Thirukkurungudi is a village in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is part of the Nanguneri taluk and is one of the 108 Divya Desams, which are Hindu temples that are sacred for the Vaishnavas. Thirukkurungudi is located at the foothills of the Western Ghats, about 40 kilometers north of Kanyakumari and 120 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. Also about 45 kilometers south of Tirunelveli and 120 kilometers from Madurai, known as temple city in Tamilnadu.
Here are some of the things you can do in Thirukkurungudi:
- Visit the ஶ்ரீ அழகிய நம்பிராயர் (ஶ்ரீ வைஷ்ணவ நம்பி) திருக்கோயில். This Hindu temple is dedicated to Vishnu and is known for its beautiful architecture and rich history. The temple is also one of the 108 Divya Desams.
- Explore the lake view to witness the beauty of Western Ghats & farming in thirukkrungudi.
- Visit the Malai Nambi Temple. The temple is situated on a hill (Western Ghats) which is part of Mahendragiri. Located 8 km from Thirukurungudi, this temple can only be reached in 4 wheeler jeeps outside Thirukurungudi picturesque Nambi Temple.
- Lord Malai Nambi is present here along with Sridevi and Bhudevi. It is believed that Hanuman jumped from this mountain top to Sri Lanka in search of Goddess Sita.
- As the hill and the temple fall within the Kalakadu reserve forest area, permission must be obtained from the security guard at the God Road entrance to the hill temple. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the hilltop temple. The place itself echoes peace and devotion.
- There is no road, track is laid out on rocks and sand. Only an experienced driver can negotiate the huge rocks and drive safely!
- The rib-breaking journey puts a lot of faith in Tirumala Nambi as only he can guide the jeep driver and bring us safely to the hilltop temple!
- Trekking allowed, so one can even reach the top of the mountain by walk along the same “road”.
Other things to know about Thirukkurungudi:
- The town is known for its agriculture, with rice and plantains being the main crops.
- Thirukkurungudi has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several festivals throughout the year. Brahmotsavam, Pagal Pathu – Raa Pathu & especially Kaisika Ekadhasi are among such festivals happening every year.
- The town is a popular tourist destination, especially for religious pilgrims.