Sri Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple

Sri Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple at Thirukolur is a revered Divya Desam in Tenkasi district, praised by Nammalvar and closely associated with Madhurakavi Azhwar, the devoted disciple of Nammalvar. The deity's name "Vaithamanidhi" means "the Lord who guards the deposited jewel (treasure)" — Vaitha (deposited), Manidhi (treasure) — signifying that the Lord Himself is the greatest treasure entrusted to the devotee's heart. Madhurakavi Azhwar, unique among the twelve Azhwars for singing exclusively about his guru Nammalvar rather than directly about the Lord, has strong connections to this region. The temple on the banks of the Thamiraparani River features the Lord in a graceful reclining posture, symbolizing divine repose and the safeguarding of devotees' spiritual wealth.