30 Famous and Ancient Vishnu Temples around Tirunelveli

Index of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Google map of Temples around Tirunelveli
3. Nava Tirupati Divya Desams
4. Famous and Ancient Vishnu Temples around Tirunelveli
   • 4.1 Chakrathalwar Temple, Pattamadai,Tamil Nadu (Venkatachalapathy Temple)
   • 4.2 Sri Lakshmi Narasimar Kovil,Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu
   • 4.3 Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple,Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu  
   • 4.4 Azhagiya Mannar Rajagopalaswamy Temple, Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli
   • 4.5 Thiru Venkada Natha Puram Kovil, Kunnathur, Tirunelveli(Mela Thiruvenkatanathapuram)
   • 4.6 Keezha Thiruvenkatanathapuram Temple,Kunnathur, Tirunelveli (Varadaraja Perumal)
   • 4.7 Sree Appan Venkatachalapathy Thirukovil, Cheranmahadevi
   • 4.8 Sri Bhakthavatsala Temple, Cheranmahadevi, Tamil Nadu  
   • 4.9 Ramaswamy kovil, Cheranmahadevi, Tamil Nadu
   • 4.10 Suchindram Shree Thanumalayan Swamy Temple
   • 4.11 Sri Bhoomi Neela Samedha Aadhimoola Perumal (Gejendra Varadhar), Athalanallur, Tirunelveli   
   • 4.12 Thennalagar Perumal Kovil , Kovilkulam (Sri Sundara raja Perumal) 
   • 4.13 Kariyamanikka Perumal Kovil, Kadayanallur
   • 4.14 Krishna Temple, Ambasamudram, Tamil Nadu  
   • 4.15 Shri Adhivaraha Perumal Temple, Kallidaikurchi  
   • 4.16 Sri Venkatachalapathi Temple, Krishnapuram

1. Introduction

This is Part 6 of the Series on Ancient and Famous Temples around Tirunelveli. The other Blogs were : Nava Kailayam Temples and Pancha Guru Sthalangal around Tirunelveli  Part 1 of 8 Pancha Booths Sthalangal  , Panchakrosha Kshetras, Pancha Natarajar Sthalams Part 2 of 8      Vaipu Sthalangal Temples (18) around Tirunelveli  Part 3 of 8 65 Famous and Ancient Shiva Temples around Tirunelveli Part4 of 8 Nava Thirupati Temples and other Divya Desams around Tirunelveli Part 5 of 8 30 Famous and Ancient Vishnu Temples around Tirunelveli Part 6 of 8 – This Blog

2. Google map of Temples around Tirunelveli

A Google Map with a circle of 50 Kms radius is given below:

The Google Map locations of  the temples are embedded in the Interactive Google Map given below. For some of the temples, weblink for more details are given

3.Nava Tirupati Divya Desams

Located around the banks of the River Thamirabarani, the 9 temples of Nava Tirupathi part of the 108 Divya Desam temples are Thiruvaikundam, Thiruvaragunamangai, Thirupulinkudi, North & South temples of Thirutholaivillimangalam, Thirukkulanthai, Thiruperai, Thirukolur and Thirugurukoor. 

There are nine sacred shrines in this Pandya region equal to those in the Chola region attributed tonine planets. As Lord Vishnu himself is acting as the nine planets in these places, there are no separateshrines for the Navagrahas the nine planets. Those facing any adverse aspect of a planet are advised to visit the Nava – nine Tirupathis for relief. 

Srivaikundam(Sun-Surian),Srivagunamangal (Moon – Chandran), Thiruppullyankudi (Buthan),Erattai Tirupathi (Raagu & Kethu), Thiruzhanthai (Sani), Thenthiruperai (Sukran), 8. Thirukkolloor (Sevvai), Alvarthirunagari (viyazhan) Details of the temples are Given in my Earlier Blog Related Blogs : Some of the temples mentioned in this Blog find a place in the following Blogs, Please See them : 15 Famous Venkateswara Temples with Map of 500+ Venkateswara Kshetrams   30 Famous Ranganathar  temples with Map of 500 Ranganatha Kshetrams – Part 1 of 2 30 Famous Ranganathar temples with Map of 500 Ranganatha Kshetrams – Part 2 of 2 30 Famous  Krishna temples  with map of  4000+ Worldwide Krishna Kshetrams – Part 1 of 2 30 Famous  Krishna temples  with map of  4000+ Worldwide Krishna Kshetrams – Part 2 of 2

4. Famous and Ancient Vishnu Temples around Tirunelveli

Apart from the 9 Nava Tirupati Divya Desams and  5 Other Divya Desams, details of 16 Ancient and famous Vishnu Kshetrams are given below. Some of the temples are very big and relatively unkown.One must definitely have darshan of these temples,

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4.1 Chakrathalwar Temple, Pattamadai,Tamil Nadu (Venkatachalapathy Temple)

Chakrathalwar Temple-Karisulndamangalam, Pattamadai, Tamil Nadu 627453 (Venkatachalapathy Temple) Chakrathalwar Temple is located in Karisulndamangalam, Pattamadai, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 20 Kms from Tirunelveli.It is more than 1000 years old .Processional Deity is only Venkatachalapathy and presiding deity is Chakrathazhwar. which is very rare. TheTemple is more than 1000 years old.

Romasa Rishi did penance here seeking blessings of Lord Venkatachalapathy. This deity possesses the characters of Varaha and Narasimha avathars. It is believed that Lord Vishnuhas given Chakkarathalwar the “right” to provide the devotees long life as well as sound health in asound body. The special feature of this temple is the Main Deity. Normally in the temples of Lord Venkatachalapathy, the presiding / principal deity and also the Urchavar are one and the same Venkatachalapathy. Here in this temple in Karisulndamangalam, the Urchavar is Venkatachalapathy where as the main deity is Chakrathazhwar. While the Utsava processional deity is Venkatachalapathy with Sri and Bhoo Devi and the temple is known by that name. Chakkarathzhwar is seen with 16 hands. Behind him is Lord Yoga Narasimha with four hands.

It is believed that this idol of Narasimha, established by the Nambhoodhiris of Kerala is holding Sudarshana Chakra in allthe four hands (no Sangu). As per the inscription of 1250AD dating to the rule of Sundara Pandya II, thistemple was referred to as ‘Then Thiruvengadam’ and the place itself was called ‘Kali’ ‘Say’ Mangalam which over time became ‘Kali’ ‘Sul’ntha Mangalam ( and later ‘Karisulntha). The distance to this place was indicated as being the Eastern Hamlet of Cheran Maha Devi Chadurvedi Mangalam in Mulli Naadu (in the current measure, it is just 2 kms East of Cheran Maha Devi).

The custom of entering the sanctum sanctorum (Moolasthanam) only afterremoval of the upper garments, also indicates the above mentioned fact – that Kerala Nampoothiri pooja paddathi was adopted and followed in principle and practice. It is believed that during Pradhosha Kalam, if a person offers “Panagam” as neivedhyam and worships the lord with archana for consecutive Pradhosha days, all his wishes would be fulfilled

The moolasthana idol has oil abhishegam once in 10 days – but within  hours of  performing abhishegam, no trace of oil remains over the idol. So the deity is considered to be omnipotent and powerful.Sudarshana murthy is known as Chakrathalwar is the athipathy of Sukran. So this is also known as Sukran parihara sthalam. 

Childless couples desiring progeny, come to this temple, perform abisheka aradhanai, and offer payasam as ‘neivedhyam’; then distribute the same to village children on the steps of the ‘padithurai’. This is an ancient and strong belief.

Temple timings : 7 am – 11 am and 4 pm – 5.30 pm.Mobile: +91 75985 78254 / 94880 62925 / 75981 88716 / 75981 78716

4.2 Lakshmi Narasimar Kovil,Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu

Lakshmi Narasimar Kovil, 336, W Car St, Thirunagar, Tirunelveli Town, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627006  Lakshmi Narasimar Kovil is located in Thirunagar, Tirunelveli Town,   Tamil Nadu and it is in the busy area of Tirunelveli town. It is in a  narrow lane in busy area  and is at a distance of 500 meters from the famous  Nellaiappar Temple . – Car Parking not possible.It is more than 1000 years old and built by Pandya kings.

Moolavar : Narasimhar; Urchavar Sreenevasa perumal  Amman / Thayar  Mahalakshmi Agamam / Pooja vaigasanam Thayar is seen on the left lap of the Lord with Her hands on the shoulders of the Lord holding a lotus looking at the Lord.

