Tirtha Atlas

The sacred geography of the Indic world — every site mapped, dated, storied, and cited.

1126 sites15 countries4 traditions30 centuries
Early medieval · Hindu · India

Thiruvazhmarban Temple (Thiruvanparisaram)

திருவழி மார்பன் கோவில்

Thiruppathisaram, Tamil Nadu · 8.2074°, 77.4475°

Thiruvazhmarban PerumalCheraDravidianDivya Desam
Sacred since
800 CE
first attestation / structure
Standing structure
by 1139 (trad. Kulasekara Alvar)
Chera

History & significance

A Divya Desam near Nagercoil where Lakshmi is believed to dwell on the Lord's chest - the meaning of Thiruvazhmarban - traditionally founded by king Kulasekara, the Alvar, with its oldest inscription dated 1139 CE and a Nayak-era temple tank.

Sthala katha — the legend

King Kulasekara is said to have found his lost horse grazing by the temple tank and, revived by its waters, raised the temple in gratitude.

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core 10th c.; expanded to 13th c.
Palani Dhandayuthapani Temple
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attributed to Chera kings, early centuries CE; renewed since
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Thiruvananthapuram · India
rebuilt 1730s; shrine far older
Vadakkunnathan Temple
Thrissur · India
classic Kerala-style complex, medieval
Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala
Tirumala, Tirupati · India
attested from early centuries CE; enlarged under Pallava, Chola & Vijayanagara patronage

Sources

coordinates: wikipedia-2026-08-27 · sources retrieved 2026-08-26 · dynasty page: Chera