Irattai Tirupati Temples

Irattai Tirupati Temples are twin Hindu temples located at Tholai Villimangalam in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu, on the banks of the Thamirabarani River. Comprising the Devapiran Temple and the Aravindalochanar Temple, they are part of the Nava Tirupati and the 108 Divya Desams revered in Vaishnavism. Built in Dravidian style with contributions from Pandya and later rulers, the temples are noted for their side-by-side shrines, sculpted gopurams and association with Nammalvar hymns.

Visitors can expect two Vishnu temples located adjacent to each other within the village of Tholai Villimangalam, each with its own sanctum, gopuram, mandapas and temple tank. The setting is rural and quiet along the Thamirabarani River plain. Visitors can walk between the two shrines, view Dravidian architecture, stone sculptures and inscriptions, observe daily pujas, and explore the temple courtyards and surrounding village lanes.

The temples are ancient Vishnu shrines traditionally associated with Pandya period origins and later patronage by Nayak rulers. They are glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by the Alvar saint Nammalvar (9th century) and are classified as two of the 108 Divya Desams. Inscriptions and architectural features reflect Dravidian temple development over several centuries.

As two of the Nava Tirupati temples, the shrines hold high importance in Tamil Vaishnavism. Devapiran is worshipped as Srinivasan and Aravindalochanar as Senthamarai Kannan, both forms of Vishnu with consorts. The temples are central to the Nava Tirupati pilgrimage and the Garuda Sevai festival, attracting devotees who visit all nine temples along the Thamirabarani River.