_(37512491591).jpg)
Divya Desam (Sanskrit:दिव्यदेशम्,Tamil:திவ்ய தேசம்) orVaishnava Divya Desams[1] are the 108Vishnu andLakshmi temples that are mentioned in theworks of theAlvars, the poet-saints of theSri Vaishnava tradition. By comparison, thePaadal Petra Sthalam are the 276Shiva temples glorified in the works of theShaivaNayanars.
Of the 108 temples, 105 are inIndia, one is inNepal, and the last two are believed to be outside the earth, inTirupparkatal/Kṣīra Sāgara andVaikuntham. In India, they are spread across the states ofTamil Nadu (84),Kerala (11),Andhra Pradesh (2),Gujarat (1),Uttar Pradesh (4), andUttarakhand (3).Muktinath, Saligramam is the only Divya Desam outside of India, inNepal.Tamil Nadu is home to the most number of Divya Desams with 25 of them being located in theChennai Metropolitan Area. The Divya Desams are revered by the 12 Alvars in theNaalayira Divya Prabandham, a collection of 4,000Tamil verses. The Divya Desams follow either Tenkalai or Vadakalai modes of worship.[2]
In Sanskrit,divya means "divine" anddesam indicates "realm" (temple).[3][4] For a temple to be classified as a Divya Desam, the temple's main shrine should be dedicated to Vishnu and an adjoining shrine must be for Goddess Lakshmi, Vishnu's consort.[citation needed]
The Divya Desams are classified into six regions:[citation needed]
The wordAlvar in Tamil, means "the immersed", referring to their deep devotion of God.Alvars are considered to be the twelve poet-saints ofVishnu, who were instrumental in popularisingVaishnavism during the 5th-8th centuries CE. The religious works of these saints inTamil, their hymns of love and devotion, are compiled as theNaalayira Divya Prabandham, containing 4000 verses and the 108 temples revered in their songs are classified asDivya Desams.[5][6] The saints had different origins and belonged to different varnas. According to tradition, the first threeAlvars (mudhal alvargal),Poigai,Bhuthathalvar,Peyalvar andAndal were said to be born "out of divinity",Tirumalisai was the son of a sage,Thondaradi,Mathurakavi,Periyalvar were ofBrahmin birth,Kulasekhara from theKshatriya community,Nammalvar was from a cultivator family,Tirupanalvar from theTamil panar community andTirumangai was from thekalvar community.[citation needed]
TheDivya Suri Saritra by Garuda-Vahana Pandita (11th century CE),Guruparamparaprabhavam by Pinbaragiya Perumal Jeeyar,Periya tiru mudi adaivu by Anbillai Kandadiappan,Yatindra Pranava Prabavam by Pillai Lokam Jeeyar, commentaries on theNaalayiraDivya Prabandam, Guru Parampara (lineage of Gurus) texts, temple records and inscriptions give a detailed account of theAlvars and their works. According to these texts, the saints are considered to be incarnations of attributes of Vishnu. Poigai is considered to be an incarnation ofPanchajanya (Krishna's conch), Bhoothath ofKaumodaki (Vishnu's mace), Peyalvar ofNandaka (Vishnu's sword), Thirumalisai ofSudarshana Chakra (Vishnu's discus), Nammalvar ofVishvaksena (Vishnu's commander), Madhurakavi ofVainatheya (Garuda), Kulasekhara ofKaustubha (Vishnu's gemstone), Periyalvar ofGaruda (Vishnu's demigod eagle), Andal ofBhudevi (Vishnu's wife, Lakshmi, in her form as Bhudevi), Thondaradippodi ofVanamalai (Vishnu's garland), Thiruppaan ofSrivatsa[7] (An auspicious mark on Vishnu's chest) and Thirumangai ofSharanga (Vishnu's bow). The songs ofPrabandham are sung in several Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu daily and also during festivals.[6][8]
In Hindu texts, these temples are often referred to asBhuloka Vaikuntham, which inTamil meansheavens on earth.[9] Each of the Divya Desam has its own significance related to Sri Vaishnava legend. Almost all of these temples have separate shrines forVishnu andLakshmi.[1]
The 106 earthly Divya Desam temples are spread over the Indian states ofTamil Nadu (84),Kerala (11),Uttar Pradesh (4),Uttarakhand (3),Andhra Pradesh (2) andGujarat (1), and the country ofNepal (1) (Muktinath, inMustang). The last two are believed to be outside earthly realms.
| S.NO | Name | Location | Photo | Presiding deities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam | Srirangam,Trichy district Tamil Nadu 10°51′45″N78°41′23″E / 10.8625°N 78.689722°E /10.8625; 78.689722 |  | Ranganathaswamy Perumal and Ranganayaki Thayar | The Srirangam temple is often listed as the largest functioningHindu temple in the world. The temple occupies an area of 156 acres (631,000 m2) with a perimeter of 4,116m (10,710 feet) making it the largest temple in India and one of the largest religious complexes in the world.[10][11] The annual 21 day festival ofVaikuntha Ekadashi, conducted during the Tamil month ofMargaḻi (December–January) attracts 1 million visitors.[12] The temple legend (Sthalapuranam) says that the Vishnu idol was first worshipped by LordBrahma, thenIkshvaku, then LordRama and then gifted toVibhishana. Vibhishana wanted to keep the idol in his kingdomLanka, but the idol was stuck on the Srirangam island, and Vishnu promised he will look after Vibhishana by facing south. Lord Vishnu is worshipped here asRanganatha, also calledPeriyaperumal,Namperumal orAzhagiyamanavalan. His wifeLakshmi is worshipped asRanganayaki, also calledThaayaar,Ranganachiyar orPeriyapiraatti. |
| 02 | Thirukoḻi | Uraiyur,Trichy district Tamil Nadu 10°49′N78°40′E / 10.82°N 78.67°E /10.82; 78.67 |  | Kamalavalli Nachiyar and Aḻagiya Manavala Perumal | The temple is locally called Nachiyar Koil (to be distinguished from Thirunaraiyur) and is one of the fewDivya Desams where the goddess is offered prominence over Vishnu. This temple has no procession idol (utsavar) for Vishnu, as it is believed that the Srirangam idol is the utsavar of Uraiyur. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped as Kamalavalli[13][14] The temple is the birthplace ofThiruppaan Alvar, one of the twelveAlvars. In Srirangam, the yearly birth festival of Thiruppaan Alvar is celebrated with theVishvarupaDarshanam of Ranganatha at the sanctum on the occasion of his birthday. Theutsavar of Tiruppan Alvar is taken from the temple to Srirangam.[15] |
| 03 | Thirukkarambanoor | Uthamarkoil,Tiruchirappalli district Tamil Nadu 10°29′N78°49′E / 10.49°N 78.81°E /10.49; 78.81 |  | Purushottama Nayaki and Purushottama Perumal | This rare temple is dedicated to the HinduTrimurti (trinity) namelyVishnu,Shiva, andBrahma. According to Hindu legend, the temple is believed to have been constructed byJanaka, the king ofMithila and the father ofSita from the epicRamayana.Tirumangai Alvar is believed to have resided in the temple to build the surrounding walls of theSrirangam Ranganathaswamy temple.[16] |
| 04 | Pundarikakshan Perumal Koil | Thiruvellarai,Trichy district Tamil Nadu 10°58′N78°40′E / 10.96°N 78.67°E /10.96; 78.67 |  | Pankaja Nayaki and Pundarikaksha Perumal | The Pundarikakshan Perumal temple is believed to have been built by thePallava king Dantivarman (796–847 CE).[17][18] Aswastika-shaped temple tank built during 800 CE is present in the south-western corner of the street around the temple. It has four stepped gateways, each having 51 steps. The tank is believed to have been built by Kamban Araiyan during the reign of Dantivarman. In modern times, it is maintained by the Department of Archaeology of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The temple complex covers an area of 2.62 ha (6.5 acres), while the tank covers an area of 0.1256 ha (0.310 acres).[19][20] The chariot festival is unique in the state as a community feast is offered by several individuals and committees, a custom many centuries old.[21][22] |