It is said that Lord Lakshmi Narasimar idol was sculpted even before Nelliappar and Gandhimathi Amman.and there was an underground pathway connecting both temples.In course of time, the temple got buried under ground.Great Vaishnavaite Azhwar Koorath Azhwar sensed the great energy of Lord Narasimha and discovered the idol. They rendered many renovations and maintained the temple  

Lord Sri Narasimha graces in almost all Vishnu temples having Thayar  Mahalakshmi on His left lap and embracing by His lefthand. In contrast, Thayar Mahalakshmi is seated on the left lap of the Lord, has Her hand on the shoulders of the Lord holdinga lotus flower. Also She is facing  the Lord. The philosophy behind this form is that Mother represents the grievances of the devotees speaking to Lord face to face with Her hand on His shoulders.This is a very rare imagination of those who designed the idol.

The other difference is that though the Lord is called Narasimha, He does not have the face of a Lion. Such form of Narasimha is known as Prahladha Varada, Lord whoprotected Prahaladha from the cruelties of his demon father Hiranya Kasipu. It is also the belief of devotees that Perumal in this form would consider their prayers with all sympathy.

Devotees light a lamp known as Neeranjana Deepam. They takerice, coconut and oil to the temple. Spread the rice on a plate.Break the coconut and pour the oil on the shell and light thelamp. This relieves the devotee from adverse aspects of Marsplanet and also expedites weddings delayed due to thisplanetary problem.

Temple timings : 8 am. to 10.30 am. and from 5.30 pm. to 8 pm. Contact Phone numbers :+91 98940 20443, 95859 58594

4.3 Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple,Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu  

Arulmigu Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, 58A, Sivapuram St, Meenakshipuram, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627001 Arulmigu Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple is located in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 3 Kms from the Famous  Nellaiappar Temple . It  is an ancient temple of Tirunelveli.

Moolavar : Sri Veeraraghava Perumal. Urchavar : Sri Varadaraja Perumal with Sri Devi and Poo Devi. Thayar : Vedavalli Thayar,  Perundevi Thayar. Theertham : Veeraraghava theertham, Thamirabarani theertham.

As per the Legend, King Krishnavarman of the Chandra dynasty.,  who ruled  this region  was a great worshipper of the gods., He was living with the aim of building innumerable temples on this earth for Lord Shiva and Sri Vishnu. He renovated, many old temples and  constructed  new temples, He ensured daily prayers in the temple he built and  made donations to conduct the annual festivals without fail and also gave grants. He was a staunch devotee of Sri Varadaraja Perumal. While bathing in the Padmanabha Theertha part of Tambiraparani(now called Kurukkuthurai), the king got a blue stone idol of Lord Vishnu. Naming the Lord Varadaraja Perumal, he built a temple installing the Lord The king of the neighbouring country, who was desirous of his kingdom, gathered all the four types of armies from his kingdom and came to war.

Deeply plunged in the worship of the Lord, the king was not prepared militarily to face the invasion on his land. He prayed to the Lord to protect him, his subjects and his land. In this predicament, he surrendered before Varadaraja Perumal, who resides in his palace,  his beloved deity, and sat with tears in his eyes while chanting the Narayana Mantra. The Lord, responding to the prayers of the king, came to thebattlefield in his form of King Krishnaraja Sarma and gathered his forces and entered the battlefield. Perumal defeated the enemy king in the battlefield  and went to his abode in Milk Ocean . King Krishnaraja Sarma, who came to know about what had happened, was in tears that Perumal himself had come and fought for him.

King Krishnaraja Sarma built a temple for Perumal at that place  and installed him in the name of Veeraraghava Perumal. King Krishnaraja Sarma prayed to Perumal  who appeared before him and for his devotee , Perumal also appeared here as Veeraraghava Perumal. King Krishna Raja Sarma made Varadaraja Perumal, whom he worshipped in his palace, appear here as a procession deity and conduct festivals.  As Lord Perumal appeared here in the name of Veeraraghava Perumal, the place also got the name Veeraraghavapuram.

The temple is facing east and has a five tier Rajagopuram at its entrance. There is a flag post and  an altar in the front mandap. Next to this is Garudalvar opposite the sanctum sanctorum.   Inside the Artha Mandapam , Sri Veeraraghava Perumal appears in the sanctum sanctorum with His consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi in a standing form with four hands Sri Anjaneya graces in worshipping form standing before thepresiding deity Lord Veera Raghava.

Sri Varadaraja Perumal performs seva with His consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi in the mandap before the sanctum sanctorum. Perumal who entered the battlefield for the sake of the king himself in his form  blesses us with boons. There are shrines for Chakkarathazhwar, Narasimha, Vedhavalli Thayar, Perundevi Thayar, Tweleve Azhwars and Anjaneya respectively in the prakara.

Temple timings : 7 am. to 11 am. and 6 pm. to 9  pm. Contact : Archaka V.S. Gopalan. Contact  telephone 0462-2335340.

4.4 Azhagiya Mannar Rajagopalaswamy Temple, Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli

Azhagiya Mannar Rajagopalaswamy Temple, Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627002 Azhagiya Mannar Rajagopalaswamy Temple is located in  Tamaraibarani banks in the Shenbagaranya Kshetram in  ,Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 6 Kms from the famous Arulmigu Nellaiappar Temple, This place was earlier called Thirumangai Nagar. This temple  dates back to the Pandya period.  During the Pandya rule, Palayamkottai was known as ‘Sri Vallabha Mangalam’. After the rule of Pandya King Sri Vallabha, the temple town was known as ‘Shenbaga Aranyam’. 

Moolavar : Veda Narayana Perumal  Urchavar : Rajagopalaswamy with Garuda; Thayar : Vedavalli Thaayar  and Bhuvanavalli Thaayar Sthala Vriksham: Jack tree ; Theertham :Tamirabarani river, Ghatana river, Bhrgu Theertha

The temple   facing east with an area of 2.5 acres is referred to as a ‘Thuvi Sthalam.and  is huge with spacious inner and outer prakarams .Sri Rajagopalaswamy temple has two towers and vimanahs.  Rajagopuram is at the entrance of the temple with five tiers filled with over 200 statues depecting stories from Vishnupuranam and Shivapuranam. Atop Gopuram, there are 5 kalasas. At the sanctum is 15 feet Sri Vedanarayanar in sitting posture with Vedavalli and Kumudavalli surrounded by devamathas Urvashi, thilothamai, Brigu Muni and Markandeyar.

At the artha mandapam is Sri Gopalan with Rukmani and Sathyabhama as utsava moorthy. Inside the temple, there is a separate shrine for Sridevi Thayar on the southern side and Boodevi Thayar on the northern side. Also, there is a shrine for Lord Shenbaga Ganesh (since it was in the middle of Shengaga trees). In the inner circle, Sri Paramapathanathar is seated on the west side along with Sri Aathivaradhar and Lakshmidevi on His lap. Also seen here are the Dasavaratha Moorthigal. On the northern side, you will find 10 Alwar Sannidhis. Atop the sanctum, is Sri Azhagiya Mannar with Shree Devi and Bhu Devi. Brigu Muni and Markhandeyar Mahirishi are seated in the front. These statues are copper mix color painted ones with all surrounding walls with ancient work. There is a separate shrine for Lord Anjaneyar and Garuda Bagavan at the Mahamandapam and Garudamandapam respectively.

Veda Narayanan seen in a grand sitting posture with four hands flanked by Veda Valli and Kumudavalli Thaayar. With one hand, Veda Narayanan seems to be inviting the devoteesto come to him, with the other he is seen blessing those who come to offer their prayers. He is seen with a Conch and Chakra in his other two hands. There is no abishekam for this Varna Kala Moolavar. 

As per the Legend, once Demons troubled Indira who ruled over a kingdom of devas. During that time Arjuna reached the kingdom of Indira to see him. Indira asked Arjuna to destroy the demons and further informed that the demons were found at Thoyamapuram (Ocean’s middle portion). Arjuna accepted it and moved to the demons and challenged them. Arjuna was surprised to see the demons fell dead in the war came alive.

At that time Arjuna heard a voice which stated that Arjuna would get victory if he derided the demonsat him. Hence Arjuna faked as if he retreats from the war which put the demons derided at him. Arjuna waited for that time and he launched Pasupatha weapon against the demons which erased all the demons. Indra was pleased with it and he gave Gopalaswami idol to Arjuna for his worship. Arjuna had also offered prayers to the lord daily. One day Arjuna got a dream in which lord asked Arjuna to put the idol in Ganges and Arjuna had also obeyed it. 

