Arjunapuram Nallathangal Temple, Virudhunagar

Address

Nallathangal Temple

Arjunapuram,

Virudhunagar District – 626312.

Introduction

Arjunapuram, a small village located at the foothills of the Western Ghats near Vathirayiruppu in Thiruvilliputhur Taluk, Virudhunagar District, is home to the Nallathangal Temple, nestled amidst lush green paddy fields. It is believed that Nallathangal, a symbol of brother-sister affection, once lived in this region. The temple stands as a divine testament to her story, filled with love and grace showered by the Almighty, and is known as Nallathangal Thirukovil.

Arjunapuram is located about 25 kilometers from Thiruvilliputhur. To reach Vathirayiruppu, one must travel along the Thiruvilliputhur–Madurai road and take a westward turn at Krishnankoil, from where Vathirayiruppu is about 10 kilometers away. Arjunapuram lies close to this village.

Puranic Significance

Historically, this region was ruled by the noble couple Ramalinka Sethupathi and Indirani, who had two children — a son named Nallathambi and a daughter named Nallathangal. Sadly, the children lost their parents at a young age, but Nallathambi raised his sister with great love and care.

In due course, Nallathambi arranged Nallathangal’s marriage with Kasiraja, the ruler of Manamadurai, a region now part of present-day Sivagangai district. Nallathangal became a mother of seven children — four sons and three daughters — at a young age.

Unfortunately, a severe famine struck Manamadurai, as there was no rainfall for twelve consecutive years. People suffered from hunger and many perished. Nallathangal’s family was also affected. In her desperation, she gradually sold off the items from her dowry, gifted by her brother, to feed her children. Eventually, when nothing remained and there was no food left, she decided to return to her native village, Archunapuram, hoping for her brother’s support.

At that time, Nallathambi had gone hunting in the forest. Believing she could stay at her brother’s palace until his return, Nallathangal went there with her children. However, her sister-in-law, Mooliyalankari, heartlessly denied them food and shelter and drove them out.

Heartbroken and helpless, Nallathangal walked away with her starving children. The children, crying from hunger, pleaded for food, but she had neither money nor means to provide. In despair, she noticed an abandoned well nearby. With a shattered heart, she threw each of her seven children into the well, and finally, she jumped in herself, ending her life.

When Nallathambi returned and learned of his sister’s tragic fate, he was devastated. In anguish, he killed his wife, Mooliyalankari, and then took his own life.

Witnessing the pure bond between brother and sister, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati appeared at the site. Moved by compassion, they restored life to Nallathangal, her children, and Nallathambi. However, both Nallathangal and Nallathambi prayed to the divine, saying, “Let the world believe we truly died. No one should think that humans who die can return to life. Let us become divine and serve devotees instead.”

Accepting their wish, Lord Shiva granted them moksha and merged Nallathangal with the divine light, transforming her into a goddess.

Today, the Nallathangal Temple stands at Archunapuram, where devotees worship her as a symbol of maternal love, sacrifice, and divine compassion.

Beliefs

It is believed that visiting this temple and offering prayers can strengthen family relationships.

Devotees who are facing financial difficulties, or those who find that money never stays in their hands, are encouraged to pray to the goddess here and light eight oil lamps. It is a common belief that such a prayerful offering can bring prosperity and wealth into their lives.

Unmarried women who tie a sacred yellow thread (manjal kayiru) obtained from the temple are believed to receive blessings for a good marriage and overall well-being.

These beliefs have drawn many faithful devotees to seek the compassionate grace of Nallathangal Amman, who is worshipped here as a divine mother of compassion and strength.

Special Features

The Nallathangal Temple is built in a distinctive style, unlike most traditional temples. In the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha), the idol of Nallathangal stands in majestic form. The idols of her seven children have been intricately carved from a single stone and are enshrined in a separate sanctum within the temple premises.

A little away from the temple lies a ruined, abandoned well, believed to be the very place where Nallathangal ended her life along with her seven children. This well stands as a solemn reminder of her tragic story and ultimate transformation into a revered deity.

Festivals

Every year, a Pongal festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of Aani at this temple. In addition, during the Aadi month, another Pongal festival takes place, drawing the descendants and relatives of Nallathangal—particularly those from Manamadurai, who come here to participate in the celebrations.

This grand festival spans four days, filled with devotion and rituals. Apart from these major events, a special Pournami (full moon) pooja is conducted every month, attracting numerous devotees seeking blessings.