| 05 | Vadivaḻagiya Nambi Perumal Koil | Anbil,Trichy district Tamil Nadu 10°52′04″N78°52′56″E / 10.867735°N 78.882171°E /10.867735; 78.882171 |  | Saundaryavalli and Sundararaja Perumal | KingSundara Chola, who ruled the area, was a devotee of the temple, and during each of his innumerable victories in wars, he showered a lot of wealth on this temple. His prime minister Anirudha Brahmarayar is believed to be from Anbil, the village where the temple is located. The copper plates having the records from the Chola period from Anbil indicate generous contribution from theMedieval Cholas indicate various gifts to the temple.[23][24] |
| 06 | Appakkudathaan Perumal Koil | Koviladi,Tanjore district Tamil Nadu 10°50′22″N78°53′21″E / 10.839307°N 78.889073°E /10.839307; 78.889073 |  | Indravalli and Appakudatthan Perumal | The temple has inscriptions from the 18th year of the reign ofAditya Chola.[25][26] The temple is one of the fivePancharanga Kshetrams, a group of five Hindu temples on the banks of theKaveri River dedicated to Ranganatha, a form of Vishnu.[27][28] |
| 07 | Hara Saabha Vimocchana Perumal Temple | Kandiyur,Thanjavur district Tamil Nadu 10°51′37″N79°06′32″E / 10.860255°N 79.108891°E /10.860255; 79.108891 |  | Kamalavalli and Hara Saabha Vimochana Perumal | Since Vishnu relieved (vimochana) the curse (shāpa) ofShiva (also called Hara), the temple is called Hara Sābha Vimochana Temple.[29] |
| 08 | Thirukoodalur | Aduthurai,Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu 10°55′31″N79°12′13″E / 10.925152°N 79.203532°E /10.925152; 79.203532 |  | Padmasani and Jagathrakshaga Perumal | The river goddess Kaveri wanted to cleanse herself, and approached the Hindu godBrahma, who advised her to worship Vishnu. She is believed to have worshipped Vishnu at this place, and received relief. A parrot that was devoted to Vishnu was shot down in the nearby forest. Vishnu rescued the parrot and apprised him of his previous birth. Thus, it is believed that Vishnu descends here for all forms of life. Vishnu is also believed to have appeared for sage Nandaka.[30] |
| 09 | Thirukavithalam | Kabisthalam ,Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu 10°56′49″N79°15′23″E / 10.946890°N 79.256512°E /10.946890; 79.256512 |  | Ramamanivalli and Gajendra Varadha Perumal | Based onGajendra Moksha, Vishnu is believed to have savedGajendra the elephant also calledIndradyumna, from the crocodile called Huhu. This temple was SageParasara and LordHanuman.[31] The temple is one of the Panchakanna (Krishnaranya) Kshetrams, the five holy temples associated withKrishna, an avatar of Vishnu.[32][33] |
| 10 | Thiruppullamboothangudi | Pullabhoothangudi ,Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu 10°58′18″N79°18′12″E / 10.971596°N 79.303415°E /10.971596; 79.303415 | .jpg) | Hemambujavalli and Rama Perumal | Rama is believed to have appeared forSita, and the temple is believed to be the place where Rama performed the last rites of the eagle kingJatayu.[34] |
| 11 | Thiruaadhanur | Adanur, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu 10°58′35″N79°18′48″E / 10.976470°N 79.313454°E /10.976470; 79.313454 |  | Ranganayaki Thayar and Andalukkum Aiyyan Perumal | Vishnu is worshipped as Andalukkum-aiyyan and is believed to have appeared for an affluent devotee trying to save his idol.[35] It is also believed that the presiding deity appeared forKamadhenu, the divine cow, and also forTirumangai Alvar, the saint poet of the 8th century.[36] |
| 12 | Thirukudanthai | Kumbakonam,Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu 10°57′35″N79°22′30″E / 10.959649°N 79.374999°E /10.959649; 79.374999 |  | Komalavalli and Aravamuda Perumal | The temple is called Ubaya Pradhana Kshetram as themulavar (presiding deity) andutsavar (festive deity) enjoy the same importance. It is believed that the presiding deity askedNathamuni to compile the four thousand verses of Naalayira Divya Prabandham at this place.[37] The twin temple chariots weigh 300 t (660,000 lb) each and are next only in size to the ones inThyagaraja temple inThiruvarur andAndal Temple inSrivilliputhur.[38] This temple is alongKaveri and is one of thePancharanga Kshetrams.[39] |
| 13 | Thiruvinnagar | Tirunageswaram,Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu 10°57′42″N79°25′55″E / 10.961570°N 79.432080°E /10.961570; 79.432080 |  | Bhumidevi and Uppiliappan Perumal | It is believed that Vishnu appeared as Uppiliappan to marry sage Hemarishi's daughter, who was Lakshmi's reincarnation. Since the sage stated that his girl was too young to offer him food with salt, Vishnu agreed to accept an offering without salt, hence the name Uppiliappan (the one who does not eat salt)[40] |
| 14 | Thirunaraiyur | Nachiyar Kovil,Thiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu 10°54′57″N79°26′44″E / 10.915844°N 79.445554°E /10.915844; 79.445554 | .jpg) | Vanchulavalli and Srinivasa Perumal | According to local lore, Vishnu was of the view that duringKali Yuga, men would have to listen to women. Hence, he decided that he would first set an example and listen to the goddess here. During all festive occasions, the first rights are reserved for Goddess Lakshmi as Vanchulavalli, who moves ahead, while Vishnu as Srinivasa follows her. Even the food is first served to Lakshmi, and then to Srinivasa.[40] The stoneGaruda image in the temple used during the festive occasions is believed to increase in weight seeking 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 people in succession when the procession comes out of various gates from the sanctum to the main entrance of the temple.[14] |
| 15 | Thirucherai | Tirucherai,Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu 10°52′45″N79°27′16″E / 10.879135°N 79.454402°E /10.879135; 79.454402 | .jpg) | Saranayaki and Saranatha Perumal | Saranathan is believed to have appeared to the river goddessKaveri, sageMarkandeya, and the heaven kingIndra. The crown of some of the idol from the Chola period show the influence ofBuddhism in the region.[41] The metal image ofSita is believed to be a classic example ofChola Art during the 9th-10th centuries.[42][43] |
| 16 | Thirukannamangai | Thirukannamangai, Thiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu 10°47′58″N79°35′12″E / 10.799552°N 79.586645°E /10.799552; 79.586645 |  | Abishekavalli and Bhaktavatsala Perumal | The temple is one of the Panchakanna (Krishnaranya) Kshetrams, the five holy temples associated withKrishna, an avatar of Vishnu.[32][33] The temple also has a statue of theBuddha worshipped in the shrine. |
| 17 | Thirukannapuram | Tirukannapuram, Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu 10°52′07″N79°42′15″E / 10.868499°N 79.704266°E /10.868499; 79.704266 |  | Kannapura Nayaki and Sowriraja Perumal | The idol of Vishnu is depicted with silky hair at this locale. Legend has it that he grew the hair to safeguard his devotee's words. The temple is one of the Panchakanna (Krishnaranya) Kshetrams, the five holy temples associated withKrishna, an avatar of Vishnu.[32][33] |
