Tiruvellakulam - Annan Koil

Popular as Tirupathi of the south, this ancient temple has certain unique traditions and been conferring bliss on the ardent devotees in a unique way. First of many firsts, this temple claims to its credit. Among them the Moolavar is called Srinivasa Perumal. And the name of the Mother is also same as Padmavathy of Tirumalai, called in Tamil literature as Tiruvengadam. Importantly; that devotees who cannot visit Tirumalai due to either physical inability or tough schedule of work they are involved in, visit this kshetra and redeem their vows intended for the Balaji Bhagawan of Tirumalai. Strangely enough, the lard is infinitely pleased with this firm faith and is conferring boons as lavishly as he does at His sannidhi. So devotees have equated it Tiruriialai and call this as Then Tirupathi i.e. Tirupathi lying to the South. Above all, the Tayaru is also named Alarmelmangai. To cap all as it were, this Moolavar is called Annan Perumal means thereby that He is elder to Tirumala Balaji. The devout ministrels, like Tirumangai Alwar and Narnunalvar prayed to this Lord offering sweet garlands of Pasurams and raised the stature of the lord above Balaji. This benign Moolavar conferred longevity of life to Sweta Raja belonging to Solar dynasty, and this is elaborately narrated in Padma Purana. When the horoscope of Sweta revealed a short span of nine years of life only, he was advised to propitiate this Lord, and repeat Mrutyunjaya mahamantra for prolongation of life. He did. Pleased with his austerity, the Lord made him another Markandeya, who scored victory over death. Besides, the Pushkarini was named after him as wished. Another plus point it claims - it is here Kumudavalli Natchiar, the holy spouse of Tirumangai Alwar was born.

The temple, a typical model of Dravidian style of architecture is vast and majestic, and the archamurti is in standing posture and faces east. The garbha griha is beautified with Thatvayodak Vimana. The temple tank goes by the name of Thiruvellakulam. Daily puja and periodical festivals are carried on according to agama tenets, and it is one of the eleven Tirupathis of Tirunangoor.

It lies about 11 km of Sirkazhi, a famous pilgrim town of Tamilnadu, accessible by four wheelers.

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