Fri Jan 02 00:00:00 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
Forgotten Vaishnavite Shrine Unearthed in Tamil Nadu Reveals Rich History
Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu – January 2, 2026 – Two recently constructed temples in Sorgapallam, Ariyalur district, are drawing attention to the area’s significance in Vaishnavite history. Located on a narrow lane near the Gangaikonda Cholapuram-Kumbakonam Road, the site, originally known as Ulagalantha Cholagam, is now home to temples housing idols of Srinivasa Perumal with consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi, and Nathamunigal, the first Acharya of Vaishnavism.
The discovery of the Srinivasa Perumal idol, partially buried under a tree, spurred the construction of the initial temple, according to Komagan, president of the Nathamunigal Thiruvarasu Arakkatallai. Later, around the year 2000, an idol of Nathamunigal, depicted holding ‘thalams’ (musical instruments), was unearthed, further solidifying the site’s importance.
Nathamunigal is revered for recovering the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, a collection of 4,000 hymns also known as the Dravida Veda. While his birthplace is known to be Kattumannarkudi, the exact location of his ‘Thiruvarasu’ (memorial) has been debated.
Historical accounts suggest Nathamunigal may have spent his last days in or near Gangaikonda Cholapuram, although discrepancies exist regarding the timeline. Author D. Gnanasundaram cites S. Krishnaswamy Iyengar, explaining that Nathamunigal, longing to see Rama, Lakshmana, and Hanuman, collapsed and died at the gates of Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
The temples are now maintained by a trust that conducts regular poojas. The site serves as a tangible reminder of Nathamunigal’s profound impact on Vaishnavism, including his contribution to standardizing Vaishnavite temple worship and organizing festivals. The rediscovery offers a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region.
First Piper 