| 18 | Thirukannangudi | Tirukannankudi, Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu 10°45′26″N79°45′48″E / 10.757222°N 79.763290°E /10.757222; 79.763290 |  | Loganayaki and Lokanatha Perumal | The temple is one of the Panchakanna (Krishnaranya) Kshetrams, the five holy temples associated withKrishna, an avatar of Vishnu.[32][33] |
| 19 | Thirunagai | Nagapattinam, Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu 10°45′35″N79°50′37″E / 10.759830°N 79.843706°E /10.759830; 79.843706 |  | Saundaryavalli and Sundararaja Perumal | The tributary of riverCauvery, Odambokki, passes close to the temple and the river is also called Virutha Kaveri. This leads to one of the names of presiding deity, "Kaveri Thuraivan". The present day Nagapattinam is believed to have been a forest, historically named Sundararinyam. During theTreta Yuga, this is the forest whereDhruva performed a penance to appeaseVishnu.[44] |
| 20 | Thiruthanjai Mamanikoil | Thanjavur, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu 10°48′56″N79°08′19″E / 10.815669°N 79.138677°E /10.815669; 79.138677 | .jpg) | Raktapankajavalli and Neelamegha Perumal | Unlike otherDivya Desams where a single shrine is referred, this set of temples is referred together in all thepasurams (verses). During theTreta Yuga, there were three demons by the names of Tanchakan, Tantakan, and Kacamukan who were blessed byShiva, and became very powerful. They grew arrogant and troubled sageParashara, who was doing penance at this place. Vishnu killed Tanchakan, after whom Thanjavur was named.[45] |
| Manikundram | Thanjavur, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu 10°49′01″N79°08′14″E / 10.816923°N 79.137229°E /10.816923; 79.137229 | .jpg) | Ambujavalli and Manikundra Perumal | The temples are located in the banks of theVennaaru river. Manikundram has a small east facing shrine with the deity and his consort in the same sanctum. All of thepasurams (verses) of Nammalvar and Thirumangai Alvar that mention Thanjai refer to this shrine.[46] | |
| Thanjaiyali Nagar | Thanjavur, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu 10°48′58″N79°08′21″E / 10.816022°N 79.139155°E /10.816022; 79.139155 | _02.jpg) | Thanjanayaki and Narasimha Perumal | Thanjiyali Nagar is home to Veera Narasimha Perumal, who has a small east facing shrine with the deity and his consort in the same sanctum.Narasimha is sculpted in a seated posture, giving blessings to sageMarkandeya. The tower over the sanctum is called Vedasundara Vimana, and the water body associated with it is called Surya Pushkarani.[46] | |
| 21 | Thirunandhipura Vinnagaram | Nathan Kovil, Thiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu 10°55′19″N79°22′20″E / 10.922075°N 79.372192°E /10.922075; 79.372192 |  | Shenbagavalli and Jagannatha Perumal | Nandi, the sacred bull vehicle ofShiva, is believed to have got his curses relieved by worshipping Vishnu here, and hence the place is called Nandipuram and Nandhipura Vinnagaram.[47] It is also believed that kingSibi worshipped Vishnu at this place.[48] |
| 22 | Thiruvelliyangudi | Thiruvelliyangudi, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu 11°03′24″N79°26′35″E / 11.056687°N 79.443095°E /11.056687; 79.443095 |  | Maragadhavalli and Kolavilli Rama Perumal | The temple is counted as Vaishnava Shukra Kshetra as Vishnu appeared as a beautiful idol to please his devoteeShukra (Venus).[49] The place derived its name Thiruvelliyangudi hence and the presiding deity is also referred to as Velliyan. It is believed that Vishnu appeared in Kalyana Kolam (marriage posture) to Parasara, Markandeya,Maya, Brahma, Shukra, andBhudevi. To de-stress or relieve Vishnu, his mount orvahana, the eagleGaruda, holds theconch and theSudarshana chakra of Vishnu, making this the only temple where Garuda is depicted in such a posture.[50] |
| 23 | Thiruvazhundur | Theranzhdur, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu 11°02′48″N79°34′46″E / 11.046532°N 79.579468°E /11.046532; 79.579468 |  | Senkamalavalli and Sri Devadiraja Perumal | In a Hindu legend, Brahma, the creator deity, drove away the cattle belonging toKrishna, anavatar ofVishnu. Krishna created another herd. Realising that the herd belonged to Krishna, Brahma apologised, and wished Krishna to set his abode at this place. Since Krishna appeared for the cattle and settled here, the presiding deity is called Amaruviappan (the one who is flanked by cattle). Following the legend, the presiding deity in the sanctum is portrayed with cattle surrounding him.[51] |
| 24 | Thiruchirupuliyur | Thirusirupuliyur, Thiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu 10°59′28″N79°40′10″E / 10.991202°N 79.669440°E /10.991202; 79.669440 |  | Dayanayaki and Krupasamudra Perumal | Shiva ordered the sageVyaghrapada to perform penance atSrirangam, requesting the god Vishnu to give him a place in his abode,Vaikuntha. Vyaghrapada was joined by sagePatanjali in his journey. Because of his poor eyesight, the sages instead went southward, lost their way and reached Krupa Samudram, modern dayTirusirupuliyur. They prayed to Vishnu to come from Srirangam to grant themmoksha (divine liberation). Vishnu is also believed to have appeared for sageVyasa at this place.[52] |
| 25 | Thiruthalaichanga Nanmadiyam | Thalachangadu, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu 11°07′47″N79°47′07″E / 11.129789°N 79.785252°E /11.129789; 79.785252 | .jpg) | Thalaichanga Nachiyar and Chandrasaabahara Perumal | The moon deityChandra once conducted a sacrifice called therajasuya yajna, which was attended by all the celestial deities. Tara, the wife ofBrihaspati (Jupiter) was attracted by Chandra. Brihaspati appealed to Vishnu on the event and cursed Chandra to have leprosy. Tara boreBudha (Mercury) from Chandra and since his birth had resulted from an illicit relationship, Budha hated his father. To propitiate himself of the curse, Chandra started worshipping Vishnu in this place.[53] |
| 26 | Thiruindalur | Indalur, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu 11°06′35″N79°38′46″E / 11.109733°N 79.646232°E /11.109733; 79.646232 |  | Parimala Ranganayaki and Sri Parimala Ranganatha Perumal | According to Hindu legend, this site is where the moon god,Chandra is believed to have been relieved of his curse.Indu means moon, and the place Tiruindaloor derives its name from the legend. Chandra, worshipped Vishnu, who appeared to please his devotee.[54] |
| 27 | Thirukkavalambadi | Thirunangur, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu 11°10′37″N79°46′57″E / 11.1769°N 79.7824°E /11.1769; 79.7824 |  | Senkamala Nachiyar and Gopala Krishna Perumal | Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu, and his consortSatyabhama, chose this location for their garden, as it resembled the one in the palace of the king of celestial deities,Indra.[37]Kavalam indicates elephant, andpadi indicates place - it is believed that Krishna saved an elephant at this place leading to the name of the temple. The event is described in the verses ofTirumangai Alvar in theNaalayira Divya Prabandham.[55] |
