Makaranetunkuzhaikkadar Temple at Thenthiruperai in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu – Sixth Nava Tirupati Temple Associated with Navgraha Shukra

Makaranetunkuzhaikkaadar Temple, also known as Nigaril Mugilvannan or Makara Nedun Kuzhaikathan, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located at Thenthiruperai in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Nava Tirupati Temples and one among 108 Divya Desams. This is the sixth Nava Tirupathi Temple and is associated with Navagraha Shukra. The shrine is located 12 km from Srivaikuntam.

Story of Makaranetunkuzhaikkadar Temple

Legend has it that once Goddess Lakshmi was upset that Lord Vishnu was spending too much time with Bhudevi. She complained to Sage Durvasa. Bhudevi did penance on the banks of Thamiraparani River at Thenthiruperai and here she found two fish shaped earrings. She offered it to Lord Vishnu and when he wore them he came to be known as  Makara Nedun Kuzhaikathan.

Another legend has it that Varuna performed penance here for insulting Guru or Brihaspati. Due to this Varuna had lost his weapons and power to create rains. Lord Vishnu gave darshan to Varuna here on Panguni Pournami day and gave back his powers and weapon.

Yet another legend states the king of region was building houses for villagers and Vishnu came in the form of a villager and demanded a house. The temple was thus constructed.

Lord Vishnu is worshipped here as Makaranetunkuzhaikkaadar. The murti faces east and is in sitting. Urchavar is known as Nikaril Mukilvannan.

Consorts of Vishnu worshipped here are Kuzhai Kaathu Valli, Thiruperai Nachiyar.

The sacred water body in the temple is known as Shukra Pushkarini.

The shrine is believed to be more than 2000 years old.

Those having problems in life due to the bad positioning of Shukra in their horoscope will get relief after offering prayers here. There is no separate Navagraha shrine here.

Makaranetunkuzhaikkadar Temple Timing

Morning Puja and darshan time is from

7:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Evening Puja and darshan time is from

5:00 PM to 8:30 PM

The most important festival in the temple is observed in the Vaikasi Month (May – June). Murtis from Nine Nava Tirupati temples assemble in one location during the festival. Another festival observed here is Vaikunta Ekadasi in Margazhi month (December – January).