Andal Temple

Andal Temple, also known as Nachiyar Thirukovil and Vatapatrasayi Temple, is a major Hindu temple in Srivilliputhur, Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Andal, the 8th-century poet-saint and incarnation of Lakshmi, and to Lord Vatapatrasayi (Vishnu), it is one of the 108 Divya Desams. Notable for its 192-foot Rajagopuram, Dravidian architecture, and association with Andal and Periyalvar, it is an important pilgrimage centre.

Visitors can expect a large Dravidian temple complex with two main shrines - Andal (Nachiyar) facing east and Vatapatrasayi facing east, separated by courtyards. The complex features a towering 11-tier 192-foot Rajagopuram, pillared halls, mandapams, sculpted pillars, temple tank and shrines for Periyalvar, Garuda and other deities. The surroundings are a busy temple town with shops selling Srivilliputhur Palkova and religious items. Visitors can observe daily pujas, rituals and explore the architecture.

The temple is associated with the 8th-century Alvar saints Periyalvar and his foster daughter Andal. The original shrine is believed to date to early Pandya period with later expansions by Vijayanagara and Madurai Nayak rulers. The towering Rajagopuram is traditionally attributed to Periyalvar with later Nayak additions. Inscriptions from Chola and Pandya periods record endowments to the temple.

The temple is the birthplace and home of Andal, author of Tiruppavai and Nachiyar Tirumozhi, revered as an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and the only female among the 12 Alvars. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams sung by the Alvars and a major centre of Sri Vaishnavism. The temple's gopuram is adopted as the emblem of Tamil Nadu Government. Srivilliputhur Palkova and Andal's garland tradition are culturally linked to the temple.