| 28 | Thirukazhicheerama Vinnagaram | Sirkazhi, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu 11°14′27″N79°43′54″E / 11.240964°N 79.731689°E /11.240964; 79.731689 | .jpg) | Lokanayaki and Trivikrama Perumal | Thirumangai Aḻvar was requested by the Shaiva poetSambandar to praise God through pasurams. The deity in the temple is praised as "Man alantha tadalan", meaning the one who measured the land.[56] The name Tadalan is in honour of Trivikrama (Vamana) form and themulavar (central deity) fixed in the central shrine is in this form. The presiding deity, Trivikrama, appeared for sage Ashtakoma.[57][58] |
| 29 | Thiruarimeya Vinnagaram | Thirunangur, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu 11°10′40″N79°46′53″E / 11.17768°N 79.78152°E /11.17768; 79.78152 |  | Amrudhagadavalli and Kudamudakoothan Perumal | The Hindu godShiva is believed to have started dancing (tandava) in fury at this place after the death of his consortSati during theyagna (sacrifice) ofDaksha. Each time his lock of hair touched the ground, there were eleven other forms of Shiva who appeared. The celestial deities were worried that if the dance continues, it would result in the decimation of all of creation. They prayed toVishnu for help, who appeared at this place. On seeing Vishnu, Shiva's anger reduced, and he requested Vishnu to appear in eleven forms like he had. On his request, Vishnu appeared in eleven different forms at Tirunangur. The eleven places where Vishnu appeared are believed to be where the eleven temples in Tirunangur are located.[59] |
| 30 | Thiruvanpurushothamam | Thirunangur, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu 11°10′44″N79°46′36″E / 11.178783°N 79.776690°E /11.178783; 79.776690 |  | Purushotthama Nayaki and Purushottama Perumal | Same as Thiruarimeya Vinnagaram. |
| 31 | Thirusemponsaikoil | Thirunangur, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu 11°10′42″N79°46′47″E / 11.178446°N 79.779651°E /11.178446; 79.779651 |  | Sweda Pushpavalli and Hemaranganatha Perumal | Same as Thiruarimeya Vinnagaram. |
| 32 | Thirumanimadakoil | Thirunangur, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu 11°10′26″N79°46′37″E / 11.173971°N 79.776872°E /11.173971; 79.776872 |  | Pundareegavalli and Sashvatha Deepaya Narayana Perumal | Same as Thiruarimeya Vinnagaram. |
| 33 | Thiruvaikunta Vinnagaram | Thirunangur, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu 11°10′47″N79°46′42″E / 11.179804°N 79.778267°E /11.179804; 79.778267 |  | Vaikundavalli and Vaikundanatha Perumal | Same as Thiruarimeya Vinnagaram. |
| 34 | Thiruvali | Thiruvali,Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu 11°12′11″N79°46′28″E / 11.202979°N 79.774538°E /11.202979; 79.774538 |  | Amrudhagadavalli and Kedarapathivaraya Perumal | Associated withNarasimha's killing ofHiranyakashipu, and his pacification byLakshmi andPrahlada sitting on his lap. |
| Thirunagari | Thirunagari,Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu 11°13′35″N79°48′01″E / 11.226354°N 79.800335°E /11.226354; 79.800335 |  | Amurdha Valli and Devaraja Perumal | Regarded to be the site where Vishnu offered a vision to Thirumangai Alvar and his wife. | |
| 35 | Thiruthevanarthogai | Thirunangur,Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu 11°11′49″N79°46′32″E / 11.196842°N 79.775504°E /11.196842; 79.775504 |  | Samudradanaya and Devanayaka Perumal | Same as Thiruarimeya Vinnagaram. |
| 36 | Thiruthetriambalam | Thirunangur, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu 11°10′23″N79°47′42″E / 11.17302°N 79.7951°E /11.17302; 79.7951 |  | Rakthapankajavalli and Lakshmiranga Perumal | Same as Thiruarimeya Vinnagaram. |
| 37 | Thirumanikoodam | Thirunangur, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu 11°10′39″N79°46′40″E / 11.177415°N 79.777838°E /11.177415; 79.777838 |  | Boonayagi and Varadharaja Perumal | Same as Thiruarimeya Vinnagaram. |
| 38 | Thiruvellakulam | Thirunangur, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu 11°11′24″N79°45′54″E / 11.190106°N 79.764929°E /11.190106; 79.764929 |  | Padmavathi and Srinivasa Perumal | Same as Thiruarimeya Vinnagaram. |
| 39 | Thiruparthanpalli | Parthanpalli,Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu 11°10′12″N79°47′51″E / 11.169952°N 79.797515°E /11.169952; 79.797515 |  | Tamarai Nayagi and Taamaraiyaal Kelvan Perumal | Same as Thiruarimeya Vinnagaram, and also a site where the Pandava princeArjuna prayed to Lord Krishna. |
| 40 | Thiruchitrakoodam | Chidambaram, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu11°23′57″N79°41′36″E / 11.399207°N 79.693364°E /11.399207; 79.693364 | %2c_Nataraja_Temple_-_panoramio.jpg) | Pundareekavalli and Govindaraja Perumal | The shrine has close connections with the Govindaraja temple inTirupati, dating back to the saintRamanuja of the 11-12th century. Ramanuja fled to Tirupati with theutsava (festival idol) of the temple to escapeShaiva persecution. |
| 41 | Thiruvanthipuram | Thiruvanthipuram, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu11°44′42″N79°42′34″E / 11.745099°N 79.709351°E /11.745099; 79.709351 | .jpg) | Hemambujavalli and Devanatha Perumal | A number of sages bore witness toMahavishnu in his resplendent form, with his weaponsSudarshana Chakra (discus),Panchajanya (conch) and theKaumodaki (mace) gracing his arms. |
| 42 | Thirukkoyilur | Thirukoyilur, Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu11°58′01″N79°12′09″E / 11.967006°N 79.202479°E /11.967006; 79.202479 |  | Pushpavalli and Trivikrama Perumal | The temple is believed to be the place where the first three Alvars, the Vaishnava saints, namely,Poigai Alvar,Bhoothathalvar, andPeyalvar attained salvation. The temple is one of the Panchakanna (Krishnaranya) Kshetrams, the five holy temples associated withKrishna, an avatar of Vishnu.[32][33] |
| 43 | Thirukkachi - Atthigiri | Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu12°49′09″N79°43′29″E / 12.819137°N 79.724646°E /12.819137; 79.724646 | .jpg) | Perundevi Thayar and Varadharaja Perumal | One of the greatest Hindu scholars of the VaishnavaVishishtadvaita philosophy,Ramanuja, is believed to have resided in this temple.[60] The Vishnu idol in this temple was originally made byVishwakarma from fig tree wood (atthi) until Muslim invasions forced the wooden idol into hiding and being replaced by the current stone idol. The temple, along withEkambareswarar Temple andKamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram, is popularly known asMumurtivasam (abode of the trio),[61] while Srirangam is referred to as ‘The Koil’ (temple) andTirupati as the ‘Malai’ (hill). |
| 44 | Ashtabujagaram | Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu12°49′22″N79°42′39″E / 12.822736°N 79.710806°E /12.822736; 79.710806 | .jpg) | Padmasani and Ashtabhuja Perumal | Also based onGajendra Moksha: The elephant Gajendra used to worship Vishnu with the lotuses fetched from the temple tank every day. Once, while picking up a lotus, a crocodile caught the leg of Gajendra, who started calling the name of Vishnu for help. Vishnu sent his discus to kill the crocodile, and relieve the elephant. The presiding deity is addressed by various names like Adikesava Perumal, Gajendra Varadhan, and Chakradharan.[62] |
