Nanguneri
is a famous vaishnavite
center of worship
in the Tirunelveli
district. The place
is famous for its
vaishnavite temple
known as Totadri
Mutt. The spiritual
head at Nanguneri
commands wide respect
among the vaishnavites
across India.
The spiritual heads
from time to time
were responsible
for the temple gaining
in stature and wealth.
A lot of beautiful
life like carvings
can be seen on the
pillars here. The
presiding deity
in the Nanguneri
temple is Lord Vishnu
on the couch and
the canopy of Adi
Sesha, with Sri
Devi and Bhoo Devi
beside him in the
presence of the
celestial dancers,
Tilottama and Urvasi.
This place is one
of the Swayamvyahta
Kshetram where God
appeared of his
own accord. It is
said that Sage Bhrigu
through his austere
penance  was
able to receive
the boon of having
Sri Devi as his
daughter and Vishnu
as his son in law.
There is also a
legend regarding
the sanctity of
the tank at Nanguneri
where in King Gunaseelan
was revoked of his
curse of being a
dog. A holy dip
in the tank helped
him regain his image
as a king. The holy
ablution of the
deity is done by
using Gingely oil
and the oil thus
used is said to
have great curative
powers. The sanctity
of this place is
said to have drawn
many holy saints
to Totadri for penance.
The Nanguneri Mutt
is famous for its
legend of the Saivaite
saint Ghanta karnan
who attained salvation
here. It is also
said that the celestial
dancers Urvashi
and Tilottama did
penance here so
as to attain the
right for service
towards Lord Vishnu
and his consorts.
Nanguneri is the
taluk headquarters
of the Tirunelveli
district. The place
is accessible by
rail and road. |