As per another Legend, when Ukkirapandian was ruling the southern side of Tamirabharani river, in pursuit of moksha, he passed his dynasty to his son Palathi Seevalan. But later, Palathi went for yathra so that he gets blessed with kids. Palathi was then ordered to find the statute of Lord Gopalan’s idol (which was worshipped and then left at Ganga river by Arjuna which was originally given by Lord Brahma to Arjunan). Upon finding it, with the help of Garuda Bagavan and Kanva Muni’s instructions, king did the prathishtai with that Lord Gopalan idol and built this temple in the shenbagavana area (which is the current location). Soon, the king was blessed with two sons and hence even these days people come to this temple for santhana bhaakiam.

As per another Legend, a priest by name Vishnu Priyan was performing archanas to the lord regularly. He wished to get a malechild. But his wife delivered a female child successively and this irritated him. Hence the priest beggedthe lord to give him a male child. On the next delivery also his wife gave birth to a female child whichangered the priest. Hence he threw the archana plate on the lord which caused damage to the lord’s idol. Then he moved towards his home and he found a male child. The lord transformed his female child as a male child. On seeing the lord’s grace he was frightened andmoved towards the temple to seek pardon from the lord. He reached the temple and asked pardon.Lord Gopalaswami along with Bhama and Rukmini (his consorts) appeared before him. Hence the lordis known as Azhagiya Mannar Rajagopalaswamy.

As per another Legend, Lord  Brahma is believed to have undertaken penance invoking Lord Vishnu to help recover the Vedic Scriptures that had been taken away by the Asuras. Hence Lord Vishnu got the name Veda Narayanan.

temple timings  6 AM – 11:00 AM and 4 PM – 8  PM. Contact Phone numbers : +91 9985301804 / +91 9443670240

4.5 Thiru Venkada Natha Puram Kovil, Kunnathur, Tirunelveli(Mela Thiruvenkatanathapuram)

Thiru Venkada Natha Puram Kovil, Kunnathur, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627604 (Mela Thiruvenkatanathapuram Thiru Venkada Natha Puram Kovil is located in , Kunnathur, Mela Thiruvenkatanathapuram , Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 7 Kms from the famous  Nellaiappar Temple, 

Moolavar Tiruvengadam Udayan; Urchavar Srinivasan;  Thayar: :Alamelu;  Sthala Virutcham: Gooseberry; Theertham: Srinivasa theertham; Agamam / Pooja : Vaikanasa

As per the Legend, jungle named Vaiprajyam. Pailar was a dense forest area on the banks of river Tambraparani. Sage Vyasama’s disciple undertook penance here praying for Lord Srinivasa. As there was no temple or murti of Vishnu, he prayed with flowers thinking only about the Lord. On the seventh day of his prayers, all the flowers joined together and appeared as huge light in the sky. This jyoti turned out to be Lord Srinivasa with Thayar as Tambraparani at his feet. The devotee pleaded with the Lord to reside here as he had done in Tirupati and bless the devotees. Agreeing to his request, Lord Srinivasa settled here with Sridevi, Bhoodevi and Alarmelmangai Thayar.

As per another Legend, King Venkatappa Naicker did not have any children and was praying to Lord Srinivasa. One day when he was bathing in the river Tambraparani, a heavenly voice advised him to feed 1000 children to fulfill his desire. The king immediately arranged to feed the children. As the feed was over his wife delivered a boy, who was named Srinivasa. The king built the temple and the surrounding town under the name Venkatanathapuram.

As per another Legend, When Perumal had to go on war to protect Bhudevi, he handed over his conch and chakra to Garuda for safe keeping. In this temple we can see Garuda with conch and chakra in his hands. The twelve azhvars of Vaishnavism are displayed as twelve steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum.

While the Moolavar idol dates back 5000 years as can be seen from the reference in Tamaraibarani Mahatmiyam, the temple itself was constructed by Venkatappa Nayakar about 700 years ago.  Thiru Venkada Natha Puram Kovil idol is believed to have been installed by  one of the deciple of Sage Vedavyasa – Pailer. Like in Tirupati, Lord Venkatanathan gives darshan here in standing pose.There are 12 steps before reaching the temple – considered to represent 12 Alwars- it is believed that they want Perumal’s foot should touch them. There are many engravings on the temple walls in  Telugu letters also.- Madurai King Thirumalai Naickar came and had darshan here. Devotees consider this temple as Then Thirupati. 

This is considered a Swayam Vyakta Kshetram (but not part of the 8 such recognied kshetrams in Vaishnavite tradition), ie the Perumal is a swayambhu. Perumal at this temple is in nindra kolam. Devotees who visit this temple receive all the blessings they would get when they visit Lord Balaji and this temple is known as then Tirupati.

As in Tirupati, the Lord blesses the devotees, as Varadaraja Perumal in Keezh Venkatanatha Puram and is surrounded by seven hills represented by Lord Kailasanathar (as Gotha Parameswarar at nearby Kunnathur, also known as Then Kalahasti).

This is one of three temples in the vicinity of each other: the Gotha Parameswarar temple at Kunnathur, Varadaraja Perumal temple at Keela Tirvenkatanatha Puram and the Venkatachalapati, Mela Tiruvenkatanathapuram (this temple). Together, these three temples are considered the equivalent of Kalahasti, Keezh Tirupati and Mel Tirupati, and it is customary to visit them together. The recommended order of visit is Gotha Parameswarar temple, Varadaraja Perumal temple and Venkatachalapathi temple

Temple timings  6 am. to 11 am. and 5 pm. to 8 pm. Contact Phone numbers : P. Narayana bhattar @ 99766 10768/ 0462 2341292, V. Murali Srinivasan bhattar @ 97918 66946/ 0462 2340075,  +91- 462 – 2341292, 2340075 97918 66946; To Return to the Index of Contents, Click Here. Otherwise Continue

4.6 Keezha Thiruvenkatanathapuram Temple,Kunnathur, Tirunelveli (Varadaraja Perumal)

Keezha Thiruvenkatanathapuram Temple, MMRF+4R4, Kunnathur, Tirunelveli, Kilathiruvengadanathapuram, Tamil Nadu 627006 (Varadaraja Perumal)  Keezha Thiruvenkatanathapuram Temple (Varadaraja Perumal), is located in Kunnathur,  Kilathiruvengadanathapuram, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of  6 kms from the famous   Nellaiappar Temple, Tirunelveli. This ancient temple is located at about 800 meters East of Mela Thiruvenkatanathapuram Temple.

This place used to be called Sengani (sen=red; kani=land, in Tamil), due to the abundance of red soil in the region. This is one of the many temples located on or near the banks of the Tambraparani river. This ancient temple was in a dilapidated condition until a few decades ago, when it was renovated with the support of locals.

Moolavar: Varadaraja Perumal;  Thayar: Sridevi, Bhoodevi;Historical Name: Senkani; Sthala Viruksham : Bamboo tree; Theertham: Tambraparani; Agamam: Vaikhanasa.

The murti of Perumal here has a clear dhana rekha (line of prosperity) on His right hand, and so He is also called Dhana Regai Perumal. It is believed that if a devotee placed a coin in the Lord’s palm, their wealth would multiply manifold. Needless to say, this is therefore a prarthana sthalam for prosperity and to gain wealth. The Lord here is also called as “Then (South) Kanchi” in synonymous to Kanchipuram Varadharaja Perumal.There are separate shrines for Garuda and Anjaneyar.

Keezha Thiruvenkatanathapuram Temple was built in 12th Century A.D by King Veerapandian . On the northern side of the temple lies the Kubera vassal, which isthe main entrance. A bamboo tree serves the Sthala Viruksham (Main tree of the temple). Since the Lord has all the positives in his “Dhana Regai”, this Sthala is called as Shukra Sthala. Shri VaradarajaPerumal is present with four hands along with the consorts Sridevi Thayar and Bhoomadevi Thayar.

As per the Legend, the priest of this temple was very devoted in his service to the Lord here. However, one day, he was unable to attend to the temple, due to illness. That very day, a king who ruled Nellai in 14th Century , came to worship at this temple. In order to protect His devotee, the priest, from the wrath of the king (had he not been present at the temple), the Lord Himself took on the guise of the priest and conducted the worship procedures for the king. Due to His benevolence, Vishnu here is also called Vaazha Vaikkum Perumal (The one who helps in our life.

