Sri Bhoomipalar Temple at Thirupuliangudi in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu – Fourth Nava Tirupati Temple Associated with Budhan or Mercury

Thirupuliangudi Permual Temple, also known as Sri Bhoomipalar Temple, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located at Thirupuliangudi in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Nava Tirupati Temples and one among 108 Divya Desams. This is the fourth Nava Tirupathi Temple and is associated with Mercury (Navagraha Budha). Sri Bhoomipalar Temple is around 2 km from Srivaikuntam.

There is no separate Navgraha Budha Murti in the temple. The main deity represents the Navgraha.

Unique Vishnu Murti in the Temple

The main murti of Vishnu worshiped in the temple faces east and is in Bhujanga Sayanam or in reclining position. Moolavar is known as Bhoomipalar. Urchavar is known as Kasini Venthar.

One can have darshan of the feet of the murti through a small opening when doing pradakshina, or circling, of the sanctum sanctorum.

A lotus from the navel of reclining Bhagavan Vishnu goes up and joins a lotus flower sculpted on the wall. Lord Brahma sits atop the Lotus flower.

Consorts of Vishnu worshiped here are Pulingudivalli, Malarmagal Naachiyar and Poomagal Nachiyar

The sacred temple pond is known as Varuna Teertham and Nirudhi Teertham.

Those having problems in life due to the bad positioning of Budha or Mercury in their horoscope will get relief after offering prayers here.

Story of Sri Bhoomipalar Temple at Thirupuliangudi

Legend has it that once Bhudevi disappeared and this caused lot of confusion in the universe. She was jealous of Bhagavan Srihari Vishnu giving more attention to Sridevi. Lord Vishnu consoled Bhudevi and gave darsh to her at Thirupuliangudi. As he protected Bhudevi here, the deity is known as Bhoomipalar.

Another legend has it that Indra did penance here for killing a pious man. Indra took the form a deer, bathed in the sacred pond in the shrine, and then offered prayers to Vishnu. He was relieved of the sin of killing a pious man.

Indra then performed a yajna here. But a demon caused all forms of difficulties. Vishnu appeared here and killed the demon. The demon was actually a king who was cursed to become a demon for insulting a sage. The king thus got redemption and attained moksha.

Thirupuliangudi Permual Temple Timings

Morning Puja and darshan time is from

9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Evening Puja and darshan time is from

1:00 PM to 6:00 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).