Main Deity:
Thiruvenkatamudaiyaan
Utsavar (Procession Deity):
Sri Srinivasan
Goddess/Consort:
Alamelu
Sacred Tree (Sthala Virutcham):
Nelli (Indian Gooseberry Tree)
Theertham (Holy Water Source):
Srinivasa Theertham
Agama/Pooja (Worship Method):
Vaikhanasa
Historical Name (Puranic Name):
Thirunangai Koil
Location:
Thiruvenkatanathapuram
District:
Tirunelveli
State:
Tamil Nadu
Festivals:
- Chithirai Brahmotsavam
- Purattasi Saturdays
- Parivettai
- Thirukarthigai
- Vaikunta Ekadasi
- Thai Oonjal Festival
- Panguni Garuda Utsavam
Special Significance:
This temple is popularly known as “Then Tirupati” (Southern Tirupati) due to its structural resemblance to the famous Tirupati Temple. Sri Srinivasan resides on a white rocky hill. Similar to the Akasha Ganga waterfall in Tirupati that flows as a river, here the Thamirabarani River cascades like a waterfall and flows as a stream.
The Garuda deity here is unique, as he is depicted holding both the conch (Shanku) and the discus (Chakra) in his hands.
General Information:
This temple showcases architectural brilliance from the royal period and is rich in historical inscriptions. The main deity, Sri Srinivasan, stands in a majestic posture, and sugar pongal is offered as a special naivedyam (offering).
Prayers:
Devotees visit this temple to seek relief from:
- Marriage delays
- Illnesses
- Sins
- Snake dosha (naga dosham)
- Childbirth blessings
- Successful ventures
- Prosperity in family and business
Offerings (Nerthikadan):
- Special abhishekam (holy bath)
- Flower garlands on the temple pillars
- Garuda seva (Garuda procession)
- Offering “Payasam” (sweet pudding) on the Thiruvonam star day
- Hair offerings
- Thulabaram (offering by weight)
- Ornaments and other donations
Temple Significance:
When Lord Vishnu set out to protect Goddess Bhudevi, he entrusted his divine weapons — the conch and discus — to Garuda and instructed him to safeguard the world in his absence. As a result, the Garuda deity here appears holding these divine weapons. Due to its architectural resemblance to Tirupati, this temple is called “Then Tirupati” (Southern Tirupati).
On the northern side, similar to the Seven Hills of Tirumala, this temple is accompanied by a mountain range referred to as the “Seven Hills of the South.” Additionally, the “Then Kalahasti” temple, known as Sangani Kailasanathar Temple, is nearby.
The Thamirabarani River, resembling the Akasha Ganga falls of Tirupati, flows down as a waterfall and then as a stream.
Just like the Pushkarini holy pond in Tirupati, this temple also features a sacred water source known as “Srinivasa Kattam.”
Child Blessing Legend:
Once, a ruler named Venkatappa Nayaka, who ruled this region, faced childlessness despite visiting numerous temples and offering prayers. Upon visiting this temple, he bathed in the Thamirabarani River and submerged himself in the Srinivasa Theertham. Afterward, he received a divine message instructing him to feed a thousand children, and in return, he would be blessed with a child. The king followed this guidance, fed the children, and was blessed with a son named Srinivasan. As a token of gratitude, he expanded the temple, cleared the surrounding forests, and named the place “Thiruvenkatanathapuram.”
Temple History:
Several centuries ago, this region was known as “Vaibhragyam,” a dense forest area. A sage named Pailar, a disciple of Vyasa Maharishi, meditated here thinking of Lord Srinivasa. Without a deity’s statue or idol, the sage visualized Lord Srinivasa in his mind and offered a garland of a million flowers in worship. On the seventh day, the garland transformed into a brilliant divine light that ascended the sky. From within the light, Sri Srinivasa appeared, standing with Goddess Bhudevi and Goddess Alamelu by his side, blessing the sage and his devotees.
Temple Timings:
- Morning: 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Address:
Arulmigu Venkatachalapathi (Then Tirupati) Temple,
Melathiruvenkatanathapuram – 627 006,
Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.