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Panduranga Vittaleswarar Temple
- Vittalapuram,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
Panduranga Vittaleswarar temple is situated in Vittalapuram, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu state, India. This temple is said to be over 500 years old. It is referred to as Dakshina Pandaripuram . It is one of the two ancient Panduranga temples in India. Those who belonged to the family of great Panduranga devotees such as Purandaradasa, Ramadevar, Tukaram, Gnanadeva used to visit this temple to worship the Lord Panduranga.
About The Temple
There is a 16 pillar mandapam in the front of the shrine followed by a larger mandapam with the kodimaram and Balipeetam. The Kodimaram (Dwjasthambam) is taller than the tower. Lord Garuda, the vahana of the Lord is seen facing west, towards the lord. Lord Perumal is a swayambumurthy. The handsome Panduranga with his hands on his hip posture as in Pandaripuram, is accompanied by Rukmini and Satyabhama. The three of them steal the heart of every devotee visiting this shrine. The chaturbuja utsavar, graces with Mothers Bhama, Rukmini, Bhoomadevi, Sridevi and Neeladevi near the garbagraha. There are also separate shrines in the prakara for Bhama, Rukmini, Senai Mudalvar, Udayavar. Rukmini shrine is artistically built.
Legend and Stories
According to the sthalapurana of this temple, Lord Panduranga of Pandaripuram (Maharashtra) appeared in the dreams of the Vijayanagara Chieftain, Vittalaraya, while he was on his way to a battle against the Travancore King. In the dream, Panduranga expressed his desire to provide darshan in the South of India as well. He wanted a temple to be built. As directed by Panduranga, Vittalaraya came to this village and discovered the Pandaripuram idol buried in the banks of Tamaraibarani River. He installed the Panduranga idol and constructed this shrine, a few kms west of the river, and named the village as Vittalapuram (previously known Nattarkulam).
Having received the blessings of Lord Panduranga, Vittalaraya proceeded with his campaign accompanied by his huge army and reached Suchindrum, near Kanniyakumari. In a sudden turn of events and much to his surprise, the ruler of Travancore agreed for a favourable settlement without going to the battlefield. Glad at this speedy and positive end to his campaign, as a thanking gesture, Vittalaraya returned to the Panduranga temple in Vittalapuram. Staying here, he put in place a process and provided financial support for a daily six time pooja as well as to conduct of festivals round the year.
Festivals
Vaikaunda Ekadasi in December-January.
Offerings
Devotees offer milk peda (Thirattupal in Tamil) as nivedhana for child boon and happy wed locks. Devotees offer milk porridge (Pal Payasam) to the Lord praying for children’s educational progress.
Significance
It is believed that Lord Panduranga instantly fulfils the wishes of devotees who visit this shrine and offer their prayers with sincerity. Before appearing for their first stage performance (arangettram) qualified artistes in Music and dance, offer their prayers to Lord Panduranga in the temple.
How to Reach Vittalapuram
Airport
The nearby airport is Madurai Airport.
Railways
The nearby railway station is in Tirunelveli.
Road
Vittalapuram is 2 km from Seithunganallur on the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur route – 17 Km. Autos and mini buses are available from Seithunganallur.
Temple Address
Panduranga Vittaleswarar Temple,
Vittalapuram, Tirunelveli District,
Tamil Nadu, India, Pincode – 628809.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Seeking blessings before performing music or dance recitals
- Seeking child boon
- Marital bliss
- Excellence in education
Shlokas
Alokya Mathur Mukha Madarena Sthanyam Pibantham Saraseeruhaksham Sachinmayam Devam Anantha Roopam Balam Mukundam Manasa Smarami
Meaning -I think of this Balamukundan as the one who looks lovingly at his mother's face while taking milk from her, who has eyes similar to the red lotus, who is the embodiment of truth and intelligence and other forms.
Achutham Keyshavam Rama Narayanam Krishna Damodaram Vasudevam Harim Shridharam Madhavam Gopika Vallabham Janaki Nayakam Ramachandram Bhajey
Meaning -Oh Lord who cannot be perished, who also has names like Keshava, Rama, Damodara, Narayana, Sridhara, Madhava, Krishna, Ramachandra the beloved of Janaki, let me say your name regularly.
Vasudeva Sutham Devam Kamsa Chanoora Mardhanam Devaki Paramanandham Krishnam Vande Jagathgurum
Meaning -I bow to you O Krishna, the ultimate guru, Devaki and Vasudeva's son, and the destroyer of Kamsa and Chanur.
Adharam Madhuram Vadanam Madhuram Nayanam Madhuram Hasitam Madhuram Hridayam Madhuram Gamanam Madhuram Mathuraa Dhipate Rakhilam Madhuram
Meaning -Meaning - Sweet are Your lips, sweet is Your face, sweet are Your eyes, sweet is Your smile, sweet is Your heart, sweet is Your gait, O Lord of Mathura, everything about You is sweet.
Timings
The temple is open from 07:00 am to 12:00 noon and from 05:00 pm to 08:00 pm.