Thirumal  Perumal (), or Perumaal or Thirumal (), also known as "Mal" or "Mayon" literally refers to a South Indian deity of "black complexion". Perumal is worshipped mainly among Tamilans in Tamil Nadu and the Tamil diaspora. Some of the earliest known mention of Tirumal, and Tamil devotional poems to him, are found in "Paripāṭal" – the Sangam era poetic anthology. He is a popular Hindu deity particularly among Tamils in Tamil Nadu and the Tamil diaspora, and in Vaishnava temples. One of the richest and largest Hindu temples and monasteries complex dedicated to Tirumala is the Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Perumal/Thirumal was the only deity who enjoyed the status of "Paramporul" (achieving a oneness with Paramatma) during the Sangam age. A reference to ""Mukkol Pakavars"" in Sangam literature indicates that only Vaishnavaite saints were holding "Tridanda" and were prominent during the Sangam age. Thirumal was as glorified as "the supreme deity" whose divine lotus feet could burn all evils and grant Moksha ("Maru Piraparukkum Maasil Chevadi"). During the post-Sangam period, his worship was further glorified by the Alwars. Of the 108 Divyadesams according to the Alwar Saints, 106 of which are in the Earthly Realm.Prominent among these Divyadesams are: