The Majestic Chariot of Srivilliputhur Andal Temple
The chariot (Ratha) of the Srivilliputhur Andal Temple, located in Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar district, is one of the grandest traditional temple chariots in South India. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Andal—the only female Azhwar saint of the Vaishnavite traditionl. Her foster father is saint Periyazhwar.Thetemple's therottam- rathyatra during the Tamil month of Aadi (July–August),holds an annual chariot festival drawing thousands of devotees from far and wide.
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| Temple chariot of Andal temple, Srivilliputhur, TN, uploadwikipedia.org |
An archival photograph taken in 1868, during the British colonial period, captures the awe-inspiring size and craftsmanship of the temple's wooden chariot. Believed to be a replacement for an earlier chariot donated by Thirumalai Nayak, the then ruler of Madurai, this massive wooden structure was intricately carved with episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, showcasing themes of divine heroism, virtue, and dharma.
The reinforced wooden wheels, towering over 6 feet in height, support a broad, flat base adorned with exquisite relief carvings. This platform is later decorated with a vibrant cloth canopy, floral garlands, festoons, and iconic wooden horses, transforming it into a moving sanctum—a symbolic temple on wheels that carries the Utsava Murthis (processional deities) of Andal and Rangamannar.
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| Chariot Andal temple Srivilliputhur upload.wikimedia.org |
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| Andal temple and chariot Srivilliputhur minnambalam.com/ |
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| AndaltempleandPrakara.TN omspiritualshop.com |
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| The Srivilliputhur car festival.thehindu.com |
Historical and Cultural Context:
The chariot festival tradition is deeply rooted in Indian heritage, with mentions in Rig Veda, Atharvana Veda, Shatapatha Brahmana, and epics like the Padma, Skanda, and Bhavishya Puranas. The Sangam-era text Porunaratrupadai refers to “kottil seida kodingi nedunther”—highlighting the use of wood and complex craftsmanship. Tamil literature also preserves indigenous names for various parts of a chariot:
Therkudam – hub of the wheel,
Therkodungai – roof,
Therkoombu – finial or pinnacle
King Bhoja of the 10th century C.E. even described urban planning that accounted for chariot movement, indicating the socio-religious centrality of Rath Yatras.
Restoration and Revival
Over the years, the Srivilliputhur temple chariot has undergone multiple repairs and restorations. Most recently, a dedicated effort was made to restore its wooden framework and carvings, supported by devotees, heritage artisans, and the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. The revitalized chariot has once again become the centerpiece of the annual Aadi Ther festival, symbolizing devotion, community unity, and Tamil craftsmanship.
A Living Tradition
The Therottam of Srivilliputhur is not just a ritual—it is a celebration of faith, art, and Tamil Vaishnavite tradition. With Andal’s legacy tied to divine love and devotional poetry (Thiruppavai), the chariot serves as both a spiritual and artistic tribute, linking generations through its enduring movement.
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