108 divya desam in tamil nadu

108 Divya Desam in Tamil Nadu

Introduction

There are Divya Desams of Tamil Nadu are a crucial element of the Vaishnavite tradition, regarded as sacred dwellings of Lord Vishnu. In the 108 Divya desams, Tamil Nadu is home to 84 people, which makes it the spiritual capital of devotees. These temples are of great spiritual significance, because it is mentioned in old Tamil songs of Divya Prabandham which was composed by Alwars. The belief of pilgrims is that visiting these temples can bring the divine blessings of Vishnu and leads to spiritual growth and freedom ( moksha).

There are Divya Desams located in Tamil Nadu are spread across the state, with a majority situated in cities that are rich in culture such as Kanchipuram, Madurai, and Tiruchirappalli. Temples like those of the Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam and the Varadaraja Perumal Temple located in Kanchipuram are one of the most frequented by devotees. Each temple is a unique one with their own distinct mythology, which reflect the incarnations of Vishnu and his loving presence in life of the devotees.

They are also known for their magnificent Dravidian architectural style which is distinguished by imposing gopurams (gateway towers) and intricately carved pillars, as well as huge temple complexes. The workmanship of temples is a testimony to the rich architectural and cultural history that is Tamil Nadu.

The rituals of these temples are based on the customs of Vaishnavism and include daily rituals that includes sacred chants, abhishekam (ritual bathing of the god) and the prasadam distribution. Festivals such as Vaikunta Ekadasi and Garuda Sevai are held with great enthusiasm with thousands of devotees.

Alongside its spiritual importance, Divya Desams in Tamil Nadu are also a treasure of history which include many that date back more than a millennium. Their tales, rituals, and architectural beauty continue to draw people’s attention and inspire wonder which makes them ideal destinations for those who seek an even deeper connection to Lord Vishnu.

Tamil Nadu boasts the majority of India’s 108 Divya Desams – with 84 of these holy shrines being situated there alone! As such, it makes this state an attractive choice for Vishnu devotees looking to visit these holy sites, which each offer their own architectural splendor, rituals, and legends associated with Lord Vishnu.

Tamil Nadu’s deep spiritual ties to temples make it a prime pilgrimage site. The state’s long religious and cultural history are intertwined with these Divya Desams, drawing visitors from around the globe for devotional services and other experiences offered at these Divya Desams. Visits offer not only spiritual comfort, but also provide insight into Tamil Nadu and its people’s devotion for Lord Vishnu.

108 Divya Desam

The 108 Divya Desam are revered Vishnu temples referenced in the Divya Prabandham, an anthology of 4,000 Tamil verses composed by Alwar poet-saints of South India. These sacred sites hold immense importance for Vaishnavism as sacred locations where Lord Vishnu manifested himself and was worshiped by Alwars; “Divya Desam” itself means “Divine Abode.”

In the 108 Divya Desams, these holy sites span India, Nepal, and beyond, with a temple located in the realm of celestial Vaikuntha. Tamil Nadu, however, has a unique place in this tradition, as it houses the 84 temples that are in existence and is the most important location to go on Divya Desam rituals. These temples aren’t just holy places but as well rooted in the mythology of the past, rich customs as well as architectural splendor. The Tamil Nadu’s Divya Desams are considered to be one of the most sacred and most important in this Vaishnavite tradition, providing devotees with the most profound spiritual experience.

108 Divya Desam List in Tamil Nadu

The 108 Divya Desam list in Tamil Nadu consists of 84 temples, divided across various regions, each holding deep spiritual and historical significance for devotees of Lord Vishnu.

North Tamil Nadu is home to numerous sacred temples located in historically significant cities, renowned for their spiritual legacy. Central Tamil Nadu boasts some of the most prominent and expansive temples renowned by millions of devotees; South Tamil Nadu boasts temples with rich architectural and cultural heritage which serve as important spiritual destinations; West Tamil Nadu temples are revered due to their peaceful settings and ancient traditions, enriching this state’s religious landscape.

This regional clustering of the Divya Desams allows pilgrims to plan their visits more effectively, making it simpler for them to explore multiple temples on one journey. Each of these temples provides an emotional link with Lord Vishnu and Tamil Nadu’s sacred history through their rituals, festivals, architectural grandeur, or simply sheer presence in its surrounding area.

