Nizhal Thangal, Attoor

The Nizhal Thangal at Attoor is one of the better-known Ayyavazhi places of worship in western Kanyakumari. It stands near Thiruvattar on SH-90, midway between Marthandam and Kulasekaram, about 5 km north-east of Marthandam and 25 km north-west of Nagercoil. The Thangal was first built in 1988; its new structure, in what is called Sahasrara architecture, was begun by Bala Prajapathi Adikalar in 2005 and opened by him on 23 April 2007. It is said to be the first temple built in this style, and the second Thangal in the Thamarai series after Nelli-ninra Vilai.

The main festival, Thiru Edu-Vasippu, runs for ten days from the second Friday of Chithirai (April–May), when all 15,141 verses of the Akilathirattu Ammanai are recited; religious conferences are also held each year. Ayya Vaikunda Avataram, usually on 18 Masi, is the next biggest occasion, and Thirukkarthigai and Diwali are also celebrated.