Srivillipthur (ஸ்ரீவில்லிபுத்தூர்), about 74 km from Madurai, India. The most important tourist attraction because of the ancient Andal temple. It is the birth place of Andal, one of the twelve Vaishnavaite saints called Alwars Alwar means one who is immersed in Vishnu Bhakti they are called Alwars. It is 60 meter tower of this temple that has been portrayed in the insignia of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The residence of Perialwar, the foster father of Andal has now become the Nachiar Koil and the other part of the temple is known as Vadabhadra Sayi temple. And
al, of her pure devotion and Love, wrote & sung Thiruppavai on lord Vishnu in the winter season (Tamil month – Margali). She got married & melted with Lord Vishnu. The important festivals of Srivilliputhur are Car Festival (Ther Thiruvizha) which happens on the birthday of Sri Andal in the months of July – August. The month of margali (Dec – Jan) is very special here. Sri Andal marriage (Thiru Kalyanam) is also celebrated with enthusiasm.
The temple has beautiful sculptures and the delicacy of carving is more feminine images – Andal’s hair style and head ornamentation are specialty of South India and it is this style on which the sculptors have lavished their skin. The images of Rathi, Swan, Parasakthi, a lady playing the Veena, a warrior brandishing his sword are superb examples of embellishments in stones. The scene of the mutilation of Soorpa
naga’s nose and breast in the Ramayana has so well been captured by the dexterous hands of the sculptor that it should be seen to be believed of its excellence. The temple is one of the biggest and has beautiful wood carvings.
Srivilliputhur is a city and a municipality in Virudhunagar . It is on the Virudhunagar – Tenkasi line of the Southern Railway, about 74 km south of Madurai and well connected by road and rail with Madurai, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli and Sattur. The city was originally named on its founders, Villi and Kandan , forming the word Thiruvilli-Puttur. “Thiru” is the Tamil salutation and it is interchangeable with its Sanskrit equivalent – “Sri”. Thus, the city can be called by both “Srivilliputtur” and “Tiruvilliputtur”.
The primary landmark of Srivilliputtur is 12-tiered tower structure dedicated to the Lord of Srivilliputtur, known as Vatapatrasayee. The tower of this temple rises 192 feet high and is the official symbol of the Government of Tamilnadu. Another wonder in Srivilliputtur is Chariot which runs on Adi Puram.
Nearest Towns: Rajapalayam – 11 km , Sivakasi – 20 km, Madurai – 74 km, Courtallam – 85 km, Virudhunagar - 45km.
How to reach:
Srivilliputhur is about 75 Kms from Madurai on NH 208. Madurai is well connected with air, rail and road. Many buses ply from all parts of Tamil Nadu to the town of Srivilliputhur.
Accommodation:
Budget hotels are available in Srivilliputtur and Rajapalayam town which is just 14kms. from here but I would suggest staying in Madurai is a better option as all types of accommodation, luxury , deluxe and budget hotels are available there.
Temples nearby :
Temple of Ninra Narayana Perumal at Tiruthangal (on Virudhunagar- Sivakasi route) which is just 20 Kms. away. Kasi Viswanathar Koil -Sivakasi, 25 kms. Kuttraleeshwarar temple- 75 Kms. on NH 208
