Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple, also known as Thirukolur, is one of the nine Nava Tirupathi temples dedicated to Vishnu, located in Thirukkolur village, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. Situated 4 km from Alwarthirunagari, it is the eighth temple in the Nava Tirupathi series, associated with Mars (Sevvai) and referred to as Kuberasthalam. Constructed in the Dravidian architectural style, the temple is celebrated in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the ancient Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th to 9th centuries CE.
The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, worshipped here as Vaithamanidhi Perumal, with his consort Lakshmi known as Kolurvalli. A granite wall encloses the temple, protecting its shrines, while the rajagopuram, a three-tiered gateway tower, serves as the entrance. Following the Tenkalai tradition of worship, the temple hosts six daily rituals and three annual festivals, with the ten-day annual Vaikuntha Ekadashi during the Tamil month of Margali (December - January) and the Aavani festival being the most prominent.
According to local legend, Kubera, the lord of wealth, was cursed by Shiva due to his lustful gaze at Parvati. Realizing his mistake, he sought forgiveness from Shiva and Parvati, who advised him to perform penance at Thirukkolur. After his penance, Vaithamanidhi Perumal blessed him with wealth. Another legend tells of King Ambarisha, who became a hermit and faced challenges from Sage Durvasa. Ambarisha's unwavering devotion led Vishnu to relieve him of his curse, prompting the king to build a temple in his honor.
The temple features two prakaram (closed precincts), with Vaithamanidhi Perumal depicted reclining, facing east. A Marakka serves as his pillow while he gazes at his left hand, symbolizing his watchfulness over wealth. Believed to bestow great wealth upon devotees, the temple structure is thought to have been renovated by Rani Mangammal (1689–1704 CE). Located along the Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route near the Thamiraparani river, this sacred site reflects the grandeur of South Indian Dravidian architecture, showcasing an imposing image of Vishnu and intricate temple artistry.