Thiruppathisaram

Thiruppathisaram is a vaishnavite temple in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

The Place

Thiruppathisaram, also known as Thiruvanparisaram is to the north-east of Nagercoil in Kanyakumari district. The place derives its name from a 5000 years old temple dedicated to Thiruvazhimarban ("Lord in whose heart Thiru - Goddess Padmavati abodes") Lord Vishnu. Thiruppathisaram is part of the 108 Divya Desams and "Malai Nattu Thiruppatigal".

Temple & the Deity

The idol of the chief deity is 9 feet tall and made of a special element called Kadusamagayogam (Mustard and Jaggery paste) and no Abhishekam (ritual bathing) is performed to it. Dasavathara (Ten incarnations of Vishnu) paintings adorn the Indra Kalyana Mandapam of this temple.

The deity had a crown made of Gold and adorned with diamonds and other precious stones. This was stolen and the thief cut it into multiple pieces. The authorities caught the thief and the booty was recovered, but to this day, it is lying in the same state.

Renovations

Renovation of this temple were carried out by King Kulasekara and Thirumalai Nayakar. This temple is maintained by the Government of Tamil Nadu through the Devaswom Board. A few years ago renovation and kumbha-abhishekam (ritual consecration) was carried out by the Devaswom Board.

pecial Mentions

This place has a mention in the Nalayiradivyaprabandam - the holy book of the vaishnavaites. Nammalvar's mother hailed from Thiruppathisaram.