Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Annan Koil), Thiruvellakulam

Sthala Purāṇam

Thiruvellakkulam, popularly called Annan Koil, is a Thirunangur Divya Desam where the Lord is worshipped as Srinivasan or Annan Perumal with his consort Alarmel Mangai (Alamelmangai). Its central legend concerns King Swethan (Swetharaja) of the Surya Vamsa, who was destined to a very short life. On the counsel of the sage Maruthuva Maharishi, son of the Sun God, he performed Mrityunjaya japam beneath a sacred bilva tree on the southern bank of the temple tank; pleased, Lord Narayana appeared before him and granted him long life, like Markandeya, and the Lord's Varada form here commemorates this rescue from death. The temple is regarded as a South Tirupathi, for offerings vowed to Lord Venkataramana of Tirupati may be fulfilled here. The name Annan Koil is explained by the deity uniting the qualities of the elder brother Rama (Annan) and Krishna (Kannan) in one form, while Vellakkulam derives either from vellam (flood or water) and kulam (tank), referring to the sacred pond, or from vellai (white), recalling the white-hued forms of Rama and Balarama. This is also revered as the avatara sthalam of Kumudavalli Nachiyar, the consort of Thirumangai Alvar; when the Alvar visits in procession he is honoured with two turmeric-smeared coconuts, in the custom of welcoming a son-in-law to his wife's home. The vimana is the Tathuva Yodhaga Vimanam and the sacred tank is the Swetha Pushkarini.

Gallery

Tap an image to view it larger — use ‹ › to browse, ✕ to close. Images via Wikimedia Commons.

Plan your visit

📍 11.10190, 79.65000

Routes, distances, hotels and restaurants open in Google Maps with live data. Build a phased pilgrimage plan →