Irattai Thiruppathy, Hindu temple complex in Tamil Nadu, India
Irattai Thiruppathy is a temple complex in Tamil Nadu with two adjacent sanctuaries dedicated to Vishnu, known as the Devapiran and Aravindalochanar temples. These granite structures stand along the Thamiraparani river, enclosed by walls that link the two shrines together.
The complex received support from Pandya rulers and later from the Madurai Nayaks, who contributed significantly to its construction and development. Stone inscriptions within the walls document land grants and other forms of patronage that sustained it over centuries.
The temples are part of a group of nine sacred sites celebrated by twelve Alvar poet saints in devotional verses that still influence worship here. Their words remain woven into the prayers and gatherings that take place within these walls.
Daily ceremonies follow the Tenkalai tradition with four periods of worship, while additional festivals occur during the Tamil month of Margali. Plan your visit around the local worship times and consider timing your arrival during festival periods for a fuller experience.
The sanctuaries house deity images carved from shaligrama stone, a material of deep spiritual significance in Hindu tradition. Priests perform a ritual bathing of these statues with milk during specific ceremonies throughout the year.
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