| 45 | Thiruthanka | Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu12°49′28″N79°42′20″E / 12.824382°N 79.705543°E /12.824382; 79.705543 |  | Maragadhavalli and Deepaprakasa Perumal | Vedanta Desika (1268 - 1369 CE) was an ardent devotee of Deepa Prakasa Temple at Thoppul. The devotion of Desika is mentioned inSaranagathi Deepika in 59 verses. He was born in this kshetra.Vedanta Desika also has a shrine inside the temple. A statue ofHayagriva worshipped by him also has a temple nearby to him.[63] |
| 46 | Thiruvelukkai | Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu12°49′20″N79°42′23″E / 12.822197°N 79.706450°E /12.822197; 79.706450 | .jpg) | Amritavalli and Yoga Narasimha Perumal | Narasimha is believed to have appeared here to kill Hiranyakashipu, the demon king.Velukkai is derived fromVel (desire) andirukkai (place of stay), meaning the place where Vishnu desired to stay, which became Velukkai from Velirukkai.[64] Here, Narasimha is calledAzhagiya Singar (the handsome lion) |
| 47 | Thiruneeragam | Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu12°50′21″N79°42′19″E / 12.839122°N 79.705185°E /12.839122; 79.705185 |  | Nilamangai Valli and Jagadeesha Perumal | The temple has no presiding deity, but just a festive image probably brought from another shrine. The images of the festival deity, Jagadishvara, facing the east and having four arms, is housed in a hall in the second precinct. The water body associated with the temple is Akrura Tirtham and the vimana is Jagadiswara Vimanam. According to Pillai Perumal Aiyangar in hisNurrettrutiruppatiyantati, Vishnu revealed himself to a sage in the form of a child in a banyan leaf.[65] |
| 48 | Thiruppadagam | Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu12°50′34″N79°41′49″E / 12.842726°N 79.696941°E /12.842726; 79.696941 | .jpg) | Rukmini and Pandavadootha Perumal | The temple is considered one of three oldest temples in Kanchipuram, and is believed to have been built by thePallavas of the late 8th century CE, with later contributions fromMedieval Cholas andVijayanagara kings. The temple is associated with a chapter inMahabharata whenKrishna went to theKauravas as a peace messenger (calledThoota locally) of thePandavas.[66] |
| 49 | Nilathingal Thundam | Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu12°50′51″N79°41′58″E / 12.847463°N 79.699313°E /12.847463; 79.699313 |  | Chandrasoodavalli and Chandrasooda Perumal | This shrine is located within the premises of theEkambareswarar Temple.Shiva once attempted to test the devotion of his consortParvati by setting her aflame while she meditated under the temple's mango tree. When she prayed for Vishnu's intervention, he seized Shiva's crescent moon, and used its power to douse the divine flame. |
| 50 | Thiruooragam | Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu12°50′21″N79°42′19″E / 12.839122°N 79.705185°E /12.839122; 79.705185 | | Amudavalli and Trivikrama Perumal | The central shrine of temple is most commonly referred as Peragam, while the smaller shrine where the image of the demigodAdishesha is houses is called Tiruooragam. According to tradition,Mahabali, at the foot ofVamana, could not view the tall form and requested him to produce a smaller form. Vishnu obliged and appeared as a snake in a smaller shrine. The shrine is frequented by childless couple praying for offspring.[65] |
| 51 | Thiruvekka | Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu12°49′27″N79°42′45″E / 12.824070°N 79.712462°E /12.824070; 79.712462 | .jpg) | Komalavalli and Yathottakari Perumal | The goddessSaraswati, angry with Brahma, attempted to disrupt hisyajna. Vishnu stopped her in these efforts. Defeated, Saraswati took the form of the Vegavati river. As Vishnu interfered the path of the river, it was termedVegavani, then asVegannai, which gradually corrupted toVekka. |
| 52 | Thirukkaragam | Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu12°50′21″N79°42′19″E / 12.839122°N 79.705185°E /12.839122; 79.705185 | | Padmamani and Karunagara Perumal | The shrine is located on the third precinct of the temple. According to Hindu legend, sage Garga performed his penance at this temple and obtained knowledge. The place thus derived its name Garagaham, which later became Kaaragam. The presiding deity of the shrine is Karunakara Perumal facing north and seated on Adisesha and his consort Padmamani Nachiar. The temple tank associated with it is called Agraya Tirtha and thevimana is called Vamana Vimanam or Ramaya Vimanam.[65] |
| 53 | Thirukkarvaanam | Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu12°50′21″N79°42′19″E / 12.839122°N 79.705185°E /12.839122; 79.705185 | | Kamalavalli and Neelamega Perumal | The shrine is located in the second precinct of the Ulagalantha Perumal Temple. The presiding Vishnu deity is called Kalvar and faces north, while his consort is Lakshmi as Kamalavalli Thayar. Gauri Tatakam and Taratara Tatakam are the temple tanks associated with the temple and the vimana is called Puskala Vimana.[65][67] There is a separate for Aranavalli Thayar.[65] |
| 54vI | Thirukkalvanur | Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu12°50′26″N79°42′12″E / 12.840653°N 79.703250°E /12.840653; 79.703250 |  | Anjilai Valli and Adi Varaha Perumal | The shrine is present inside theKamakshi Amman temple, and glorifies Vishnu in his form ofVaraha. |
| 55 | Thiruppavalavannam | Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu12°50′37″N79°42′27″E / 12.843658°N 79.707604°E /12.843658; 79.707604 |  | Pavalavalli and Pavalavarna Perumal | Associated with the legend that Vishnu purportedly assumes his form in different hues depending on the conduct of humans during a given age. |
| 56 | Thiru Parameswara Vinnagaram | Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu12°50′14″N79°42′34″E / 12.837151°N 79.709482°E /12.837151; 79.709482 |  | Vaikundavalli and Vaikundanatha Perumal | Regarded to be the site where Vishnu appeared before Pallava princes who had performed a yajna for him. |
| 57 | Thiruputkuzhi | Thiruputkuzhi, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu12°52′22″N79°37′07″E / 12.872642°N 79.618683°E /12.872642; 79.618683 |  | Maragadhavalli and Vijayaraghava Perumal | The last rites ofJatayu are believed to have been performed here by Rama. |
| 58 | Thirunindravur | Thirunindravur, Chennai,Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu13°06′45″N80°01′34″E / 13.112501°N 80.026096°E /13.112501; 80.026096 |  | Sudhavalli and Bhaktavatsala Perumal | Regarded to be the site whereVaruna worshipped Vishnu. |
| 59 | Thiruvallur | Thiruvallur, Chennai,Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu13°08′36″N79°54′27″E / 13.143204°N 79.907439°E /13.143204; 79.907439 |  | Kanakavalli and Vaidya Veeraraghava Perumal | Regarded to be the site where Vishnu tested the devotion of a sage by asking him large portions of his food and residence before blessing him. |