108 Divya Desam List District Wise

To make the 108 Divya Desams of Tamil Nadu easier for pilgrims to find, a district-by-district breakdown has been provided in order to assist their journey efficiently. Each district boasts several notable temples that hold their own spiritual or architectural or historical importance – this allows pilgrims to plan their trip more effectively.

Kanchipuram district boasts multiple Divya Desams that attest to its deep spiritual history; Tiruchirappalli temple draws millions of pilgrims each year; while Madurai and Thanjavur districts feature numerous revered temples with long histories that attract millions of devotees yearly.

Out of 108 Divya Desam temples, 84 temples are in Tamil Nadu. Please find below 108 divya desam list district wise

Tiruchirappalli Divya Desams:

1. Thiruvarangam (Sri Rangam)
2. Thirukkozhi (Uraiyur)
3. Thirukkarambanoor
4. Thiruvellarai
5. Thiru Anbil
6. Thirupper Nagar

Thanjavur & Kumbakonam Divya Desams:

1. Thiru Thanjaimaamani Koil
2. Thirukkandiyur
3. Thirukkoodaloor
4. Thirukkavithalam (Kabisthalam)
5. Thiruppullam Boothankudi
6. Thiru Aadhanoor
7. Thirukkudanthai
8. Thiru Vinnagar
9. Thirunarayoor (Naachchiyaar koil)
10. Thiruccherai
11. Thirukkannamangai
12. Thirunandhipura Vinnagaram (Nathan Koil)
13. Thiruvelliyankudi

Mayiladuturai & Mayavaram Divya Desams:

1. Thiru Indhaloor
2. Thiruvazhunthoor
3. Thiru Sirupuliyur
4. Thirukkannapuram
5. Thiru Naagai
6. Thirukkannankudi
7. Thiru Thalaicchanga Naanmathiyam

Sirkazhi Divya Desams:

1. Kaazhicheeraama Vinnagaram
2. Thiruvellakkulam (Annan Kovil)
3. Thiru Devanaar Thogai
4. Thiruvaali Thirunagari
5. Thiru Kavalampaadi
6. Thiru Manikkoodam
7. Thiru Paarthanpalli
8. Thiru Manimaada Kovil
9. Thiru Arimeya Vinnagaram
10. Thiru Thetri Aambalam
11. Thiru Sempon Sei Kovil
12. Thiru Vann Purushothamam
13. Thiru VaiKunda Vinnagaram

Cuddalore and Chidambaram Divya Desams:

1. Thiruchitrakootam (Chidambaram)
2. Thiruvaheendrapuram (Cuddalore)
3. Thirukkoviloor

Kanchipuram Divya Desams:

1. Thirukkachchi
2. Ashtabhuyakaram
3. Thiru Vekka
4. Thiru Velukkai
5. Thiruthanka
6. ThirukKalvanoor
7. Thiru Ooragam
8. Thiru Neeragam
9. Thiru Kaaragam
10. Thirukkaar Vaanam
11. Thiruparameshwara Vinnagaram
12. Thiru Pavala Vannan
13. Thiru Nilathingal Thundam
14. Thiru Paadagam
15. Thiruputkuzhi

Chennai – Arakkonam – Mahabalipuram Divya Desams:

1. Thiruvallikkeni
2. Thiruneermalai
3. Thiruvedanthai
4. Thiru Kadalmalai (Mahabalipuram)
5. Thiru Nindravoor (Thirunindravur)
6. Thiruevvuloor (Tiruvallur)
7. Thirukkadigai (Sholingur)

Madurai – Virudhunagar – Ramanathapuram – Pudukkottai Divya Desams:

1. Thirukkoodal
2. Thiru Moghur
3. Thirumaalirunsolai (Alagar Kovil)
4. Thirukkotiyoor
5. Thirumeyyam
6. Thiruppullanni (Ramanathapuram)
7. Thiruthankaal (Sivakasi)
8. Thiruvilliputtur (Sri Villiputhoor)

Tirunelveli – Nagerkoil Divya Desams:

1. Thiruvaikuntham (Sri Vaikundam)
2. Thiruvaragunamangai
3. Thiruppulingudu
4. Thirukkulanthai
5. Thiruttholai Villimangalam (Twin Thirupathis)
6. Thirupperai
7. Thirukkoloor
8. Thirukkurugur (Alwar Thirunagiri)
9. Thiruvaramangai Vaanamaamalai (Nanguneri)
10. Thirukkurungudi
11. Thiruvanparisaaram (Nagercoil)
12. Thiru Vattaaru (Marthandam)

