Kallapiran Temple at Srivaikuntam in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu – First Nava Tirupati Temple Associated with Surya or Sun
Kallapiran Temple, also known as Sri Vaikuntanatha Swamy
temple, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located at Srivaikuntam in
Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Nava Tirupati Temples and one among
108 Divya Desams. This is the first Nava Tirupathi Temple and is associated
with Sun (Navagraha Surya). Srivaikuntam Kallapiran Temple is around 40 km from
Thoothukudi.
There is no separate Navgraha Murti in the temple. The main
deity represents the Navgraha.
The main murti of Vishnu worshipped in the temple faces east
and is in standing posture with Adi Sesha forming a canopy over His head. Moolavar
is known as Sri Vaikuntanatha Swamy. Urchavar is known as Sri Kallapiran.
Consorts of Vishnu worshipped here are Vaikuntanayaki and
Chornathanayaki.
The sacred temple pond is known as Bhrigu Tirtha.
The shrine is noted for its carved pillars and sculptures of
Yalis and animals. There is also a nine tier rajagopuram.
Sun rays Fall on the Murti in Chithirai
On the sixth day of Tamil Month Chithirai (April – May),
rays of sun directly fall on the main murti worshipped in the temple.
Those having problems in life due to the bad positioning of
Surya in their horoscope will get relief after offering prayers here.
Story of Kallapiran Temple at Srivaikuntam
Legend has it that a demon stole the secret of creation from
Brahma. Vishnu appeared directly from Vaikunta and got it retrieved from the
demon. He decided to stay here at Srivaikuntam as Sri Vaikuntanatha Swamy.
Another legend has it that there lived a robber in the
region. He used to rob the corrupt and share his wealth with the poor. He also
gave a part of the stolen wealth to the temple. Once, his partners were caught
by soldiers. The robber feared that he would be caught soon. He then prayed to
Lord Vishnu who appeared in the dream of the king as robber and asked him to protect
dharma.
As Vishnu appeared to rescue a robber he is worshipped here
as Sri Kallapiran.
Srivaikuntam Kallapiran Temple Timings
Morning Puja and darshan time is from
7:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Evening Puja and darshan time is from
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
The most important festival in the temple is observed in the
Vaikasi Month (May – June). Murtis from Nine Nava Tirupati temples assemble in
one location during the festival. Another festival observed here is Vaikunta
Ekadasi in Margazhi month (December – January).