Thiruvattar Adhikesava Perumal Temple
The Thiruvattar Adhikesava Perumal Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Thiruvattar, a town in the Kanyakumari district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Adhikesava Perumal, a form of Lord Vishnu.
Image Attribution: agam.shuttershots
Deity of Thiruvattar Adhikesava Perumal Temple:
The primary deity of the Thiruvattar Adhikesava Perumal Temple is Lord Adhikesava Perumal. Lord Adhikesava Perumal is a form of Lord Vishnu. In this temple, the deity is depicted in a reclining posture, eyes closed, as if in a dream, envisioning the creation of the universe while resting atop the coiled body of Adiseshan, the Serpent King, symbolizing the dawn of time, similar to Lord Ranganathar in Srirangam. Devotees visit the temple to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Adhikesava Perumal for their well-being and spiritual growth.
Architecture of Thiruvattar Adhikesava Perumal Temple:
The temple is constructed around an immense monolithic Mandapam stone, serving as the pedestal for the deity’s idol. The earthly embodiment of Adikesava is meticulously crafted to resemble the human form, with a framework of Karungali wood forming the skeletal structure.
This framework is then covered with a blend of coconut husks, symbolizing the nervous system, while 16,008 strategically sourced Shaligrama stones from Nepal replicate his internal organs and human shape. His skin is adorned with seven layers of meticulously polished Kadusharkara Kalkam.
The southern wall of the Ottakkal Mandapam beautifully portrays the evolution of Lord Adikesava, from his fish incarnation to his manifestation as a horseman. The final two avatars, Buddha and Kalki, are currently undergoing restoration and will soon be reinstated on the northern wall.
Renovations:
In 2002, the Temple administration diligently formulated a comprehensive restoration program, complete with a well-structured plan for repair work and its corresponding budget. This plan was meticulously organized into four phases, comprising 28 individual stages.
However, to the dismay of all involved, the costs of these repairs have since tripled from the initial estimates. The restoration efforts finally commenced in 2014, with generous support from the Kanyakumari Devasom Board.
Notably, new copper tiles were sponsored to replace the roof over the Moolasthanam, and the Udaya Marthanda Mandapam of the Temple received an exquisite cleaning and a fresh coat of paint.
Significance:
A significant aspect of the temple’s lore is the belief that Adikesava Perumal, positioned as the elder brother of Anantha Padmanabha, reclines in such a manner that the two idols appear to face each other, their divine connection stretching from Thiruvattar to Thiruvananthapuram.
Festivals of the Thiruvattar Adhikesava Perumal Temple:
The Thiruvattar Temple celebrates a range of festivals, including Onam, Vaikunda Ekadeshi, Purattasi Saturdays, and Aippasi Bhramotsavam.
Visting Hours of Thiruvattar Adhikesava Perumal Temple:
The temple visiting hours would be from morning 5am-12am in mornings and evenings 5:00 Pm to 8:00 pm.
How to reach Thiruvattar Adhikesava Perumal Temple:
By Air: The nearest major airport to Thiruvattar is Trivandrum International Airport (Thiruvananthapuram International Airport) in Kerala, which is approximately 70 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other modes of local transportation to reach Thiruvattar.
By Train: The nearest railway station is the Nagercoil Junction, which is well-connected to various cities in South India. From Nagercoil, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Thiruvattar, which is around 18 kilometers away.
By Road: Thiruvattar is accessible by road, and you can reach the town via private vehicles, buses, or taxis. The town is well-connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It’s also possible to use public transportation like buses from nearby towns and cities.