Arulmigu Avvaiyar Amman Temple/ அருள்மிகு ஒளவையார் அம்மன் திருக்கோவில், Thalakudy/ தாளக்குடி, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari/ Kanniyakumari District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Avvaiyr Amman Temple at Thalakudy near Nagercoil was a part of the “Nanjil Nadu Heritage Walk”, organized by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department and the தொண்டை மண்டல வரலாற்று ஆய்வு சங்கம் "திருக்கச்சி" from 16^th to 18^th May 2025. I extend my sincere thanks to Mr. Velu Pillai and Mrs. Radha Balan Ruth for organizing this Heritage Walk.

This is a unique temple dedicated to a Sangam period poet, Avvaiyar, which is a rare temple in Tamil Nadu.

Moolavar: Sri Avvaiyar Amman

Some of the salient features of this temple are…..

The temple faces south. The sanctum sanctorum entrance pillars have the images of the Nayaka kings in Anjali hastam. Dwarapalakis are on both sides of the entrances of the sanctum sanctorum. Nagars and Vinayagar are on the right side of Avvaiyar Amman.

In praharam, Murugan. Dwarapalakas are also on both sides of Murugan’s sannidhi.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum, the ardha mandapam, and the mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on adhistanam. A small vimanam is over the sanctum sanctorum. Renovation of the outer praharam and fixing tiles on the sanctum sanctorum walls were in progress during our visit.

The sad part is that the walls are fixed with tiles

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

It is believed that the temple may belong to the 16^th 17^th century Vijayanagara Nayaka period.

LEGENDS

As per the legend, Veerapulayan of Sudalai Madan's story worshipped Avvaiayar Amman for a child boon, and with the grace of Avvaiayar Amman, has got the child. So devotees worship Avvaiyar Amman for a Child boon and name their children Avvaiyar.

It is believed that the legend of "Sutta Pazham and Sudatha Pazam – சுட்டபழம் & சுடாத பழம்" happened at this place between Murugan and Avvaiyar. A big jamun tree is in front of the temple.  As per the legend, Avvaiyar was passing through this place hungry. Murugan, as a herd boy, offered the jamun fruits to Avvaiyar. When the fruits fell from the tree, the sand stuck to the fruits. Avvaiyar blew the sand and ate, which indirectly means that the fruit is hot. Murugan asked Avvaiyar whether the fruit was hot. Avvaiyar realized that the herd boy was none other than Muruga, who mocked her. Murugan showed his original form and blessed her.

கருங்காலிக் கட்டைக்கு நாணாக் கோடாலி  

இருங்கதலித் தண்டுக்கு நாணும்- பெருங்கானில்  

காரெருமை மேய்க்கின்ற காளைக்கு நான் தோற்றேன்  

ஈரிரவும் துஞ்சாதென் கண்.  

- ஔவையார் 

The jamun tree - the fruits offered by Murugan to Avvaiyar

It is also believed that Avvaiyar gave the Nelli Kani – amla fruit- to King Athiyan, for a long life at this place.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Pournami, Sankadahara Chaturthi, Ayilya Pooja, Aadi month’s Tuesdays, etc.

Kolukkattai is offered to Avvaiyar Amman during the Aadi month celebrations. 

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open at 09.00 hrs, and Pooja will be conducted around 13.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

P Bhagavathy Perumalpillai, the Dharmakartha, may be contacted on his mobile at +919585460565 for further details.

HOW TO REACH

Avvaiyar Amman temple on the Nedumangad highway, from Aralvaimozhi to Kulasekharam, after Chenbagaramanputhoor.

The temple is 6.6 km from Aralvaimozhi, 12 km from Nagercoil, and 38 km from Kanyakumari.

The nearest Railway Station is Nagercoil.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

Vinayagar Temple is on the opposite side of Avvaiyar Temple 

This inscription belongs to the Vinayagar temple opposite the Avvaiyar Amman- this records the reconstruction of the temple

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---