It is believed that sage Brighu, installed the moolavar murti in the garbhagriham at this temple

This is one of three temples in the vicinity of each other: the Gotha Parameswarar temple at Kunnathur, Varadaraja Perumal temple at Keela Tirvenkatanatha Puram (this temple) and the Venkatachalapati, Mela Tiruvenkatanathapuram. Together, these three temples are considered the equivalent of Kalahasti, Keezh Tirupati and Mel Tirupati, and it is customary to visit them together. The recommended order of visit is Gotha Parameswarar temple, Varadaraja Perumal temple and Venkatachalapathi temple. It is also believed that praying at this group of temples has the same, if not better, merit as praying at the corresponding three temples at Kalahasti and Tirupati.

Temple timings : 7 AM to 11 AM and 5 PM to 7:30 PM  Contact Telephone number : Ramakrishna Bhattar: 97891 32401

4.7 Sree Appan Venkatachalapathy Thirukovil, Cheranmahadevi

Sree Appan Venkatachalapathy Thirukovil, Cheranmahadevi, Tamil Nadu 627417 Sree Appan Venkatachalapathy Thirukovil located in , Cheranmahadevi, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 15 Kms from Tirunelveli and  1 km from Ramaswamy temple, Cheranmahadevi.The temple is more than 1500 years old

This Temple was recently renovated after having remained closed for almost 50 years. It is believed to be built during the Vijayanagara dynasty. It has inscriptions on Tamil as well as Sanskrit on its wall.

The Lord here is worshipped as equivalent to Lord Balaji, Tirupati .The Temple is situated amidst picturesque paddy fields and banana plantations; Appan  Venkatachalapathy Temple offers peace and tranquility to worshipers. River Thamirabarani flows within a km from the temple. Spring Festival for the Appan Lord and 6 offerings to the Lord on New Moon days are conducted during ancient times.

Moolavar: Appan Venkatachalapathy East Facing Standing Posture; Thaayar : Alarmel Mangai and Padmavathi Thaayar  Utsavar : Srinivasan

As per the legend, a Cheran king, who could not find a solution from the doctor, for his daughter’s stomach pain approached an astrologer who asked to give ‘Milagu Rasam’ to his daughter. To his surprise, his daughter recovered. Hence, Milagu Rasam is special at this temple.

There are about 60 inscriptions at this temple the earliest of which dates back to the 12th Century ADto the rule of Jatavaraman Pandya (Kulasekhara I) who in 1200 AD on the suggestion of his brother inlaw Ravivarma ordered that the land of Karungulapparru, an Eastern Hamlet of Cheran Maha DeviChadurvedi Mangalam, be made completely tax free for daily offerings to the Lord and for the recital ofVedas and Puranas at this temple. Also, inscription dating back to 1209 AD indicates that provision was made for Sandal, Camphor and allother monthly requirements of the Lord.

Also, during the rule of Sundara Pandya Deva, there was a gift of money by Virasinga Deva for providingGarland of flowers in the Cheran Narayanan Nandavanam in return for some prasadam from thetemple. There was also an agreement given by the temple authorities to Pillai Vijayarayan for the 8Achchu given by him for maintaining the flower garden and supplying garlands to the temple

A 1267 AD Inscription during the rule of Vira Pandya II records an agreement deed given toSriranganatha Bhattar by the Pandarikal Sri Vaishnavas and Nambiman of the Appan temple of CheranMaha Devi Chadurvedi Mangalam. As per this deed, the latter agreed to measure out 40 Kalam of Paddyto the temple for certain services in lieu of interest on a sum of 20 Achchus as they were in arrears tothe temple.

Maravarman Pandya who reigned Malai Nadu, Chola and Kongu Kingdom, Ilam and Thondai Mandalamregistered the remission of all kinds of taxes by assembly of Cheran Maha Devi Chadurvedi Mangalamon certain lands in Idaigal for conducting service called ‘Kulasekharan Sandhi’ instituted in the Appantemple by Veenaadudaiyan.

A 1288 AD inscription on the Eastern Wall of the temple records a gift of 2 Aanai Achchu for a lamp bypupils of Pinsenra Villi Jeeyar of Mudivalangum Perumal Mutt. The interest on each Achchu was oneUlakku of oil per day.

In an interesting recognition, Kulasekhara Deva records a gift of an annuity of Paddy and a portion ofthe ‘deity offered food’ to the Smith Cherai Mangai Silpasari for doing stone work in the Appan temple. On the side wall of the temple is a record that states the gift of money for providing 6 offerings to theGod on New Moon days. Purattasi Brahmotsavam, Panguni Uthiram, Masi Makam, Vaikasi Visakam, Thiru Karthikai, Vaikunda Ekadashi and Sravana Deepam are the festivals celebrated here.

Contact Mobile: +91 89036 69263 / 04634 265268  Temple remains open from 9 am – 10.30 am

4.8 Sri Bhakthavatsala Temple, Cheranmahadevi, Tamil Nadu  

Sri Bhakthavatsala Temple, MHXC+VGW, Cheranmahadevi, Tamil Nadu 627414 Sri Bhakthavatsala Temple is situated on the outskirts of Cheranmahadevi, Tamilnadu near Tambraparani river at a distance of 20 kms from the famous Nellaiappar Temple,  Tirunelveli,   it is architecturally beautiful and has so many excellent sculptures. It is unfortunate that this temple  remains little known.

Chadurvethimangalam is the historical name of Cheranmahadevi – Mangalam means “a place donated by a king to a priest”.It is under the control of Archeological Survey of India(ASI) and is one of the best heritage sites of Tamilnadu.The temple complex is big – one smaller temple dedicated to Sri Bala krishnan and bigger temple dedicated to Bhakthavatsala Perumal. The Perumal idol is 6 feet tall  in standing posture and  with four arms. He is standing alone without his consorts in this temple.. The entire temple is architecturally attractive and was built by Pandyas and Cholas in 12th Century.

Vimana made up of brick; Temple full of beautiful relief and bas-relief images  Artistically brilliant and intricately decorated walls of main shrine. The main shrine has all the sections as per the South Indian temple architectural style – moolasthan, ardha mandapa, maha mandapa and the exterior mandapa. Garuda is found to be facing the main shrine. In the exterior mandapa, the sculpture of Bhoo Devi is found. Inside the maha mandapa, apart from the big Dwarapalas, the idol of Vishwaksena is found.

The main shrine is located on an elevated platform.The only other idol found in the temple is Yoga Narasimha temple located in the prakara.The entire temple is full of pillars with beautiful carvings and relief images. All the images are extremely attractive. Yoga Narasimha relief image on the backside wall of the main shrine is noteable. The wall surrounding the main shrine is intricately decorated and found to be artistically brilliant. The vimana made up of brick is another highlight of the  temple. Though the temple entrance is incomplete, it is artistically attractive.

The main shrine is built as per the “maada kovil” architectural style. The only other idol found in the temple is Yoga Narasimha temple located in the prakara. The entire temple is full of pillars with beautiful carvings and relief images. 

The main shrine has Garbhagriha, ardha mandapa, maha mandapa and an exterior circumambulation mandapa  . The smaller shrine dedicated to Krishna has a mandapa and sanctum as well. The main shrine includes a Garuda monument facing the sanctum. The original entrance was east, but now one enters the periphery boundary wall from the west side.

Arjunan Thapasu – the penance of Arjuna – as a ‘pudaippu’ sculpture i.e. embossed sculpture – on afront mandapam pillar. Arjuna is seen in a perfect yogic posture with a boar in the backgroundsymbolizing the epic story of Mahabharata. Penance of Arjuna is obviously one of the popular sculpturalchoices of ancient sculptors – which we can spot in almost all the major temples of Thirunelveli.However, undoubtedly the master piece of this depiction is that one of the Pallava sculpture found in the Mahabalipuram rock relief

Unique feature of this temple is a lady sculpture illustrating the ornaments, dress, hair style, makeuppattern, aesthetic sense and beauty concept of the past era. The temple is full of various patterns of lionmotifs indicating Narasimha Murthy. The splendid architectural pattern of the inner precincts iscomparable to the famed Hoysala temples.

As per the Legend, Varuna –  Samudraraja had worshipped Lord Vishnu at this place. It is also said that Lord Vishnu, returning from this place followed by Sri Lakshmi, stayed here and hence it is called Thirunindravur. It is also that Thirumangai Alvar did not sing any pasuram (songs) here and followed by Vishnu followed  Thirukadalmallai and sang song praising the deity Bhaktavatsala Perumal from there. Sri Lakshmi requested Perumal to appear before the azhwar, but when he did Azhwar had already reached Tirukannapuram. Perumal again appeared in the dreams of the Azhwar who felt that he is viewing Bhatavatsala in Tirukannapuram.

