Aravindalochanar Temple at Tolaivilimangalam in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu – Ninth Nava Tirupati Temple Associated with Navgraha Ketu
Aravindalochanar Temple, also known as Thirutholaivillimangalam
Aravinda Losanar Temple or Erattai Tirupati, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is
one of the Nava Tirupati Temples and one among 108 Divya Desams. This is the ninth
Nava Tirupathi Temple and is associated with Navagraha Ketu. The shrine is
located 10 km east of Sri Vaikuntam.
The place is mentioned by Nammalvar and is known as Erattai
Tirupati because there are two temples located here.
Story of Aravindalochanar Temple
Legend has it that Lord Vishnu gave darshan to Saint
Suprabar here at Thirutholaivillimangalam. The saint used to worship Lord
Vishnu daily with lotus flowers. Srihari Vishnu appeared adorned with Lotus
flowers hence the name Aravindalochanar.
Lord Vishnu is worshipped here as Aravindalochanar. The murti
faces east and is in standing posture. Urchavar is known as Senthamaraikannan
Consort of Vishnu worshipped here is Karunthadakanni Thaayar.
The shrine is located on the banks of Thamiraparani River.
The sacred water body in the temple is known as Varuna
Theertham.
The shrine is believed to be more than 2000 years old.
Those having problems in life due to the bad positioning of Ketu
in their horoscope will get relief after offering prayers here. There are no
separate Navagraha Shrine here.
Tolaivilimangalam Aravindalochanar Temple Timing
Morning Puja and darshan time is from
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Evening Puja and darshan time is from
2:00 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). The annual temple festival is observed in Aipassi month.