Sri Makara Nedunkuzhaikkaathan Temple (Then Thirupperai)

Sri Makara Nedunkuzhaikkaathan Temple at Thenthiruperai (the southern Thirupperai) is a revered Divya Desam in Tirunelveli district, praised by Nammalvar in the Thiruvaimozhi. Like its counterpart, the deity's name "Makara Nedunkuzhaikkaathan" means "the Lord who wears long, fish-shaped (Makara) earrings." The prefix "Then" (south) distinguishes this shrine from the other Thirupperai Divya Desam. The Makara earrings swaying from the Lord's ears symbolize grace, beauty, and sovereignty over the cosmic waters from which all life emerges. Nammalvar's pasurams on this temple are filled with poetic imagery comparing the Lord's beauty to natural wonders. The temple stands as a serene spiritual haven in the Tirunelveli landscape.