Srivilliputhur Andal Templeश्रीविल्लिपुत्तूर आण्डाल मंदिर

About Srivilliputhur Andal Temple

The Andal Temple is the heart of Srivilliputhur, a town in Virudhunagar district about 80 km from Madurai. It is really twin temples: the shrine of Andal with Rangamannar to the south-west, and the shrine of Vishnu as Vatapatrasayi, reclining on a banyan leaf, to the north-east. Andal, the only woman among the twelve Alvars, was born here, and her songs Thiruppavai and Nachiyar Tirumozhi are loved across the Tamil world. The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, follows the Thenkalai tradition and is run by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. Its rajagopuram, roughly 59 metres tall, appears on the state emblem.

According to tradition, the Alvar Periyalvar found a baby girl under a tulasi plant in his garden and named her Kothai; she grew up as Andal. Each day she secretly wore the garlands meant for the Lord before they were offered. When Periyalvar found out and objected, Vishnu appeared in a dream and said he wanted only garlands that Andal had worn, a custom still followed. Tradition says Ranganatha of Srirangam came as a royal bridegroom to marry her, so the deity here is called Rangamannar. History shows inscriptions from the Chola, Pandya and Vijayanagara-Nayak periods, and Thirumalai Nayak and Rani Mangammal added to the town.

A granite wall encloses the two shrines, Andal's garden and water bodies. The Andal shrine has paintings of her life, and its Kalyana Mandapam holds large sculptures of Mohini, Rama, Kamadeva and Rati, along with Vijayanagara-style composite pillars. The Vatapatrasayi sanctum is reached by steps and viewed through three doorways, and its Bhopala Vilam hall has teak carvings of Puranic scenes and the ten avatars of Vishnu. The temple car is one of the largest in Tamil Nadu and is drawn at the Aadi Pooram festival. Six pujas are held each day to the music of nadaswaram and tavil.

Srivilliputhur Andal Temple timings & aarti

Usually open from early morning to around midday and again from late afternoon to night. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.

Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.

How to reach Srivilliputhur Andal Temple

Festivals at Srivilliputhur Andal Temple

• Aadi Pooram (Andal's birth festival and car festival)Jul/Aug
• Margazhi Thiruppavai season and EnnaikappuDec/Jan
• Panguni ThirukkalyanamMar/Apr
• Purattasi UtsavamSep/Oct
• Aani Alvar UtsavamJun/Jul

Visitor tips

Dress code

Traditional, modest clothing is recommended: dhoti or trousers for men, saree or salwar kameez for women.

Entry

General darshan is free. Special-darshan and seva tickets may be available.

• See both shrines: Andal's and the Vatapatrasayi temple sit side by side in one complex.
• Try the town's famous palkova (milk sweet), sold in shops around the temple.
• Margazhi mornings are special but crowded; arrive early.
• On Chitra Pournami, Andal's garland is sent to the Kallalagar temple near Madurai, a much-loved custom.

Places to visit near Srivilliputhur Andal Temple

• Vatapatrasayi TempleVishnu shrine within the same complex
• Shenbagathope Grizzled Giant Squirrel SanctuaryForest reserve in the Western Ghats foothills, about 10 km away
• RajapalayamTown known for its hound breed and textile mills, about 15 km away
• Meenakshi Amman Temple, MaduraiMadurai's great temple, about 80 km away

Frequently asked questions