12 Alwars

The Alvars are a group of 12 Vaishnavite poet-saints who are highly revered for their hymns and devotional songs (known as Divya Prabandham) dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Based on the Divya Desams and Vaishnavite traditions, the following 12 Alvars are central to the Sri Vaishnava philosophy:

List of Alvars:

1. Poigai Alvar
2. Bhoothath Alvar
3. Pey Alvar
4. Thirumalisai Alvar
5. Nammalvar
6. Madhurakavi Alvar
7. Kulasekara Alvar
8. Periyalvar
9. Andal (the only female Alvar, considered an incarnation of Bhudevi)
10. Thondaradippodi Alvar
11. Thiruppaan Alvar
12. Thirumangai Alvar

These saints played a crucial role in spreading the Bhakti movement in South India, and their hymns form the foundation of the Divya Prabandham, which are sung in most Sri Vaishnava temples, particularly in the 108 Divya Desams.

Itinerary Plan to cover all the temples

Based on the above Divya Desam list, here’s a suggestion for forming an itinerary by grouping temples in districts or adjacent areas for easier travel.

1. Tiruchirappalli Divya Desams

• Temples in Tiruchirappalli district:
  Start at Tiruchirappalli
  • Thiruvarangam (Srirangam)
  • Thirukkozhi (Uraiyur)
  • Thirukkarambanoor
  • Thiruvellarai
  • Thiru Anbil
  • Thirupper Nagar

Suggested itinerary: Begin in Tiruchirappalli city (Srirangam) and cover the nearby temples in one day.

2. Thanjavur & Kumbakonam Divya Desams

• Temples in Thanjavur and Kumbakonam:
  Continue to Kumbakonam
  • Thiru Thanjaimaamani Koil
  • Thirukkandiyur
  • Thirukkoodaloor
  • Thirukkavithalam (Kabisthalam)
  • Thiruppullam Boothankudi
  • Thiru Aadhanoor
  • Thirukkudanthai (Kumbakonam)
  • Thiru Vinnagar (Oppiliappan)
  • Thirunarayoor (Nachiyar Koil)
  • Thiruccherai
  • Thirukkannamangai
  • Thirunandhipura Vinnagaram
  • Thiruvelliyankudi

Suggested itinerary: Kumbakonam can be your next base, from where you can explore all these temples over 2-3 days.

3. Mayiladuturai & Mayavaram Divya Desams

• Temples in Mayiladuturai district:
  Move to Mayiladuturai
  • Thiru Indhaloor
  • Thiruvazhunthoor
  • Thiru Sirupuliyur
  • Thirukkannapuram
  • Thiru Naagai (Nagapattinam)
  • Thirukkannankudi
  • Thiru Thalaicchanga Naanmathiyam

Suggested itinerary: A day trip to cover these temples around Mayiladuturai and Nagapattinam.

4. Sirkazhi Divya Desams

• Temples in Sirkazhi:
  Move to Sirkazhi
  • Kaazhicheeraama Vinnagaram
  • Thiruvellakkulam
  • Thiru Devanaar Thogai
  • Thiruvaali Thirunagari
  • Thiru Kavalampaadi
  • Thiru Manikkoodam
  • Thiru Paarthanpalli
  • Thiru Manimaada Kovil
  • Thiru Arimeya Vinnagaram
  • Thiru Thetri Aambalam
  • Thiru Sempon Sei Kovil
  • Thiru Vann Purushothamam
  • Thiru VaiKunda Vinnagaram

Suggested itinerary: Explore the Sirkazhi region temples over a day or two.

5. Cuddalore & Chidambaram Divya Desams

• Temples in Cuddalore and Chidambaram:
  Head to Cuddalore and Chidambaram
  • Thiruchitrakootam (Chidambaram)
  • Thiruvaheendrapuram (Cuddalore)
  • Thirukkoviloor

Suggested itinerary: Visit these temples in one day.

