has one of the most famous Vaishnava temples of South India.
I had the fortune of visiting this holy Kshetra recently.
The majestic Gopuram of this temple is prominently shown in the Tamilnadu Government's official logo. The town is famous for the delicious "PaalKhoa", a milk sweet.
Lord Vishnu bestows His grace in the form of VadabhadraSai, and Andal, the prominent lady saint who becomes Lord Naaraayana's consort through her devotion, is the Thaayaar(mother) deity here.
Andaal and Periyaazhwaar are 2 great Tamil Vaishnavite saints who were born here.
Periyaazhwaar made a garden near the Vishnu temple, from where He took flowers for Pooja for the Lord everyday. It is in this garden that Andaal was born, and Periaazhwaar took care of Her. This is why Periaazhwaar is called the father-in-law of Lord Vishnu! The garden, with the icon of Andaal, can still be seen today near the temple.
Within the temple complex, there are shrines for SriRama, SrinivasaPerumal and Chakrathaazhwaar, another Vaishnavite saint. Exquisite paintings of the Lord adorn the Mandapams leading to the Garbhagraha/Moolavar Sannidhi or Primary shrine.
In the Moolavar Sannadhi is Aranganathar (Vishnu), accompanied by Andal and Garuda. Unlike most Vaishnava temples where Garuda is found facing the Lord, here He's with Him. This is in the top floor, and there's a floor beneath this, where Narasimhar and the 12 Azhwaars (Vaishnava saints) are worshipped.
Definitely a great temple to visit if you happen to travel in South Tamilnadu!
Hare Raama Hare Raama Raama Raama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
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