It is one of the rare temples where the deity is in a seated position rather than reclining.
The temple is traditionally linked to the legend of the Devas and Asuras churning the ocean of milk.
It is one of the 'Ashta Swayamvyakta Kshetrams', or eight self-manifested shrines of Lord Vishnu.
The temple tank, known as Setu Bandhana Pushkarini, is considered as sacred as the Ganges by local tradition.
The temple is the headquarters for the Vanamamalai Mutt, which has branches across India.
The deity is adorned with a unique medicinal oil paste called 'Thaila Kappu' on a regular basis.
The Sree Vanamamalai Thothatrinathan Perumal Temple, located in Nanguneri, is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The presiding deity, Thothatrinathan, is depicted in a seated posture under the Soma Vimanam, facing east. The temple is historically associated with the Vanamamalai Jeeyar Mutt, a prominent center of the Sri Vaishnava tradition. It serves as a significant site for the practice of 'Mani Neer' (sacred water) rituals, believed to possess healing properties. The temple architecture features a prominent seven-tiered Rajagopuram at its main entrance. The site is noted for its ancient oil-based wall paintings that have been preserved through traditional techniques. It attracts devotees during the Vaikunta Ekadashi and Chittirai Brahmotsavam festivals.
The view of the seven-tiered Rajagopuram from the street level during the golden hour.
Remove footwear outside the main temple perimeter.
Carry a small container if you wish to collect the sacred temple water.
Check the local Tamil calendar for festival dates, as the temple becomes very crowded during these periods.
Avoid taking photographs inside the inner sanctum where the deity is housed.
Traditional Indian attire is recommended; shoulders and knees should be covered. Men should remove shirts before entering the sanctum sanctorum.
