Alanduraiappar Temple, Nallatthukkudi

It is one of the shrines of the Vaippu Sthalams sung by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Appar. In earlier days this place was called as Nallakkudi, Kuyiladuthurai and Kuyiladunthurai.[2] According to R. P. Sethu Pillai this place was called as Kuyiladuthurai and Kuyilalanthurai. U. V. Swaminatha Iyer says that Kuyilanthurai is located at the north of Dharmapuram and is called as Karunguyilnathampettai.[1]

The presiding deity in the garbhagriha, represented by the lingam, is known as Alanduraiappar. The Goddess is known as Kuyiladu Nayaki and Kuyilanda Nayaki.[2] While in Mayiladuthurai and Mylapore as the goddes worshipped the presiding deity in peacock form, here she worshipped Shiva in the form of Kuyil. Hence she is known as Kuyiladu Nayaki and Kuyilanda Nayaki.vilva is the temple tree.[2]

The presiding deity was worshipped by Surya. Surya Pushkarani is the temple tirtta. Those who take a holy bath in the tirtta will get rid off from the long time diseases.[2]

The temple has no gopura. It has one entrance. After crossing the entrance nandhi and bali peetam are found. Next to them, the shrine of the presiding deity is found. He is facing west. The goddess is facing south. In the prakara shrines of Navagraha, Bairava, Sansvara and Dakshinamurthy are found.[3] In the front mandapa Vinayaka and Subramania with his consorts Valli and Deivanai are found.The Kumbhabhishekham of the temple was held on 8 June 1970.[1]

The temple is located at Nallatthukkudi, at distance of 2 kms from Mayiladuthurai in Mayiladuthurai-Nedumaruthur road. All the town buses ply in this route.In Mayiladuthurai-Kodandudi route, one can get down near this temple. [2] Daily one time puja is held in this temple. [3]