| 60 | Thiruvallikeni | Chennai, Chennai district, Tamil Nadu13°03′14″N80°16′37″E / 13.053920°N 80.276942°E /13.053920; 80.276942 |  | Rukmini and Venkatakrishna Perumal | The nameParthasarathy, inTamil, means the 'charioteer ofArjuna', referring to Krishna's role as a charioteer to Arjuna in the epicMahabharata. It was originally built by thePallavas in the 8th century and considered the oldest structural inChennai.[68] |
| 61 | Thiruneermalai,Tambaram | Chengalpattu, Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu12°57′50″N80°06′54″E / 12.963808°N 80.114953°E /12.963808; 80.114953 |  | Animamalar Mangai and Neervanna Perumal | Brahmanda Purana refers this place Toyatri, meaning a mountain surrounded by water.Thiruneermalai, the modernTamil name also means a sacred mountain surrounded by water. Among the eight sacred Vishnu temples where he manifested himself called "Ashtaswayamvakta Kshetra".[64] |
| 62 | Thiruvidanthai | Thiruvidanthai, Chennai,Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu12°45′48″N80°14′33″E / 12.763217°N 80.242538°E /12.763217; 80.242538 |  | Komalavalli and Nityakalyana Perumal | The sage Kalava had 360 daughters who wished to wedVaraha, and the site derives its name from the belief that Varaha marries a maiden here everyday. |
| 63 | Thirukkadanmallai | Mahabalipuram,Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu12°37′03″N80°11′36″E / 12.617464°N 80.193303°E /12.617464; 80.193303 |  | Boosthalamangadevi and Sthalasayana Perumal | The temple is believed to be the birthplace of the Vaishnava Alvar saintBhoothathalvar. Sthalasayana Perumal is believed to have appeared to sage Pundarika. The temple is one of the 32 Group ofMonuments at Mahabalipuram that are declared as UN world heritage sites, but unlike others that are maintained by theArchaeological Survey of India, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of theGovernment of Tamil Nadu.[69] |
| 64 | Thirukkadigai | Sholinghur, Vellore district, Tamil Nadu13°05′37″N79°25′29″E / 13.093698°N 79.424626°E /13.093698; 79.424626 | .JPG) | Amritavalli and Yoga Narasimha Perumal | The temple has twin hills, with the one of YogaNarasimha called thePeriya malai (big hill) 750 ft (230 m) tall and occupying an area of 1.25 acres (5,100 m2). The top of the hill is approached through a flight of 1,305 steps. The temple is seen as one of the famous temples of Narasimha and a powerful image ofHanuman.[70]Manavala Mamunigal is believed to have performed enunciation ofThirupavai at this place on the request of his disciple Erumbiappa. The town originally was under the control ofShaivites which is substantiated by the temple ruins near Parappan Kulam, in the valley between two hills. This is where original Sholinghur was situated. UnfinishedNandhis and Sthupas are found in numerous places in Sholinghur.[71] |
| 65 | Thirunavai | Tirunavaya, Mallapuram district, Kerala 10°21′39″N76°50′12″E / 10.360704°N 76.83654°E /10.360704; 76.83654 |  | Malarmangai and Navamukunda Perumal | Regarded to be the site where Lakshmi and Gajendra offered worship to Vishnu. |
| 66 | Thiruvithuvakodu | Thiruvithuvakoodu, Palakkad district, Kerala 10°21′39″N76°50′12″E / 10.36070°N 76.83654°E /10.36070; 76.83654 | .jpg) | Vithuvakoduvalli and Abhayapradhaya Perumal | The temple is regarded to have been built by Parashurama for the veneration of Shiva. |
| 67 | Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Kshethram (Thirukatkarai) | Thrikkakara, Ernakulam district, Kerala 10°21′39″N76°50′12″E / 10.36070°N 76.83654°E /10.36070; 76.83654 |  | Vathsalyavalli and Katkaraswami Perumal | Associated with the Vamana avatar and the humbling of Mahabali. |
| 68 | Thirumoozhikkalam | Thirumoozhikulam, Ernakulam district, Kerala 10°21′39″N76°50′11″E / 10.36070°N 76.8365°E /10.36070; 76.8365 |  | Madhuraveni and Sookthinatha Perumal | Rama's brothers Lakshmana and Bharata are believed to have prayed to Vishnu in this temple. |
| 69 | Sree Vallabha Temple (Thiruvallavazh) | Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala 9°25′38″N76°49′02″E / 9.42723°N 76.81732°E /9.42723; 76.81732 |  | Vathsalyavalli and Vallabhaswami Perumal | Lakshmi, the daughter of the sea, is regarded to have prayed to Vishnu for the boon of marrying him in this site. |
| 70 | Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple (Thirukkodithanam) | Thrikkodithanam, Changanassery, Kottayam District, Kerala 9°25′38″N76°49′02″E / 9.42723°N 76.81732°E /9.42723; 76.81732 |  | Karpagavalli and Amruthanarayana Perumal | Believed to be the temple constructed by the Pandava Sahadeva during a pilgrimage, after the coronation of Parikshit. |
| 71 | Thrichittatt Mahavishnu Temple (Thiruchengundrur) | Chengannur, Alappuzha District, Kerala 9°25′38″N76°49′02″E / 9.42723°N 76.81732°E /9.42723; 76.81732 |  | Rakthapankajavalli and Devathideva Perumal | It is one of the five ancient shrines in theChengannur area of Kerala, connected with the legend ofMahabharata, where the fivePandavas are believed to have built one temple each; the temple is believed to have been built byYudhishthira. The Imayavar (devas) came to this place prior toYudhishthira, and hence the deity here is referred as Imayavarappar.[72] There is another version that the Pandavas worshipped the idols during their reign, and started installing them in different places during the end of their reign.[73] |
| 72 | Thiruppuliyur | Thripuliyur, Alappuzha District, Kerala 9°25′38″N76°49′02″E / 9.42723°N 76.81732°E /9.42723; 76.81732 |  | Porkodi Nachiyar and Maayapiran Perumal | Believed to be the temple constructed by the Pandava prince Bhima during a pilgrimage, after the coronation of his grand-nephew Parikshit. |
| 73 | Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple (Thiruvaranvilai) | Aranmula, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala 9°21′20″N76°45′37″E / 9.35542°N 76.76033°E /9.35542; 76.76033 |  | Padmasani Nachiyar and Kuralappan Perumal | Believed to be the temple constructed by the Pandava prince Arjuna during a pilgrimage, after the coronation of his grandson Parikshit. |
| 74 | Thiruvanvandoor | Thiruvanvandoor, Alappuzha District, Kerala 9°21′20″N76°45′37″E / 9.35542°N 76.76031°E /9.35542; 76.76031 |  | Kamalavalli Nachiyar and Paambanaiyappan Perumal | It is one of the five ancient shrines in theChengannur area of Kerala, connected with the legend ofMahabharata, where the fivePandavas are believed to have built one temple each; this temple is believed to have been built byNakula. Earliest references to this temple appear in the verses and hymns composed by the greatest of Alvar saints –Nammalvar, in circa 800 CE. Stone inscriptions in the temple date it back to the SecondChera Empire (800–1102 CE).[74] |
| 75 | Thiruvananthapuram | Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala 8°32′02″N76°55′40″E / 8.53402°N 76.92787°E /8.53402; 76.92787 |  | Harilakshmi and Ananthapadmanabhaswami Perumal | It is widely regarded to be the richest shrine in India and is the dynastic deity ofTravancore. Here, Vishnu's large idol can be viewed from three doors. |
| 76 | Thiruvattaru | Thiruvattar, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu 8°22′08″N77°14′30″E / 8.36897°N 77.241670°E /8.36897; 77.241670 |  | Maragadhavalli and Adhikesava Perumal | The site is associated with the legend ofKrishna killing the demonKeshi. |
