Vanamamalai

Vanamamalai is a significant Vaishnavaite pilgrimage site located in the Nanguneri taluk of Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu, India. The town is primarily known for the Vanamamalai Perumal Temple, also called Totadri or Tirukurungudi. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here in the form of Vanamamalai Perumal or Totadri Nathan.

The temple is renowned for its unique architectural style and its association with the Alvars, the twelve Tamil poet-saints of Vaishnavism. It is considered one of the Divya Desams, the 108 holy abodes of Vishnu revered by the Alvars. The deity is believed to be in a reclining posture, though the sanctum sanctorum is constructed in such a way that it appears he is seated. A notable feature of the temple is a large tank known as the Vanamamalai Perumal Theppakulam.

The deity is also called 'Garudasevar' as he is believed to have appeared to Garuda. The temple is administered by the Sri Vanamamalai Mutt, which plays a crucial role in its upkeep and rituals. The area surrounding the temple is lush and green, which contributes to the name 'Vanamamalai' itself, meaning 'forest-like mountain' or 'mountain of forest'. The town has a serene atmosphere, attracting devotees and pilgrims seeking spiritual solace.