Thirunagari Nammalvar Temple

Thirunagari Temple is a Hindu Divya Desam temple in Thirunagari, Nagapattinam district (now Mayiladuthurai district), Tamil Nadu.

Overview

Thirunagari is a Divya Desam town in the Thirunangur complex, closely linked with Thirumangai Alvar (who was a local chieftain), and home to the Ulagalantha Perumal temple. (It should not be confused with Alwarthirunagari/Thirukkurugur near Tirunelveli, the birthplace of Nammalvar.)

History and Legend

Thirunagari is one of the eleven Divya Desam shrines of the Thirunangur region, all sung by Thirumangai Alvar in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham. Tradition holds that Shiva’s dance after the destruction of Daksha’s sacrifice sanctified the region, and Vishnu’s shrines were established there.

Architecture and Features

The temple features a Dravidian gopuram, a sanctum with the Ulagalantha Perumal icon, and shrines associated with Thirumangai Alvar. The temple is part of the Nalayira Divya Prabandham pilgrimage circuit.

Modern Status

The temple is managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department and is a major centre for Sri Vaishnavite worship and learning.

Verification Notes

• One of the eleven Thirunangur Divya Desams, sung by Thirumangai Alvar.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).