4.9 Ramaswamy kovil, Cheranmahadevi, Tamil Nadu

Ramaswamy kovil Cheranmahadevi, Tamil Nadu 627414 Ramaswamy kovil is located in Cheranmahadevi, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 17 Kms from the Famous Arulmigu Nellaiappar Temple, Tirunelveli. It is  over 1,000-year-old and  one of the few in the country with Ashtanga Vimanam similar to the one at Thirukoshtiyur, Parameswara Vinnagaram (Kanchipuram) and Koodal Azhagar Divya Desam. 

Ramaswamy kovil in Cheranmahadevi is more than 1000 year old temple. This Temple is referred to as the Nigarili Chola Vinnagar Azhvaar temple in 10th Century AD inscriptions and whose deity was referred to as Raghava Chakravarti in a 1020 AD Rajendra I period inscription.

Moolavar: Aadhi Narayanan East Facing Standing Posture along with Sri and Bhoo devi; Tier 1: Veetriruntha Perumal with Sri and Bhoo devi in a Sitting Posture Tier 2: Thiru Parkadal Lord in Sayana posture atop Adhisesha; Utsava Deity: Rama with Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman Separate Sannidhi: Veda Narayanan with Bhoo and Neela Devi

It is a quite a big temple. Adhi Narayanan in a Standing Posture 6 feet  Tall at the Ground level facing east alongwith Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi, Veetrituntha Perumal in a sitting posture in Tier 1 along with Sridevi and Bhoo Devi and Thiruparkadalnathan in a sleeping posture atop Adhishesha in Tier 2.                  

Ramaswamy temple, that was in a state of disrepair, received a fresh lease of life with the samprokshanam held in January 2016… For the past 100 years no renovation work was undertaken at the temple, one of the few in the country with Ashtanga Vimanam similar to the one at Thirukoshtiyur, Parameswara Vinnagaram (Kanchipuram) and Koodal Azhagar Divya Desam. 

The Theppotsavam about which details in the ancient Chola and Pandya Period inscriptions continues to take place in the Tamil Calendar month of Margazhi. Belief is that Ganga comes here to Porunai river every year on the day of Maa Viyathi Paatham in Margazhi to cleanse her sins. It is said that people from Cheran Maha Devi used to congregate here for a bath at this river on this day. There are separate rooms on the Southern side for the Vahanas

Appan Venkatachalapathy temple, is 1km North of this temple.

Temple Time: 6.30 pm and 8 pm ( but the Bhattar will open in the morning if you call and inform in advance). Priest : Sathyanarayana Bhattar @ 90435 48173  Also contact Kannan @ 90436 73430 for any local assistance

4.10 Suchindram Shree Thanumalayan Swamy Temple 

Suchindram Shree Thanumalayan Swamy Temple, 5F38+V3V, N Car St, Vivekananda Junction, Suchindram, Tamil Nadu 629704 – Trimurthy temple – Vishnu Abhimana Kshetram Suchindram Shree Thanumalayan Swamy Temple is located in ,  Suchindram, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 80 Kms from Tirunelveli and 6 km  from Nagercoil and 13 kms from Kanyakumari.. It is one of the Abhimana Kshetrams in Vaishnavite traditions. It is also one of the 108 Shiva Temples revered by the Kerala Hindu culture, It is more than 2000 years old

Stanumalaya denotes Trimurtis;  “Sthanu” represents Lord Shiva, “Mal” and “Ayan” represents Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. Therefore it is of great significance for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites It is one among very few temples in India where the Trinity [Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva] is worshipped. The Trinity is worshipped here in the form of a huge Linga. It has 3 divisions, starting from Shiva at the top, Vishnu at the middle and Brahma at the bottom of the Linga respectively. Apart from the Trinity, Vigneswari (a feminine form of Vinayaga), Goddess Aram Valartha Nayaki, Indra Vinayaga, Kala Bhairava and Sakshi Ganapathy are also worshipped here.

As per Legend,  Indra was cursed by Rishi Gauthama for his evil intentions on  Rishi’s wife Ahalya and  In order to free himself from the curse he visited Gnanaranya  temple for performing “Ardhajama Pooja”, or worship, at midnight every day and got relieved of the curse.The term “Suchi” in Suchindrum is believed to have derived from the Sanskrit meaning that stands for “purify”

As per another Legend, the trinity of Hinduism, namely, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva wanted to make Anasuya’s (wife of Rishi Atri)  name eternal with their divine act. They came to the sage’s hermitage as Brahmin mendicants. Anasuya treated them with utmost care. The Brahmins put forth a condition that they would accept food with a condition that she would come out nude. With her power of chastity, she converted the three to small kids and served them food. The concorts of the Trinities Parvathi, Saraswathi and Lakshmi  requested Anasuya to restore their husbands to their original form. Anasuya obliged immediately and  the trinity blessed the couple for their devotion. The three emanated in the form of three Lingas and the place where the couple worshiped the trinity is believed to be the temple..

The temple  is built with  Kerala style and Tamilnadu style architecture. The temple complex covers around two acres  with  134-foot-tall gopuram.  On the outer prakaram, there are separate shrines for Cheravasal Sastha, Rama and Lord Muruga. There is an imposing monolithic image of Lord Anjaneya opposite to Lord Rama’s Shrine. It is about 5.5 m high and is said to represent the Viswarupa of Hanuman as shown to Sita at Ashoka Vana in Lanka. On the northern corridor, there are four musical pillars cut out of single granite blocks.

Suchindram Anjaneyar Temple is also called as Thanumalaya Perumal temple, Hanuman temple. It’s a belief that Lord Shiva stayed at Suchindram Temple when Devi came for self-punishment at Kanyakumari. This Hanuman Temple  gopuram is large, white colored, sculptural and 40 meters in hight.

There are many mandapams at Suchindram, which house  many deities. There are some 30 additional shrines, including those for Lord Vishnu, Sita-Rama, Kailasanathar, Pancha Pandavar, Natakasala, Kontai Adi, Subramania Swamy, and Garuda, along with Unjal, Dwaja, Chenbagaraman, Vasantha, and Alankara Mandapam. There is also a Gopura Vasal, Nandeeswar shring, Chitra sabai, and the great Hanuman murti, all encircled by a temple corridor. The Theertham here is the Prapancha tank.

The Trimurti linga is two and a half feet in height . Chenbaga raman Mandapam is filled with beautiful sculptures and 32 intricately sculpted pillars, carved more than 525 years ago. There is a Vigneswari murti here, images of Siva’s 64 Thiruvilaiyadal and images depicting Sri Ramayana pastimes.The interior of the temple complex is heavily carved and ornamented throughout, with many scenes from the epic Ramayana and Mahabharata, including Bhagavad-gita scenes and a Viswaroopam murti. There is a rare image of Sri Krsna Parthasarathi in the form of the Trinity, in a Geethopathesa scene.

The main Visnu shrine made of panchalokas (metals). To the right of it are the Sita-Rama deities, and across from them is the very tall Hanuman murti.  .There rare female form of Vinayaka (Ganesha) here is known as Vigneshwari, or Vallabha Ganeshaani, as described in the Mantra Shastras. This Ganeshaani murti in sukhasana pose at Suchindram is one of only a few, the others being at a 10th century temple dedicated to 64 yoginis in Bheraghat, near Jabalpur, and one at the Tanumalaya Swami Temple in Suchindrum,  In Tibet, this female form of Ganesh is worshiped as Gajanani. Another unusual feature at this temple is the Maakkalai, which houses a beautiful Nandi on the northern side of the temple. This impressive structure made of lime and mortar (chank powder) is 13 feet high, 21 feet long, and 10 wide, making it one of the largest of its kind. Nandi sits facing the sanctum, and is thought to be over 800 years old. Just behind the Nandi shrine is the Alankara Mandapam, which houses the famed ‘musical pillars’. This magnificent hall houses four large pillars carved from a single stone, which branch out into smaller pillars. Two of them branch out into 33 small pillars, while the other two branch out into 25 smaller pillars. The pillars produce seven swaras, or musical notes, when tapped. There are another 1,035 carved pillars in what’s known as the dancing hall.

Outside, there is an excellent collection of paintings found on the walls of the temple gopuram,  The approximately 115 paintings on the seven tiers of the tower are 120 years old, drawn onto the limestone walls using herbal extracts. 