6. Kanchipuram Divya Desams

• Temples in Kanchipuram:
  Move to Kanchipuram
  • Thirukkachchi
  • Ashtabhuyakaram
  • Thiru Vekka
  • Thiru Velukkai
  • Thiruthanka
  • ThirukKalvanoor
  • Thiru Ooragam
  • Thiru Neeragam
  • Thiru Kaaragam
  • Thirukkaar Vaanam
  • Thiruparameshwara Vinnagaram
  • Thiru Pavala Vannan
  • Thiru Nilathingal Thundam
  • Thiru Paadagam
  • Thiruputkuzhi

Suggested itinerary: Kanchipuram can be covered in 2 days, as most temples are close to one another.

7. Chennai – Arakkonam – Mahabalipuram Divya Desams

• Temples in Chennai and nearby:
  Base at Chennai
  • Thiruvallikkeni
  • Thiruneermalai
  • Thiruvedanthai
  • Thiru Kadalmalai (Mahabalipuram)
  • Thiru Nindravoor
  • Thiruevvuloor
  • Thirukkadigai (Sholingur)

Suggested itinerary: Stay in Chennai, visiting these temples over 2-3 days, including a trip to Mahabalipuram.

8. Madurai – Virudhunagar – Ramanathapuram – Pudukkottai Divya Desams

• Temples in Madurai and nearby districts:
  Next base: Madurai
  • Thirukkoodal (Madurai)
  • Thiru Moghur
  • Thirumaalirunsolai (Alagar Kovil)
  • Thirukkotiyoor (Sivaganga)
  • Thirumeyyam (Pudukkottai)
  • Thiruppullanni (Ramanathapuram)
  • Thiruthankaal (Sivakasi)
  • Thiruvilliputtur

Suggested itinerary: Stay in Madurai and travel to nearby towns for a 2-3 day trip.

9. Tirunelveli – Nagercoil Divya Desams

• Temples in Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts:
  Move to Tirunelveli
  • Thiruvaikuntham
  • Thiruvaragunamangai
  • Thiruppulingudu
  • Thirukkulanthai
  • Thiruttholai Villimangalam
  • Thirupperai
  • Thirukkoloor
  • Thirukkurugur (Alwar Thirunagiri)
  • Thiruvaramangai Vaanamaamalai
  • Thirukkurungudi
  • Thiruvanparisaaram (Nagercoil)
  • Thiru Vattaaru (Marthandam)

Suggested itinerary: Stay in Tirunelveli for 2 days, then move to Nagercoil for another day or two.

Summary of Suggested Itinerary:

1. Start at Tiruchirappalli
2. Move to Kumbakonam/Thanjavur
3. Head to Mayiladuturai/Sirkazhi
4. Continue to Cuddalore/Chidambaram
5. Move to Kanchipuram
6. Explore Chennai and Mahabalipuram
7. Head south to Madurai
8. Finish at Tirunelveli/Nagercoil

Hope the above itinerary will be useful those who are planning their 108 divya desam trip to Tamil Nadu.

Conclusion

Tamil Nadu’s 108 Divya Desams form the core of Vaishnavite tradition and have profound religious, historical, and architectural importance. Home to 84 of these sacred temples located within its borders alone, Tamil Nadu offers one of the premier pilgrimage experiences for devotees of Lord Vishnu. Beyond simply serving as places of worship; these temples also reflect Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage by uniting ancient traditions with lasting devotion.

Every Divya Desam, whether located in major cities like Kanchipuram or Madurai or more serene rural settings, provides its visitors with an incomparable spiritual experience. Their grandiosity stems from their distinctive Dravidian architecture, fascinating legends and intricate rituals which draw millions of pilgrims every year from around the globe – from Srirangam’s towering gopurams to smaller shrines across Srirangam to surrounding Srirangam; each tells its own story of Lord Vishnu’s divine presence here on Earth while his close connections to poets who sang hymns about him during his lifetime.

Pilgrimage to Divya Desams is not only spiritually enriching but also offers devotees the chance to visit multiple temples quickly; visitors often plan their trips by district for maximum efficiency; however, some pilgrimage routes may be tailored specifically to suit time or convenience needs. No matter whether beginning their pilgrimage journey from Chennai or Madurai, pilgrims have the privilege of witnessing spiritual grandeur at these ancient shrines.

Tamil Nadu’s Divya Desams continue to stand as a testament to the devotion and cultural richness of Vaishnavite tradition, providing visitors with an opportunity to engage with centuries-old traditions, experience divine grace, and tap into the spiritual legacy that Tamil Nadu has preserved over generations.