Deity
Vishnu (Totadri Nathar)
Main sanctum
श्री तोटाद्रि नाथर पेरुमाळ
Vanamamalai Perumal Temple
Vanamamalai Perumal Temple at Nanguneri in Tirunelveli district is an ancient Divya Desam dedicated to Vishnu as Totadri Nathar. The temple is also noted as the seat of the Vanamamalai Jeeyar Mutt, and is identified with Dravidian architectural tradition.
Vanamamalai Perumal Temple
Vanamamalai Perumal Temple
Vanamamalai Perumal Temple
Vanamamalai Perumal Temple
Vanamamalai Perumal Temple
Temple Summary
Quick Facts
Pilgrimage Status
Divya Desam
Vaishnava shrine
Architecture
Dravidian
Temple style
Location
Nanguneri, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu
India
Temple Profile
History and Significance
History
- Founded
- 7th Century CE
- Founder
- Early Pandya Dynasty
- Construction
- 7th - 16th Century CE
- Founded during the Early Pandyan reign and enlarged during Vijayanagara rule, this ancient complex serves as the head seat of the Vanamamalai Mutt. Inscriptions record lavish royal donations for conducting daily oil abhishekam rituals for the main deity.
Significance
- Revered as one of the eight self-manifested (Swayamvyakta) shrines of Vishnu, it is famous for its sacred oil well (Ennai Kinaru). The oil used in daily rituals collects in this well and is distributed to pilgrims for its medicinal and spiritual healing properties.
Temple Pilgrimage Summary
Pilgrim Guide
Before You Visit
Time your visit within recorded hours
The record lists approximate hours of 05:30–20:30; arrive earlier in the day if you prefer lighter crowds.
Account for mutt-related activity
As the seat of the Vanamamalai Jeeyar Mutt, some days may have additional religious activity; plan extra time for darshan.
Keep travel buffers in Tirunelveli district
If you are coming from nearby towns, add buffer time for local traffic and last-mile connectivity to Nanguneri.
Dress appropriately
Choose modest clothing suitable for a Vishnu temple and follow queue and sanctum instructions.
Festival-day planning
On major observances, expect longer waits; consider visiting during non-peak hours within the day.
Temple Timings
Darshan Schedule
Opening timings
07:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Festivals
Temple Calendar Highlights
Margazhi (Dec–Jan) • 1 day
Vaikunta Ekadasi
A major Vaishnava day when Divya Desam temples see special worship and higher pilgrim turnout.
Varies • Multiple days
Brahmotsavam
A multi-day festival period typically featuring special rituals and increased temple activity.
Panguni (Mar–Apr) • 1 day
Panguni Uthiram (observance)
A widely observed Tamil month festival day when many temples conduct special pujas.
Temple Knowledge
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Community Notes
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Weekday mornings usually have shorter darshan queues than weekends.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Carry a small cloth bag for footwear token and prasad containers.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Aarti timings can shift on festival days, so check local notice boards.
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ज्ञ
श्री तोटाद्रि नाथर पेरुमाळ
Vanamamalai Perumal Temple
Additional Resources
Watch
Temple Videos
Titles and links are sourced from temple JSON profile data.
Vanamamalai Perumal Temple Nanguneri | Divya Desam Darshan
Divya Desam Routes• 11:30
Watch on YouTubeTotadri Nathar Vanamamalai Temple | Dravidian Architecture Overview
Heritage Walks Tamil• 8:55
Watch on YouTubeVanamamalai Jeeyar Mutt & Temple | Nanguneri Travel Guide
Yatra Compass• 14:05
Watch on YouTube