Then Thirumaliruncholai Sundararaja Perumal Temple

The Sivalaperi Sundararaja Temple is a Hindu temple located in Sivalaperi, a village in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, India. This temple is dedicated to Lord Sundararaja Perumal, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the significant religious sites in the region, attracting devotees who come to seek blessings and offer prayers.

Timings

Opens from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm

Entry Fee

Free of cost

In the past, during the wedding of Ammaiyappar in Kailayam, the earth's balance shifted with the north direction sinking and the south direction rising. To restore balance, Sage Agathya came to the southern region. When he arrived at Trikuta Hill, he tried to enter the Perumal temple there, but the Vaishnavites prevented him because he was a Saiva. Sage Agathya prayed to Tirumala, asking for the realisation that Arya (Vishnu) and Shiva are one. He then placed his hand on his head and chanted "curukuka curukuka," turning the deity into a Shivalingam. After this transformation, he established Perumal in Sivalaperi.

When Lord Alaghar saw the beauty of Sivalaperi, he stayed there and attained eternal life. The goddess Mahalakshmi, charmed by the place, also came and united with Perumal. This is why the place is called 'Sri Valam Vanda Peri,' meaning the place where Mahalakshmi came and joined Perumal.

Do's and Don'ts

Respect Dress Code: Dress modestly, preferably in traditional attire. Men typically wear dhoti or mundu, and women wear saree or traditional dress.
Follow Temple Etiquette: Maintain silence inside the temple premises and follow the instructions given by priests or temple authorities.
Offer Prayers with Devotion: Participate in rituals and prayers with sincerity and respect.
Respect Sacred Objects: Treat sacred items like idols, lamps, and holy water with reverence.
Dispose of Waste Properly: Use designated bins for disposal of waste and avoid littering in the temple premises.

Footwear Inside the Temple: Remove footwear before entering the temple premises.
Photography and Videography: Respect restrictions on photography and videography inside the temple, especially during rituals.
Noise and Disturbance: Avoid loud conversations, mobile phone usage, or any behaviour that may disturb others' prayers.
Non-observance of Customs: Refrain from touching or offering items directly to the deity without guidance from priests.
Disrespectful Behaviour: Avoid any behaviour that may be deemed disrespectful to the temple, its rituals, or its staff.

Dress Code

For Men:

Dhoti: Traditional attire where men wear a dhoti, which is a rectangular piece of cloth tied around the waist.
Upper Cloth: Optionally, men may wear an upper cloth like a shawl or a traditional shirt.

For Women:

Saree: Women often wear a saree, which is a long cloth draped elegantly around the body.

How to reach

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By Air: The nearest airport is Madurai Airport (IXM). Located approximately 150 kilometres from Sivalaperi. From Madurai, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Sivalaperi.
By Train: The nearest major railway station is Tirunelveli Junction. Situated about 35 kilometres from Sivalaperi. From Tirunelveli Junction, you can hire a taxi or use local transportation to reach the temple.
By Road: Regular buses operate from Tirunelveli and nearby towns to Sivalaperi. You can board a bus heading towards Sivalaperi and get down at the temple.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

Tamiraparani River: This is one of the major rivers in the region, flowing through Tirunelveli district and playing a significant role in the local ecology and agriculture.

Nearby Cities and Towns:

Tirunelveli: A major city in Tamil Nadu, known for its historical temples and educational institutions. It is about 35 kilometres southwest of Sivalaperi.
Palayamkottai: Adjacent to Tirunelveli, Palayamkottai is known for its old-world charm, educational institutions, and cultural heritage.
Nanguneri: A town known for its ancient temples and cultural significance, located northwest of Sivalaperi.