Mayakoothar Temple

Mayakoothar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Thirukkulandhai village near Srivaikuntam in Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams and one of the nine Nava Tirupati temples revered in the Alvar hymns. Built in Dravidian architectural style, the temple enshrines Vishnu as Mayakoothan with consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi and is known for its association with Nammalvar and annual Garuda Sevai festival.

Visitors can expect a traditional South Indian Dravidian-style temple complex with a gopuram, pillared mandapas, and a sanctum enshrining Vishnu as Mayakoothan in standing posture with Sridevi and Bhudevi. The temple is set in a quiet rural village environment near the Thamirabarani River. Visitors can explore the outer prakaram, view sculpted pillars and shrines for Alvars and consorts, observe daily pujas, and experience a calm pilgrimage atmosphere especially during festival days.

Mayakoothar Temple is an ancient Vaishnavite temple glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by Nammalvar (8th-9th century). It is classified as one of the 108 Divya Desams. The temple exhibits Dravidian architecture with later contributions attributed to Pandya and later dynasties who patronized temples along the Thamirabarani. It forms part of the Nava Tirupati group of nine temples traditionally visited as a pilgrimage circuit.

The temple is a significant centre of Sri Vaishnavism and part of the Nava Tirupati pilgrimage. The presiding deity is worshipped as Mayakoothan, regarded as a form of Vishnu who performed a divine dance to enchant. The temple is central to the Vaikunta Ekadasi and Garuda Sevai festivals, when the festival deities of all nine Nava Tirupati temples are brought together at Alwarthirunagari, attracting devotees from across Tamil Nadu.