Divya Desam #84 Pandya Nadu Perungulam, Tamil Nadu

Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Nava Tirupathi)

திருக்குளந்தை · Thirukkulandai

Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple at Perungulam (traditionally called Thirukkulandai and also known as Sri Mayakoothar Perumal Temple) is one of the nine Nava Tirupathi Divya Desams on the southern bank of the Thamiraparani river.

Perumal: Srinivasa Perumal
Thayar: Alamelumangai Thayar
Posture: sitting
Theertham: Perunkulam Theertham
District: Thoothukudi
State: Tamil Nadu
Region: Pandya Nadu

Mayakoothar: The Legend of Kumudhavalli's Rescue

Temple tradition tells of an asura who abducted Kumudhavalli, the wife of a devotee of Vishnu; Vishnu vanquished the asura, danced upon his head in triumph, and restored Kumudhavalli to her husband, the episode from which the deity's alternate name, Mayakoothar ("the dancer of illusion"), derives. The temple is also regarded as a Shani Sthalam, a site associated with the planetary deity Shani (Saturn), a distinction not shared by every temple in the Nava Tirupathi group.

Nammalvar glorifies the temple in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, and it holds a further distinction within the cluster: on the ninth day of the shared Nava Tirupathi festival, Nammalvar's own festival image is brought in procession from his birthplace at nearby Alwarthirunagari specifically to this temple, where his palanquin is taken around together with those of Perumal and Madhurakavi Alvar.

A Shani Sthalam Among the Nava Tirupathi Temples

As with several of its Nava Tirupathi neighbours, no single foundation date survives for this temple; its antiquity rests on its inclusion in the 6th-to-9th-century Naalayira Divya Prabandham and its long-standing role in the cluster's shared festival calendar.

The Three-Tiered Rajagopuram at Perungulam

The temple is built in the Dravidian style with two prakarams (enclosed precincts) and a three-tiered rajagopuram, a somewhat larger structure than several of its immediate Nava Tirupathi neighbours.

The Ninth-Day Nammalvar Procession from Alwarthirunagari

Beyond the shared Garuda Sevai utsavam of the Vaikasi month (May–June), this temple hosts a distinctive extension of that festival: on its ninth day, Nammalvar's festival image travels here in procession from Alwarthirunagari, and Vaikuntha Ekadashi and Nammalvar's own birth celebrations are also observed.

Darshan Timings at Thirukkulandai

Daily worship follows the customary Nava Tirupathi schedule below, with the added ninth-day Nammalvar procession forming a highlight of the annual festival calendar here specifically.

Timings

Morning: 06:00–12:00
Evening: 16:00–20:30

Timings may change on festival days. Devotees should verify locally before travel.

Glorified By

This temple was glorified in verse (mangalasasanam) by Nammalvar.

Visiting Perungulam on the Nava Tirupathi Circuit

How to reach

Perungulam lies within the Nava Tirupathi cluster in Thoothukudi district, close to Alwarthirunagari, and is best reached by road as part of a circuit of the nine temples.

Where to stay

Perungulam has minimal local lodging; Thoothukudi city, under an hour away, has a considerably wider choice of hotels.

Best time to visit

Early mornings are cooler; the Nava Tirupathi temples are usually visited together over a single day, and the ninth day of the Vaikasi festival is a particularly significant time to be here given the Nammalvar procession.

Where to go next

Alwarthirunagari (Nammalvar's birthplace) is only a few kilometres away, with Thirukkolur and Thenthiruperai a short drive further.

Location

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This Divya Desam is one of 18 where Perumal appears in sitting posture.

Nammalvar sang mangalasasanam here, one of 31 Divya Desams glorified by Nammalvar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is darshan free or ticketed?

Darshan arrangements and any special ticket options can change over time. Contact the temple or check official sources for current details before travelling.

How long does a visit typically take?

This varies with crowds and the day: a simple darshan can take under an hour, while festival days or peak season can mean a much longer wait. Plan for extra time if visiting during a major festival.

What are the darshan timings at Perungulam (Thirukkulandai)?

The temple is generally open 06:00–12:00 and 16:00–20:30. Timings can change on festival days, so verify locally before travelling.

Is there a dress code for this temple?

As with most Tamil Nadu temples, traditional attire is customary: a dhoti/veshti for men and a saree or salwar for women. Some sanctums restrict western-style clothing; it is safest to dress conservatively.

Which Nava Tirupathi temples are closest to Thirukkulandai?

Alwarthirunagari (Thirukkurugur), Nammalvar's birthplace, is a few kilometres away, with Thirukkolur and Thenthiruperai a little further, all part of the same Nava Tirupathi circuit.