Sri Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple at Tirukolur in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu – Third Nava Tirupati Temple Associated with Chevvai or Mars

Sri Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located at Tirukolur in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Nava Tirupati Temples and one among 108 Divya Desams. This is the third Nava Tirupathi Temple and is associated with Mars (Navagraha Chevvai or Chowa or Mangal). Sri Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple is around 8 km from Srivaikuntam and around 2 km southeast of Azhwar Tirunagari.

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

The main murti of Vishnu worshipped in the temple faces east and is in Bhujanga Sayanam or in reclining position. Adi Sesha forms a canopy over the head of Lord Vishnu. Moolavar is known as Vaithamanidhi Perumal. Urchavar is known as Nikshoba Vithan.

Consorts of Vishnu worshipped here are Kumuda Valli Nayaki and Kolur Valli Nayaki.

The sacred temple pond is known as Kubera Teertham.

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

Story of Sri Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple at Tirukolur

Legend has it that once Kubera went to Kailash. Here he was enamored by the beauty of Goddess Parvati and he looked at her with drooling eyes. Goddess Parvati cursed her and as result, he lost his one eye and lost the position of treasurer of Devas.

To overcome the curse, Kubera performed penance at Tirukolur. He appeared before Kubera and relieved him of the curse. Vishnu also protected nine forms of wealth by appearing in his reclining position.

Another legend has it that a person suffered many financial problems. He could never find enough money to even feed his children. He consulted Sage Bharadwaj. The sage told him that in his previous birth he was a wealthy man but did not share his wealth anyone.

As a remedy, Sage Bharadwaj asked the person go to Tirukolur and do penance. The person did the penance and then onwards he was able to lead a prosperous life.

The popular belief is that devotees who offer prayers here will get back lost wealth and position.

Sri Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple Timings

Morning Puja and darshan time is from

7:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Evening Puja and darshan time is from

4:00 PM to 8:00 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).