Deity
Vishnu (Vaikuntanatha)
Main deity & form
श्री वैकुण्ठनाथ पेरुमाळ
Sri Vaikuntanatha Perumal Temple
Sri Vaikuntanatha Perumal Temple at Srivaikuntam in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu is an ancient Divya Desam dedicated to Vishnu as Vaikuntanatha. The record notes it as the first of the Nava Tirupati Divya Desams on the Tamiraparani River.
Sri Vaikuntanatha Perumal Temple
Sri Vaikuntanatha Perumal Temple
Sri Vaikuntanatha Perumal Temple
Sri Vaikuntanatha Perumal Temple
Sri Vaikuntanatha Perumal Temple
Temple Summary
Quick Facts
Pilgrimage Status
Divya Desam (Nava Tirupati)
Tamiraparani circuit
Architecture
Dravidian (Pandya era)
Style & dynasty
Location
Srivaikuntam, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu
Town & district
Temple Profile
History and Significance
History
- Founded
- 9th Century CE
- Founder
- Pandya Kings
- Construction
- 9th - 16th Century CE
- Established during the Pandyan era along the banks of the Tamraparni River, the temple was later expanded by Vijayanagara and Nayak rulers. The complex features fortified stone walls, sculptured pillars, and a towering nine-tiered gopuram. Historical records indicate the temple served as a citadel during 18th-century regional conflicts.
Significance
- Serving as the premier shrine of the Nava Tirupati circuit, it is associated with the Sun deity (Surya). On two specific days each year in Tamil months Chittirai and Aippasi, direct sunlight illuminates the sanctum deity. Nammalvar extolled the divine form of Vaikuntanatha standing under Adishesha's hood.
Temple Pilgrimage Summary
Pilgrim Guide
Before You Visit
Start early for the circuit
If covering multiple Nava Tirupati temples, begin near opening time (record: ~05:30) to manage travel and darshan queues.
Confirm approximate timings
The record marks timings as approximate (05:30–20:30). Recheck on-site for any changes due to festival days or special poojas.
Keep river-route travel buffer
As the temple is associated with the Tamiraparani route, plan extra time for local traffic, parking, and walking to entrances.
Carry essentials for a long day
For multi-temple plans, carry water and basic necessities; follow temple rules for footwear and permitted items.
Respect temple protocols
Maintain modest dress and follow instructions for queueing, archana tickets, and photography restrictions displayed at the temple.
Temple Timings
Darshan Schedule
Opening timings
07:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Festivals
Temple Calendar Highlights
Margazhi (Dec–Jan) • 1 day
Vaikunta Ekadasi
A key festival for Vishnu temples and Divya Desam pilgrims; expect higher footfall.
Varies (Tamil calendar) • Multiple days
Brahmotsavam
Festival days often include special worship and processions; confirm exact dates locally at Srivaikuntam.
Chaitra (Mar–Apr) • 1 day
Rama Navami
A widely observed Vaishnava festival day; suitable for pilgrims combining Nava Tirupati visits.
Temple Knowledge
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Community Notes
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Weekday mornings usually have shorter darshan queues than weekends.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Carry a small cloth bag for footwear token and prasad containers.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Aarti timings can shift on festival days, so check local notice boards.
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श्री वैकुण्ठनाथ पेरुमाळ
Sri Vaikuntanatha Perumal Temple
Additional Resources
Watch
Temple Videos
Titles and links are sourced from temple JSON profile data.
Sri Vaikuntanatha Perumal Temple Srivaikuntam | Nava Tirupati Divya Desam
Nava Tirupati Yatra• 12:37
Watch on YouTubeSrivaikuntam Vaikuntanatha Perumal | Tamiraparani Divya Desam travel
South Temple Guide• 9:45
Watch on YouTubeVaikuntanatha Perumal Temple | Darshan & temple walkthrough
Darshan Diaries• 15:02
Watch on YouTube