Thirukkavalampadi or Gopalakrishna Perumal Temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Gopalakrishnan and his consorts Lakshmi as Rukmini and Sathyabama.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
The legend of all the eleven temples of Thirunangur is closely associated with each other. As per legend, the Hindu god Shiva started dancing in fury at this place after the death of his consort Uma due to the yagna of Daksha. Each time his lock of hair touched the ground, there were eleven other forms of Shiva who appeared. The celestial deities were worried that if the dance continues, it would result in the decimation of entire creations.
They prayed to Vishnu for help, who appeared at this place. On seeing Vishnu, Shiva’s anger was reduced and he requested Vishnu to appear in eleven forms like he did. On his request, Vishnu appeared in eleven different forms at Tirunangur. The eleven places where Vishnu appeared are believed to be where the eleven temples in Tirunangur are located. As per another legend, Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu and his consort Sathya Bhama chose this location for their garden as it was looking like the one in the palace of the king of celestial deities, Indra. Kavalam indicates elephant and padi indicate place – it is believed that Krishna saved an elephant at this place leading to the name of the temple. The event is described in the verses of Tirumangai Azhwar in Nalayira Divya Prabandham
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
An extensive network of roads connects it to Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Pondicherry, Thanjavur and all other major cities. Nagapattinam is located at a distance of about 330kms from Chennai by Road.
By Rail
Nagapattinam railway junction connects Thiruvarur in the west, Nagore in the north, Velankanni in the south and Karaikal in the east. There is a daily express train to Chennai via Mayiladuthurai and Ernakulam via Coimbatore and it connects all major cities.
By Air
The nearest Airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport, located 145 km away from the town.
Shrine Timings
8 A.M to 7P.M
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam and Garudasevai January or February
Vaikasi Brahmmotsavam May or June
Extra Information About this Shrine
Nearby Temple
Kayaroganeswarar Temple
Thanthondreeswarar Temple
Neelakandeswarar Temple
Pallavaneswarar Temple
Aranyeswarar Temple