| 77 | Thiruvanparisaram | Thiruppathisaram, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu8°15′15″N77°28′13″E / 8.254153°N 77.47032°E /8.254153; 77.47032 |  | Kamalavalli and Thiruvaḻmarbhan Perumal | Kulashekara Alvar is believed to have constructed the temple after bathing in a nearby water tank. |
| 78 | Thirukkurungudi | Thirukkurungudi, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu8°26′13″N77°31′33″E / 8.436906°N 77.5259°E /8.436906; 77.5259 |  | Vamanakshetravalli and Vamanakshetrapoornaya Perumal | Vishnu is regarded to have assumed hisVaraha avatar and stayed here with his consort,Bhumi, both assuming a small stature. |
| 79 | Thirucheeravaramangai | Nanguneri, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu8°26′13″N77°31′33″E / 8.436905°N 77.5259°E /8.436905; 77.5259 |  | Chireevaramangaivalli and Thothadhrinatha Perumal | Lakshmi is believed to have been born here in one of her earthly incarnations. |
| 80 | Thiruvaigundam | Srivaikuntam, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu8°36′35″N77°58′34″E / 8.609726°N 77.9760°E /8.609726; 77.9760 |  | Boonayagi, Vaigundavalli and Vaikuntanatha Perumal | Vishnu assumed hisMatsya avatar to retrieve theVedas from a demon and return them to Brahma, after which he resided here for a while. |
| 81 | Thiruvaragunamangai | Natham, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu8°36′35″N77°58′34″E / 8.60972°N 77.976037°E /8.60972; 77.976037 |  | Varagunavalli and Vijayasana Perumal | A sage named Vedavitha performed penance after the death of his parents. Vishnu appeared in the form of aBrahmin, and advised him to perform a penance at Varagunamangai. After several years of penance and pleased by the devotion of Vedavitha, Vishnu appeared before him. Vedavitha requested Vishnu to appear as Vijayasnar at this place. |
| 82 | Thiruppuliangudi | Thirupulingudi, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu8°36′35″N77°58′34″E / 8.60972°N 77.976037°E /8.60972; 77.976037 |  | Malarmagal Nachiyar and Poomagal Nachiyar and Kaaichina Vendhan Perumal | Regarded to be the site where Vishnu appeased the jealous Bhudevi, the second aspect of Lakshmi, appearing with Sridevi. |
| 83 | Thirutholaivillimangalam (Navathirupathi) | Tholavillimangalam, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu8°36′35″N77°58′34″E / 8.60972°N 77.97603°E /8.60972; 77.97603 |  | Karunthadanganni Nachiyar and Aravindalochana Perumal | Regarded to be the site Vishnu blessed the sage Suprabha. |
| 84 | Thirukkulandai (Navathirupathi) | Perungulam, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu8°36′25″N77°57′02″E / 8.606968°N 77.950545°E /8.606968; 77.950545 |  | Alamelumangai Thayar and Kulandhai Valli and Srinivasa Perumal | Anasura once abducted Kumudhavalli, the wife of a Vaishnava. The asura was vanquished by Vishnu, who danced on his head, and restored Kumudhavalli to her husband. |
| 85 | Thirukkolur (Navathirupathi) | Thirukolur, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu8°36′23″N77°58′26″E / 8.6065018°N 77.97389°E /8.6065018; 77.97389 |  | Amudhavalli and Koloorvalli and Vaithamanithi Perumal | Regarded to be the site Vishnu relievedKubera of his financial misfortune. |
| 86 | Thirupperai | Thenthiruperai, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu8°36′23″N77°58′26″E / 8.60650°N 77.97389°E /8.60650; 77.97389 |  | Kuḻaikkadhu Valli, and Thirupperai Nachiyar and Magara Nedungkuḻai Kathar Perumal | Believed to be the site where Bhudevi's beauty was restored after being cursed by Durvasa. |
| 87 | Thirukkurugur | Alwarthirunagari, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu8°36′25″N77°57′02″E / 8.60696°N 77.95054°E /8.60696; 77.95054 |  | Aadhinadha Valli and Gurukoor valli and Aadhinatha Perumal | Associated with Nammalvar and Madhurakavi Alvar. |
| 88 | Srivillipputhur | Srivilliputhur, Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu8°36′25″N77°57′02″E / 8.60696°N 77.95054°E /8.60696; 77.95054 |  | Kodhadevi and Vatapatrasayee Perumal | Regarded to be the site where the deity Ranganatha of Srirangam married his ardent devotee and Alvar,Andal. |
| 89 | Thiruthangal | Thiruthankal Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu9°00′39″N77°53′07″E / 9.010702°N 77.8853°E /9.010702; 77.8853 | .jpg) | Sengamala Thayar and Narayana Perumal | The temple in its present form was believed to have been built by Devendra Vallabha, a Pandya king. The temple has three inscriptions in its two rock-cut caves, two dating from the period of the 8th century. Ninra Narayana is believed to have appeared to Sridevi andBhudevi.Ranganatha from theSrirangam Ranganathaswamy temple is believed to have been enamoured by the devotion ofAndal. He started a journey toSrivilliputhur Divya Desam to seek her hand for marriage. While reaching the place, it became dark, and he decided to spend the night in the place. Since he stayed at this place, it came to be known as Thiruthangal and the hillock came to be known as Thalagiri.[75] |
| 90 | Thirukkoodal | Madurai, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu9°59′19″N78°15′52″E / 9.98860°N 78.26434°E /9.98860; 78.26434 | .jpg) | Madhuravalli Thayar and Koodal Aḻagar Perumal | Historians are of the opinion that Koodal Aḻagar temple finds mention in Sangam literature (3 century BCE – 3 century CE) in works likeMadurai Kanchi by Mangudi Marudan,Paripāṭal, Kaliththokai andSilappatikaram.Periyalvar obtained the name as he is believed to be an ardent worshipper ofVishnu. While coming out ofMadurai, he was taken out in procession to Srivilliputhur and he got the divine vision of Vishnu at the instance. He started reciting his composition,Periya Tirumoḻi, which was compiled in theNaalayira Divya Prabhandam by Manavala Mamunigal. Manavala decreed that the verses of Periyalvar starting with Tirupallandu should be the first and last verse while reciting Pradandam in any sacred occasion in Vishnu temples. Ramanuja, a proponent during the 10th century, believes that Tirupallandu originated at Madurai. Thus Koodal Aḻagar temple finds an indomitable position in Vaishnavite belief. During Mahapralaya, the great disaster, the devotees sought the abode of Vishnu in Madurai.[76] |
| 91 | Thirumaliruncholai | Alagar Koyil, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu9°59′19″N78°15′52″E / 9.988609°N 78.2643428°E /9.988609; 78.2643428 |  | Sundaravalli and Kallaḻagar Perumal | Kallaḻagar was worshipped byYama, the Hindu god of death. He requested Vishnu to stay in the place and built a temple with the help ofVishvakarma, the divine architect.[77] Kallaḻagar is believed to have appeared to redeem sage Suthapava off his curse from sageDurvasa.[78] The temple houses some rareVijayanagara sculptures.[79] |
| 92 | Thirumogur | Thirumohur, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu9°59′19″N78°15′52″E / 9.98860°N 78.26434°E /9.98860; 78.26434 | .jpg) | Mohavalli and Kalamega Perumal | According to Hindu legend, the presiding deity is believed to have appeared as a femaleMohini to lure theasuras to support thedevas, the celestial deities. The temple is also known asMohanapuram andMohanakshetram.[80] |