As per Legend  about Suchindram Temple is the age-old practice of Agnipariksha that was practiced here up until the 1860’s, when it was forbidden by the government. This ritual could only be engaged if the king gave his consent, and then it was done on a designated date. The ritual involves Kaimukkal, or ‘dipping of the hand’, in which any Namboothiri, or a high caste Brahmin who was under threat of excommunication due to immoral behavior, had to prove his innocence. A small silver ox statue was placed in a copper vessel of boiling ghee. The accused Brahmin had to reach in and pull the figure out of the ghee. A complex ritual followed in which the hand was bandaged, and the Brahmin taken to the home of a senior man, who watched over him. On the third day his hand was unwrapped. If the fingers were black and burned, the Brahmin was excommunicated, and pushed to the fringe of society. If his honor was vindicated, and the hand was normal, he was returned to his post, given gifts from the king, and all due respects were given to him by the temple community. One can only imagine the level of integrity required of Brahmins who faced such a method of oversight.

The chariots of Sthanu-Mal-Ayan temple are very beautiful, and the center of attractice at the annual Car Festival here. While Their Lordships’ original temple chariot was destroyed during the invasion of Khan Chanda Saheb, many devotees sacrificed their lives in protecting the remaining chariots, thus forcing the invaders to retreat. Afterwards, the Devi (Amman) car was made the major chariot. Each year it is accompanied by the chariots of Ganesa and Swamy, and each of the chariots bears one member of the Trimurti.The chariot is made of wood and is carved with beautifully detailed sculptures, many of which feature the pastimes of Krsna and Rama lila. 

The temple timings : 4:30 am – 11:30 am and  5 pm – 8:30 pm To Return to the Index of Contents, Click Here. Otherwise Continue

4.11 Sri Bhoomi Neela Samedha Aadhimoola Perumal (Gejendra Varadhar), Athalanallur, Tirunelveli   

Sri Bhoomi Neela Samedha Aadhimoola Perumal (Gejendra Varadhar) Temple, Athalanallur, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627426  Sri Bhoomi Neela Samedha Aadhimoola Perumal (Gejendra Varadhar) Temple is located in  Athalanallur, Ambasamudram, on the banks of River Tambiraparani  at a distance of 26 Kms from Tirunelveli . It is more than  1000 years old. This place was referred to as Athaani Nallur (Athaani = Elephant), yet another indication for the elephant episode connection to this temple.

Moolavar : Aadhi Moolam ; Utsava Moorthy : Gajendra Varadan. Thayar : Therku Nachiyar and Vadakku Nachiyar; Theertham:  Thamirabarani River. Historical name : Yanai Katha Nallur.

Tamirabarani river is located on the backside of the temple. The temple is facing the east direction and has a stunningly colorful five tier Raja Gopuram . There is another tower found after entering into the entrance. The area between both the towers is full of pillars with beautiful carvings. 

The sanctum sanctorum has the murti of Srihari Vishnu who is worshipped here as Aadi Moolam. He has four arms and is in standing posture – 8 feet tall.. His two consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi are found in standing posture on either side. Murtis of Sage Markandeya and Sage Bhrigu are also found in the main temple.

The Utsavar  processional idols of Gajendra Varadan along with his two consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi are also found in the same shrine. Also, a separate Utsava idol of Andal is found here. At the entrance of the Ardha Mandapa, the sculptures of Dwarapalas are found to be huge in size. The sub-shrine of Garuda, flag staff and Bali peetha are found facing the mainshrine.

The main shrine is built as per ‘maada kovil’ architectural style. Hence, the main shrine is found on a raised platform and one can reach that by climbing up few steps. The vimana called as ‘Indira Vimana’ and the back sidewall of the main shrine are artistically beautiful. The temple has two prakaras.

The inner prakara has the shrines of Goddesses – Therku Nachiyar (Lakshmi) and Vadakku Nachiyar(Bhoo Devi). Also, the idols of ten Avatars of Vishnu – Dasavatharam, Krishna with Rukmini and Satyabhama, a sub shrine of Paramapatha Nathar – a stucco idol of Vishnu in the sitting posture are all found in the inner prakara. In Maha Mandapa, the sub-shrines of Andal and Vishwaksenar are found.

Near Garuda’s idol, Chakkarathalwar with Narasimha holding four discuses on his back side and the sub-shrine of Hanuman are located. The temple is full of beautiful carvings. Many of them depict Dasavathara scenes or the scenes related to Gajendra Moksha legend. 

As per the Legend, King Indradyumna, committed an act of disrespect towards the revered sage Agastya. The king, immersed in his regal pride, neglected to accord the sage the due reverence and honor. This transgression against a sage, who embodies wisdom and divine knowledge, invoked the ire of Agastya. As a result, Agastya cursed King Indradyumna to be reborn as an elephant, leading to Gajendra’s eventual plight.

Similarly, a Gandharva, a community noted for its musical skills, fell to the curse of Sage Kabila. While the sage was bathing in the river, the Gandharva, not meaning to offend him, caught hold of the legs of the sage as he was also bathing the river. The angry sage cursed him to become a crocodile. He told the Gandharva that he would remain a crocodile till Lord Vishnu would cut his head with his discus.

King Indradyumna, was born as Gajendra, the sovereign ruler of his elephantine kin. His verdant abode, Ritumat, was a haven of beauty and serenity. One fateful day, Gajendra ventured to a nearby lake, intending to pluck lotus flowers for a prayer dedicated to the revered deity Vishnu. Unexpectedly, a lurking crocodile emerged from the lake, seizing Gajendra’s leg in a vice-like grip. Despite valiant efforts to break free and the desperate pleas of his elephant companions, Gajendra found himself ensnared in the relentless clutches of the crocodile. Abandoned by his herd in the face of impending doom, Gajendra, depleted of strength, called out to Vishnu, holding a lotus aloft as a humble offering.

Responding swiftly to Gajendra’s fervent plea, Lord Vishnu, mounted atop his Vahana Garuda, hastened to the scene. Witnessing the divine approach, Gajendra, in an act of profound devotion, raised a lotus with his trunk. Pleased by this heartfelt gesture, Lord Vishnu wielded his Sudarshana Chakra, severing the crocodile’s head and liberating Gajendra from mortal peril. Expressing profound gratitude, Gajendra humbly prostrated before Lord Vishnu,  . Vishnu imparted the wisdom of Kaivalya, transcending mortal realms, and assured Gajendra of attaining moksha through surrender. 

Temple timings : 7 AM to 10:30 AM and 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM; Contact Phone: +91 – 4634 – 287195 / 287295 Mobile: +91 – 99659 20369

4.12 Thennalagar Perumal Kovil , Kovilkulam (Sri Sundara raja Perumal) 

 Thennalagar perumal kovi, Kovilkulam, Tamil Nadu 627413 (Sri Sundara raja Perumal) Thennalagar perumal ((Sri Sundara raja Perumal)  kovi is located in  Kovilkulam, Ambasamudram  Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 30 Kms from Tirunelveli.Sundararaja Perumal is part of the Annual 5 Garuda Seva that takes place at Ambasamudram  This is a 10th Century AD temple

Moolavar : Thennazhagar – Vinnagar Perumal; Urchavar : Sundararaja Perumal;  Thayar : Soundaravalli, Sundaravalli:  Theertham : Markandeya theertham  Agamam / Pooja : Vaikanasam; Historical Name : Tirupothiyil Vinnagaram

As the Murthy-idol is brought from Madurai Kallazhagar temple,Lord is named as Thennazhagar – Azhagar of South. He is alsopraised as Sripathy Vinnagar Peruman.The sanctum sanctorum has the tall beautiful idol of Thennazhagar along with hisconsorts Sundaravalli and Soundaravalli on his either sides. The Lord has four arms and carries conchand discus in his upper arms. He graces in a standing form.

Presiding deity Perumal in sanctum sanctorum is made of a lime mixture called Karai.He graces in a standing form. As the original idol was damaged due to age, this is made and installed again, hence Tirumanjanam is not offered to the idol. The temple as well as the main shrine faces the east direction. The temple is built in “maada kovil” architectural style. It has sanctum sanctorum, ardhamandapa, maha mandapa and also a front side mandapa with pillars.

As there was a tank around the temple earlier, the place is named Kovilkulam, Kovil-temple, kulam-tank. Sri Vishvaksenar, Nagar, Tirumangai Azhwar, Nammazhwar and Udayavar-Acharya Sri Ramanuja adore the front mandap. During the rule of Sadaya Maran Pandyan (Raja Simhan II), there was a gift of 25 sheep for lamp to beburnt by Kadan and his wife Narachey Nokki in 905 AD. In centuries gone by, this temple was referredto as Thiru Podhigai Vinnagaram. In 925 – 926 AD, there was a gift of sheep made by one adigal forburning a lamp at the temple. During the rule of Jatavarma Pandya Kulasekara Deva in 1203AD, there was a gift of money for a festival to be celebrated each month on Shravanam in the temple of Sripati Vinnagaram- Emberaman.

