| Description This is the
seventh of the nine Nava Tiruppatis in Tirunelveli district in the belt between Tirunelveli and the coastal shrine of
Tiruchendur. Tirukkolur is located near Ten Tirupperi
and Alwar Tirunagari. It is the birthplace of
Madhurakavi Alwar. Only Nammalwar, who resided at Alwar Tirunagari, has sung of these nine shrines Tiruvaikuntham, Varagunamangai,
Pulinkudi, Tolaivillimangalam,
Tirukkulandai, Tirukkolur,
Tirupperai and Tirukkurugoor
collectively referred to as Alwar Navatiruppati. Tolaivillimangalam
referred to as Irattai Tirupati, counts as two in the scheme of Nava Tirupatis, but as one
of the 108 Divya Desams. Nammalwar has sung of Tirukkolur in 12 verses of his
Tiruvaimozhi.
Deities: The Moolaver here is Vaittha Maanidhi Perumaal in a reclining
posture facing east, while Taayaar here is Kumudavalli. This is an east facing temple with
2 prakarams. There are two sancta respectively for Kumudavalli and Kolurvalli.
Legend has it that Kubera was cursed by Parvati and was absolved of
his curse here. The nine forms of wealth are said to have left Parvati, following her
curse, and meditated upon Vishnu here. Vishnu is believed to be the protector of the nine
forms of wealth. It is also believed that righteousness (dharma) defeated evil (adharma)
here. Tirukkolur is also referred to as the Angarakastalam. |