| 93 | Thirukkoshtiyur | Thirukoshtiyur, Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu9°59′19″N78°15′51″E / 9.98860°N 78.2643°E /9.98860; 78.2643 | .jpg) | Mahalakshmi and Uraga Mellanayaan Perumal | The temple is known as the place whereRamanuja, the expounder of Vaishnavadatta philosophy preached the mantra "Om Namo Narayana" to all people irrespective of their birth. Sowmyanarayana Perumal is believed to have appeared asNarasimha avatar to thedevas, the celestial deities.[81] |
| 94 | Thiruppullani | Thirupullani, Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu9°59′19″N78°15′52″E / 9.98860°N 78.26434°E /9.98860; 78.26434 |  | Kalyanavalli, Padmasani and Kalyana Jagannatha Perumal | The temple is believed to have been built during the late 8th century CE, with later contributions fromMedieval Cholas,later Pandyas, Sethupathi Kings of Ramnad. According to Hindu legend,Rama is believed to have done penance to worshipVaruna to seek a path toLanka upon the grass, giving the name Dharbasayanam to the place.[82] |
| 95 | Thirumeyyam | Thirumayam, Pudukottai district, Tamil Nadu9°59′19″N78°15′51″E / 9.98860°N 78.2643°E /9.98860; 78.2643 |  | Uyya Vandha Nachiyar and Sathyagirinatha Perumal | Historians believe that the temple was built during the 9th century by thePandyas. M.A. Dhaky places the period to be the 7th decade of 9th century. He has also compared the images of the temple to that ofVijayalaya Choleeswaram inNarthamalai, built byMuttaraiyar kings during the same period.[83] Another view is that the temple to have been built by a vassal ofPallavas following therock-cut architecture of thegroup of monuments at Mahabalipuram built byMahendravarman I (590-630 CE) and his sonNarasimhavarman I.[84] |
| 96 | Thiruvayodhi (Ayodhya) | Ram Mandir, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh |  | Seethadevi and Ramachandra Perumal | The birthplace ofRama, The current temple is being built on the site where his palace stood. One of the most famous Vaishnavite pilgrimage sites in India. |
| 97 | Naimisaranyam | Misrikh Neemsar, Uttar Pradesh27°26′11″N80°34′14″E / 27.43625°N 80.57052°E /27.43625; 80.57052 |  | Harilakshmi and Devaraja Perumal | Regarded to be the site where Vishnu offered counsel to the heaven kingIndra regarding defeating the demonVritra. This is believed to be the place where the firstSatyanarana Vrata (holy vow of Satyanarayana) was performed |
| 98 | Thirupruthi (Jyothirmath) | Jyotirmath, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand 29°55′47″N79°25′21″E / 29.92981°N 79.42245°E /29.92981; 79.42245 |  | Parimalavalli and Paramapurusha Perumal | A pilgrimage site of the Alvars, who venerated Vishnu asNarasimha. |
| 99 | Thirukkandamenum Kadinagar | Devaprayag, Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand 30°08′44″N78°33′52″E / 30.145556°N 78.564444°E /30.145556; 78.564444 |  | Pundareegavalli and Purushottama Perumal | Believed to be the site Rama performed a penance after slayingRavana, the son of a sage. |
| 100 | Thiruvadari (Badrinath) | Badrinath, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand 30°44′41″N79°29′28″E / 30.744695°N 79.491175°E /30.744695; 79.491175 | .jpg) | Aravindhavalli and Badrinarayana Perumal | Lakshmi is believed to have protected and massaged Vishnu's feet at this site. One of the most famous Vaishnavite pilgrimage sites in India, this temple is a part of the Char Dham and Chota Char Dham circuits. |
| 101 | Thiru Saligram (Muktinath) | Muktinath Valley Mustang District Nepal 28°49′00″N83°52′17″E / 28.816711°N 83.871280°E /28.816711; 83.871280 |  | Sridevi and Srimurti Perumal | Praised by Thirumangai Alvar as a sacred site of Vishnu, possibly owing to its proximity toShaligram stones. |
| 102 | Thiruvadamadurai (Krishna Janmabhoomi) | Mathura, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh 27°30′17″N77°40′11″E / 27.504756°N 77.669646°E /27.504756; 77.669646 |  | Satyabama and Govardhanagiridhari Perumal | Believed to be the site whereKrishna was born. One of the most famous Vaishnavite pilgrimage sites in India. |
| 103 | Thiruvaipadi (Gokula) | Gokul, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh 26°57′00″N80°26′19″E / 26.95009°N 80.43869°E /26.95009; 80.43869 |  | Rukmini, Sathyabama, and Navamohanakrishna Perumal | Regarded to be the site Krishna spent his childhood with his brotherBalarama andRadha, Krishna's lover |
| 104 | Thirudwarakai (Dwarakadheesh) | Dwarka, Devbhoomi Dwarka district, Gujarat 24°00′36″N73°19′50″E / 24.00995°N 73.33053°E /24.00995; 73.33053 |  | Rukmini and Dwarakadheesha Perumal | Regarded to be the site Krishna's chief wife,Rukmini, was cursed by the sage Durvasa, and was liberated by her husband. Also located near the site ofDwaraka, the ancient floating island kingdom of LordKrishna. |
| 105 | Singavel Kundram (Ahobilam) | Ahobilam, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh 15°20′28″N79°09′12″E / 15.34099°N 79.15329°E /15.34099; 79.15329 |  | Lakshmi andPrahlada Varada Narasimha swamy | This is believed to be the site where Narasimha appeared to protect his devoteePrahlada and slay the demon Hiranyakashipu. The giant massive pillar from which he appeared is called Ugra Stambha, and one can still see it. Here, Narasimha appears in nine different forms; these re collectively called Nava Narasimha. There is a pond filled with red water calledRakta Kundam, where it is believed Narasimha washed his bloodied hands. |
| 106 | Thiruvenkadam | Tirupati, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh 13°50′02″N79°24′31″E / 13.83393°N 79.40872°E /13.83393; 79.40872 |  | Padmavati and Srinivasa Perumal | Vishnu, in his form as Venkateswara orSrinivasa, marriedPadmavati, the mortal princess avatar of Lakshmi, at this temple. One of the most famous Vaishnavite pilgrimage sites in India, this temple draws about 100,000 visitors everyday and is also one of the richest temples in India in terms of wealth. The idol here is also calledKaliyuga Pratyakshadeva (The one who relieves devotees of troubles in theKali Yuga). A pilgrimage to Tirupati is not complete without a visit to thePadmavati Temple inTiruchanur. Venkateswara is also called Govinda, Srinivasa or Balaji. |
| 107 | Tirupparkatal (Kshira Sagara) | Heaven |  | Kadal Magal and Parkadal Natha Perumal | This Divya Desam is not located on Earth. It is located in the higher heavens. It is often described as an ocean of pure milky water, upon which Vishnu and Lakshmi reside, lying on the snake Adishesha. But the divine essence of this ocean is believed to be present in this temple -Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Perumal Koil Street, District Vellore, Walaja Taluk, Tirupparkatal, Tamil Nadu, India |
| 108 | Tirupparamapadam (Vaikuntha) | Vaikuntha |  | Paramapada Nayaki and Paramapada Nathan | This Divya Desam is not located on Earth. Vaikuntha is the heavenly abode of Vishnu and Lakshmi. It is often described as being approached by seven tall golden doors. The guardians Jaya-Vijaya, the vehicle Garuda and the military commander Vishwaksena stand at the seventh door. When the seventh door opens, one can see Vishnu and Lakshmi seated on Adishesha, enjoying music from his devotee Narada. While the first 106 Divya Desams are believed to be mortal earthly replicas of Vaikuntha, this is the Vaikuntha situated upon the spiritual sky (Paravyoma). |
periyazhvar.