As per the Legend, there also lived here a staunch Vishnu devotee who wanted tohave the darshan of Lord in idol form.Lord appeared in hisdream and informed of His presence in idol form in Kallazhagartemple near Madurai. The devotee brought the idol andinstalled here. The temple was built later

As per another Legend, Sage Markandeya was visiting many Vishnu shrines . On his way to Pothigai Hills, responding to his prayer, Lord gave the sage His darshan with Mothers Soundaravalli and Sundaravalli.

The temple was known for its festivals in earlier days. Due to lack of proper administration, no festivalis celebrated in the temple these days. Several of the vahanas are still found inside the temple, thoughsome of them are in poor shape. The Utsava deities Soundararaja Perumal and his consorts arecurrently not located in this temple. Due to lack of security in this temple, they were shifted to atemple in the nearby Ambasamudram town.

 Temple timings : .7 am. to 9 am. and from 5 pm. to 8 pm.  Contact Phone numbers :   7402112542 Manikandan +91- 4634 – 251 705

4.13 Kariyamanikka Perumal Kovil, Kadayanallur

Arulmigu Kariyamanikka Perumal Kovil, 38HR+485 Perumal Kovil, Melakadayanallur, Kadayanallur, Tamil Nadu 627751 Arulmigu Kariyamanikka Perumal Kovil  is located in Kadayanallur, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 70 Kms from Tirunelveli. As Arjuna worshipped here, the place is called Arjunapuri Kshetra.Those unable to go to Tirupati, execute their prayer commitments here.

Moolavar : Neelamaninathar (Kariamanicka Perumal) – Swayambumurthi (Self manifested) facing East ; Thayar : Mahalakshmi facing East  Historical Name : Arjuna Kshetra;  Moolavar is in a standing posture with His consorts Sri Bhoodevi and Sri Neeladevi.

Kariyamanikka Perumal Kovil is a small East facing temple with 2 Prakarams.The entrance  is through a small 3 tired Gopuram. As one enters, there is a bali peedam and flagstaff. There is a Mahamandapam and Arthamandapam before Sanctum sanctorium. There are shrines for Mother Mahalakshmi, Sri Andal and Vishwaksenar.

Lord Sudarsana-the deity of the discus of Perumal,  graces froma separate shrine with 16 hands. Two lions below the peeta are bearing Lord Sudarsana and Lord Yoga Narasimha behind Him. The other wonder exclusively in the temple is a five hooded serpent below Lord Narasimha. Devotees perform Sudarsana Homa here for relief from fear of threats and success in endeavours.

Though a Vishnu temple, the temple has shrines for Lord Dakshinamurthi belonging to Shiva attributes. He blesses thedevotees with two disciples (generally Lord Dakshinamurthy has four disciples), a difference from other places.His form too is different as that of Lord Aiyappa. The other significance that Muyalagan under His feet (symbol of ignorance has his head on the left side against the usual right. There are two Anjaneyas on the pillars, one as Bhaktha Anjaneya and the other with his left hand on the chest and the right upward. People pray here for success in their endeavours.

As per the Legend, Arujuna, after his victory in the Kurukshetra war came here with his men to cleanse himself of the sin of killing many warriors. He wentto Pothigai hills, bathed in the Holy Tambiraparani.On his way,he stayed under a Marudha tree for rest. Lord Vishnu appeared in his dream and said that He was near a Marudha tree and advised him to worship there for total cleansing of thesins. Arjuna waking up from the sleep saw the Lord in idol form with His consorts and worshipped the swayambu idols.The king who ruled this region then built the temple.

. Those facing obstacles in wedding proposals and thoseannoyed about the welfare of children due to adverse planetaryaspects pray to Lord offering rice made of curry leaves and porridge-payasam hoping to relieved of the problems

Temple timings : 7.30 am. to 10 am. and 5.30pm. to 8.30 pm..Contact Phone number : +91- 99657 61050

4.14 Krishna Temple, Ambasamudram, Tamil Nadu  

Krishna Temple, Ambasamudram, Tamil Nadu 627401  Krishna Temple, Ambasamudram, is a small beautiful temple located very near the bus stand and  in the heart of Ambasamudram town. It is more than 2000 years old with   .Saligrama Perumal.

It is a Prarthana Sthalam for bringing together Separated Couples. It is unfortunate that there is a long list of defaulters who have not paid the dues for the lease given by temple. It is prominently displayed on the compound wall as well. 

Moolavar: Venugopalan – Krishnaswami; Urchavar: Venugopalan  Thayar: Rukmini, Sathyabama; Sthala Virutcham: Pathiri, Pavalamalli; Theertham: Harihara Theertham; Agamam / Pooja: :Pancharatra;  Historical Name : Punnaivana Kshetra

The east facing temple does not have tower. But it has flag staff, Bali peetha and Garuda facing themain shrine. The attractive Salagrama stone images of Krishna playing flute in the standing posture withhis legs crossed in a stylish way. He has his consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama on his either sides. Tirumanjanams are performed with oil and milk each day.

The Utsava idols are the replica of the stone images and they are also placed in the main shrine. The stone image and the metal image of Lord Krishna are both beautiful.The nine hood Adi Sesha is found atop Lord Krishna, which is unusual. The 9 hooded Adhi Sesha whonormally is seen atop the Lord in a sleeping posture, is seen here atop Lord Venugopala Swamy in a Standing posture. Each of the 9 heads is believed to relate to a Navagraha planet. Hence, a visit to this temple and offering sincere prayers is believed to liberate one from Navagraha Dosha.

The temple also houses the idols of Garuda, Alwars, Vishwaksenar and Udayavar. The sub shrines ofPeriyalvar and Hanuman are also found in this temple. The temple has just one prakara. The vimana,tower above the sanctum is of Padma Vimana design. The temple is situated on the northern bank ofTambiraparani. Six pujas (6 Kala puja as per rules both in Shiva and Vishnu temples) are observed in thetemple. Sri Anjaneya is in the front mandapam facing north

As per the Legend,  sage Markandeya got the darshan of Adi Sesha, the divine serpent, in this site. As per Sesha’s order, Markandeya installed the idol of Lord Krishna here. The idol of Krishna and his consorts are made up of Salagrama stone from Kandigai River in Nepal. The interesting feature is that the Salagrama idol was carved in the form of Krishna playing the flute without any help from the sculptors.

As per another Legend, A Chera King, a staunch Vishnu devotee had the desire of building a temple for Perumal. Lord appearing in his dream directed him to this place in Punnai Vanam – forest of Punnai trees – on the banks ofRiver Tambiraparani. He made an idol as he saw in his dream, with his consorts Rukmini andSatyabhama, installed and built the temple. Though the presiding deity is named Krishnaswamy,  it is known as Krishnan Koil only.

As the temple was built amidst the forest full of Punnai tree in those days, it is also called as Punnai VanaKshetra. Hence the Lord here is also known as Punnai Vana Krishna. In memory of this, the Lord goeson a Punnai Vana Vahana on the 7th day procession of the Brahmotsavam in Vaikasi. The Five Garuda Sevas – Perumal granting darshan seated onGarudas is a famous festival of the temple celebrated on 5th day of the 10 day Brahmmotsavam in the temple.

LordVenugopala and Lords from the Navaneethakrishna, Lakshminarayana, Sundararajar and Purushothama temples arrive here to enjoy this festival. As Lord came from Punnaivanam, He grants darshan at this place on the seventh day of Brahmmotsavam festival. Garuda Seva is celebrated on Purattasi Saturdays also.

This is a Prarthana Sthalam for bringing together separated couples. It is believed that performing aTirumanjanam for Lord Krishna at this temple and offering sincere prayers here will bring togetherseparated couples. As part of the success of their prayers, within 6 months of child birth, devotees may perform Milk Abisheka for Lord Krishna.

