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Divya Desam #81 Pandya Nadu Natham, Tamil Nadu

Sri Vijayasana Perumal Temple

திருவரகுணமங்கை · Thiruvaragunamangai

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Sri Vijayasana Perumal Temple at Natham is one of the nine Nava Tirupathi Divya Desams near the Tamiraparani river in Thoothukudi district.

Quick facts

Perumal
Vijayasana Perumal
Thayar
Varagunavalli
Posture
sitting
Theertham
Agni Theertham (Deva Pushkarini)
District
Thoothukudi
State
Tamil Nadu
Region
Pandya Nadu

Chandran Sthalam: The Moon's Temple Among the Nava Tirupathi Nine

Temple tradition tells of the sage Vedavitha, who performed penance here after the death of his parents; Vishnu appeared before him as a Brahmin and advised further penance at Varagunamangai (the temple's traditional name), and on being pleased with his devotion, Vishnu appeared before the sage as Vijayasanar at his request. Among the nine Nava Tirupathi shrines, Natham is also known as Chandran Sthalam, the temple associated with Chandra, the moon, within the set's wider association with the nine Navagraha planetary deities, one of only a few Vaishnava temples anywhere linked to a Navagraha in this way.

Sage Vedavitha's Penance and the Pandya-Era Origins of Varagunamangai

Like its Nava Tirupathi neighbours, the temple is revered in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham through verses composed by Nammalvar, and is believed to have been built during the early medieval period with later contributions from the Pandya kings and the Vijayanagara Empire, the same layered pattern of Pandya foundation and later dynastic patronage seen across this cluster of Tamiraparani river-bank temples.

A Seated Perumal Flanked by Both Consorts

The temple follows the Dravidian style, with a five-tiered rajagopuram at its entrance and a sixteen-pillared granite hall standing before it. Inside, the sanctum is distinctive among the Nava Tirupathi group for showing Vijayasana Perumal in a seated posture flanked by both his consorts on either side, rather than a single consort shrine set apart as is more usual.

Visiting Natham on the Nava Tirupathi Trail

How to reach

Natham lies within the Nava Tirupathi cluster near Srivaikuntam, reached by road from Thoothukudi or Tirunelveli.

Where to stay

Lodging around Natham is basic; Thoothukudi city, under an hour away, offers a wider range of hotels.

Best time to visit

Weekday mornings are quieter; many devotees cover the whole Nava Tirupathi cluster over one long day.

Where to go next

Srivaikuntam, Thirupulingudi and Tholavillimangalam are all a few kilometres away and are usually visited on the same trip.

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 Natham?

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 Natham?

Srivaikuntam (Thiruvaigundam), Thirupulingudi and Tholavillimangalam are all within a few kilometres, part of the same Nava Tirupathi cluster.

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Also glorified by Nammalvar

Other sitting Divya Desams

Last verified: July 2026

Sources: Wikipedia: Divya Desam · Nava Tirupati Temples and other Divya Desams around Tirunelveli: Kshethradanam · Content verified for publication

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