Srivilliputhur-The Holy Shrine

Srivilliputtur in southern Tamilnadu, is home to Perialwar, and his foster daughter Andal; the works of Andal are very well known to the Tamil world. The Tiruppaavai hymns written by Andal (a manifestation of the mother Goddess) are chanted in congregations throughout Tamilnadu during the cold month of Margazhi, in the cool pre-dawn hours, in temples as well as in the streets that surround temples. The 30 hymns constituting Tiruppavai have been recorded by several artists, and the national radio station All India Radio (used to) broadcast(s) a hymn each day throughout the month of Margazhi. Also composed by Andal is 'Vaaranam Aayiram' (Kanaakkanden Tozhi), describing Andal's dream of her marriage to Narayanan (Vishnu). This work is chanted during Vaishnavaite weddings. 

Srivilliputtur (Tiruvilliputtur)

One of the 108 Temples and celestial abodes of Vishnu revered by the Tamil hymns of the Alwars of the 1st millennium (Christian era)

Location: Srivilliputtur near Tirunelveli
(Pandya kingdom)
Presiding deities: Vishnu (Vatapatrasayee-Rangamannar), Andal (Godha Naachiyaar)
Theertham:Tirumukkulam 
Paasuram :Periyalwar, Andal 
Vimaanam:Samsana Vimanam
Travel Base:Tirunelveli, Tuticorin 

Description 

Srivilliputtur the birthplace of Andal, is considered to be among the holiest of the 108 Divya Desam shrines dedicated to Vishnu. This is the birthplace of Andal and Periyalwar and is closely associated with the life of Andal, who attained Vishnu's hand in marriage. As in Srirangam and Alwar Tirunagari Araiyar Sevai where the Alwar Paasurams are recited with expression, music and rhythm - is performed here. Also in Srivilliputtur is the Madavar Vilagam Vaidyanathar temple enshrining a six feet high monolithic image of Natarajar considered to be a masterpiece. This temple was also patronized by the Madurai Nayak kings.

Deities: The Moolavar here is Vatapatrasayee in a reclining posture facing east, while Taayaar here is Andaal. There are shrines to Andal (where she was discovered in a garden) and Perialwar here. 

Legends: 

The name Villiputtur stems from the legend that this town was built by two hunters Villi and Puttan. Legend has it that Periyalwar a devotee of Vatapatrasaayee, served the temple, by fashioning garlands out of fresh flowers from the garden which he maintained. Andal his daughter (discovered in the temple garden) was in the habit of wearing the garland prior to submitting them to the deity. An aghast Periyalwar, tried to stop Andal's deed, and was directed by the deity, that he indeed preferred garlands which had been worn by Andal, and hence Andal's name 'Soodittanda Sudarkkodi'. It is believed that Andal left her mortal body and merged with Ranganathar. 

Andal is the author of Tiruppaavai, the celebrated colleciton of 30 poems sung especially in the month of Margazhi, the month considered special for the observance of Paavai Nonbu. 

The temple:

8th century inscriptions are seen in this temple which underwent extensive renovations during the Madurai Nayak period.. This temple has among the tallest towers in Tamilnadu. The 12 tiered Rajagopuram rises to a height of 192 feet. Exquisite carvings adorn the temple. 

Festivals: 

Six worship services are carried out each day. Annual festivals are celebrated in the months of Aadi and Margazhi.