Temple timings : 8 am. to 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Contact Phone: +91 – 4634 – 251 445 / 250 555 Mobile: +91 – 99439 57884

4.15 Shri Adhivaraha Perumal Temple, Kallidaikurchi  

Arulmigu Shri Adhivaraha Perumal Temple,  Adhi Varaha Swami Temple, Kallidaikurchi, Tamil Nadu 627416 Arulmigu Shri Adhivaraha Perumal Temple is located in Kallidaikurchi, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 30 Kms from Tirunelveli. It is a Big temple – deceptive from outside

Moolavar  Adhi Varaha Perumal; Urchavar Lakshmipathy  Thayar: Bhoomadevi;  Theertham: Tambiraparani; Agamam / Pooja  Vaikanasam

The east facing temple does not have tower, but has the flag staff, bali peetha and Garuda facing the main shrine. The temple has two prakaras. The structure belongs to 15th century CE. The east facing sanctum sanctorum has the idol of Varaha in the sitting posture  with a folded left leg and the right leg leaning on the ground holding Lakshmi on his left lap.  The Utsava idols of Lakshmipati along with his two consorts are also found in the sanctum. It is generally Bhoomi Devi who is found along with Varaha. It is unique in this temple.

As Lord always is with Thayar, He is praised as Nitya Kalyana Perumal – Perumal ever in his wedding style, hence the place is also called Kalyanapuri. Wedding means Kalyanam in Tamil. For a good match,those awaiting marriage, perform Tirumanjanam to the procession deity for desired results. As a tradition, Thayar and Sri Andal have their shrines separately in prakara on both sides in Peruma ltemples. Here, Thayars  Sridevi and Bhoodevi are in separate shrines in the prakara.

Great celebrated musician and composer Sri Muthuswamy Dishithar had authored many Keerthanas-Songs on Adhi Varaha Perumal :Lakshmi Varaha Bajaham Krithi (Abhogi Raga). Recently, Kallidai Vasan, a long time resident of this place, has composed 50 songs on Aadhi Varaha Perumal of Kallidaikurichi that is presented at this temple regularly. These songs titled ‘Vasamalargal’ was launched on the 2nd Saturday of Puratasi in 2006.

The temple has many Garuda Sevas as many devotees organize this event as their prayer commitment. Two sub shrines are found in the either sides of the main shrine – forSri Devi and Bhoo Devi. Both of them are found with four arms and in the sitting posture. It should be noted that unlike other Vishnu temples, Andal is not found; instead, Bhoo Devi is found.

The idols of Vishwaksenar, few Alwars, Vishnu with Lakshmi on his left lap and Dasha Avatars (ten incarnations of Vishnu) are also found in this temple. Above the sanctum sanctorum in the first tier ofthe vimana, there is a shrine for Sayana Perumal – Vishnu in the reclining posture with Brahma on hisnavel and his two consorts on his feet, All these idols are colorful stucco images. After the morningTirumanjanam to Lord Adhi Varaha, one Puja is dedicated to this Perumal when alone devotees can have this darshan.

Main Garudazhwar is on the western wall. On Aadi month-July-August- on the Swati Star day, specialTirumanjanam and pujas are offered to him and dressed with flowers. The Agraharam street facing thetemple’s entrance is a peaceful and beautiful location. Appalams, Vadams, Murukku and other such itemsare very popular in this village and they can be bought in this street. Sacred water is brought every morning from the Tamaraibarani for the Tirumanjanam that is performed every day for the moolavar deity.

As per the legend, there was a king who was a devotee of Lord Krishna; he was ruling this region. He performed Ashwamedha yagna; all the deities such as Brahma, Shiva, Indira, etc. came over there to accept the yagna offerings. However, Vishnu alone did not appear. All the seers who were helping the king to perform the yagna prayed to Lord Vishnu. Based on their prayer, he appeared there in the form of Varaha along with Lakshmi.

As per another Legend,  Kubera was travelling in this region. He kept on visiting many Shiva temples; as he wanted to visit a Vishnu temple, he installed Varaha idol in this site. In due course, the temple disappeared. After many years, a devotee got a dream and accordingly discovered the idols. The current temple was built with those idols.

Temple timings : 7 am – 10 am and   5 pm to 7.30 pm Contact Phone number : Suresh (Sundararaja Bhattar) @ 94431 59402 or 04634 250302

4.16 Sri Venkatachalapathi Temple, Krishnapuram

Arulmigu Sri Venkatachalapathi Temple Krishnapuram, MRQ3+FMV, Khrishnapuram, Tirunelveli, Parpakulam, Tamil Nadu 627759  Arulmigu Sri Venkatachalapathi Temple is located in  Krishnapuram, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of  14 Kms from Tirunelveli. The sculptures of this temple is globally famous. Venkatachalapathi Temple is alternative to those who have prayer commitments to Tirupati.

Krishnapuram, the name, stands for the land of Krishna. Accordingly, the primary temple of the place belongs to Lord Vishnu. The primary temple deities here share the same names as Tirupati. The temple, although not large in size, is definitely worth a visit for some interesting wonders it offers. The outside look of the temple may not be really stunning. By its exterior appearance, one could easily pass it on as just an other temple. But the real beauty definitely lies inside.

The poetic imagination of the sculptor is imminent in the various scluptures of the temple. Stones speak in this temple. Every sculpture is apiece of wonder. This temple is an architectural marvel and each sculpture looks fabulous and terrific. A visit to the temple  Should not be missed  – for spiritual and architecturalwise

Moolavar : Sri Venkatachalapathy ; Thayar: Sri Padmavathi  Sthala Virutcham: Punnai Theertham :  Teppakulam Historical Name: Parpakulam

The temple occupies an area of 1.8 acres and is surrounded by a granite walls. The temple had originally three precincts, the outer one of which was demolished by Chanda Sahib at the orders of Nawab of Arcot. The stones were used to build the fort at Palayamkottai. The five tiered Rajagopuram, the temple’s gateway tower, is 110 ft. tall. The sanctum houses the image of  Venkatachalapathy in standing posture 4 ft. is made of granite sporting four arms. Two of his arms hold the conch and Chakra, while the other two sport Abayamudra and Kadahasta.

The images of Sridevi and Bhudevi are located on either of his side. The festive image is called Srinivasanand the image has identical features as that of the presiding deity. The Ardha mandapa is guarded by two Dwarapalas on either side. There is a separate shrine of Alamelumangai in the third precinct, which also houses the festival image. There is a Dwaja sthambam at the entrance of the precinct after crossing the Rajagopuram and in front of it sits Garuda the vehicle of Lord Vishnu facing the deity.

There are several halls in the temple namely the Pandal Mandapam, Vahana Mandapam, Ranga Mandapamand Nanguneri Jeeyar Mandapam. The Pandal Mandapam has pillars replete with architectural features displaying pushpaboikai, palagai and varikolam. The Unjal Mandapam is designed to accommodate theswing for the festival deities. The square shaped Vasantha Mandapam has Navarang style

Another unique feature of the temple is that every statue and idol looks alive and produces a bronze bell sound when tapped.When a pin is dropped from the top of the bow, it reaches the bottom and what is so special about it is that the bowis not straight but bent. This stone carving too has been damaged as only a part of the bow is seen.

The Jeeyar Mandapam houses lots of pillars with images of ladies hold lamps as in Kerala temples. Theseer of temples used to rest at this place during festivals. The Sorga Vasal (gateway to heaven) is locatedto the west of Yaagasaalai Mandapam and is open only during the ten-day Vaikunta Ekadasi festival. Manimandapam has numerous pillars with sculptures of elephants and Yalis.

Each of these sculptures is huge in size, almost the size of a human. This adds great life into these sculptures, and as they say, they are truly life-like. Creating these six feet sculptures calls for intricate detailing and the sculptors have truly lived up to this task.

Each of these sculptures carry so much of detailed work that one could easily pass off an entire day just observing the finer aspects of the work. These stone marvels depict a variety of themes. Some of these sculptures relate to war heroes, some of them are manifestations of the Lord and some depict an artist at work.

There are around 40 sculptures, in the temple, each of which just as stunning as the others. The temple houses rare sculptures from the Nayak period in the Veerappa Nayak Mandapam. Even the ornaments and clothes engraved on the figurines are looking grand and awesome. This temple is a real heritage which needs to be preserved for its art as it holds a charm of its own.

Some notable sculptures :  Manmatha and Rathi opposite to each other, Bheema, Vyakra Balaka (Shiva’s Devotees) and Dharma Raja, Veera Bhadra, depiction of a Queen of Sri Lankan ruler, Ramba, Karna with a big bow, Arjuna with a flowing beard performing penance with a bow and an arrow in his hands, Elephant and a Cow in the same image, Queen on King’s Shoulder, a princess and a prince being abducted by a Kuravan and a Kuratti (gypsies) and rescued by a king , female with a parrot on her shoulder, the sculpture of `yali’, a mythical animal with the face of a lion and trunk and tusk of an elephant, and a beggar with a monkey on his shoulder

Temple timings : 7 am. to 11.30 a.m. and 5.30 pm. to 8 pm To Return to the Index of Contents, Click Here.