- Vishnu
Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple
- Tharuvai,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
Varadharaja Perumal Temple is located at Tharuvai in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. This temple is a 500 year old Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the main deity is Veeraraghavan. Built on the banks of River Thamarabarani, this temple, also known as Sri Varadharajaperumal Kovil, takes its name from the uthsava moorthy, or processional figure, Varadharajaperumal.
The area is also known by its historic name, Veeraraghavapuram. Varadharaja Perumal Temple was built about 1300 years ago by Seemara Srivallabhan. It was added and expanded into the present temple complex by Sundara Pandian. Epigraphic records and inscriptions dated 835 CE and 1216 CE have been found in the temple.
About The Temple
Varadharaja Perumal Temple has separate shrines for Sudharshanar with Yoga Narasimhar at the rear, Garudar, Krishna, Vikshwasenar, Adhiseshan and the saints, the Alwars.
Two separate shrines are dedicated to the goddesses, Vedhavalli Thayar and Perundevi Thayar. The rituals and traditions in the temple follow the vaikhanasa agamam, the worship by the priests following Lord Vishnu or the Vaishnava doctrine. In this system, vedic rites like yagnas are performed and not chanting of mantras.
The planning and building of a rajagopuram (tower) for Varadharaja Perumal Temple has been undertaken by the Sri Varadharaja Perumal Kaingarya Trust. Anjaneya (Hanuman) in this temple stands in front and worships the presiding deity of Lord Veeraraghava.
Legend and Stories
History
Some centuries ago, King Krishnavarma was ruling over this part of Tirunelveli. He was a staunch devotee of Lord Varadharaja Perumal and continuously chanted the name of Lord Rama. Taking advantage of this total involvement in religious pursuits, the neighboring king attacked him. Legend says Lord Rama saved Krishnavarma from his foe. Rama appeared before King Krishnavarma as Veeraraghavan, the embodiment of bravery and valor. Deeply moved by the divine vision, the king sang a few slokas (hymns) in praise of the Lord. This is recorded in the religious tract, Thamirabarani Mahatmiyam. In thanksgiving, King Krishnavarma constructed a temple for Lord Veeraraghavan. The city called Veeraraghavapuram was also planned and built around it. The Veeraraghava Theertha Kattam on River Thamirabarani was constructed opposite to the temple.
Legend
Legend has it that a devotee of Lord Veeraraghava came to Varadharaja Perumal Temple after performing the tarpanam, the ritualistic oblations for forefathers, in the River Thamirabarani. He wanted to have a vision of the Lord and began a fast. Just as he was about to collapse, the Lord, pleased with his devotion, appeared before the devotee during the Uchikala Puja (noon time).
Another story is told about a king from Tirunelveli who visited this temple on a day when the priest was unwell and could not do the ritual pujas. It is believed that Varadaraja Perumal himself appeared as the priest and performed the prayers. Hence, the Lord here is referred to as Vaazha Vaikum (the one who promotes wellbeing) Varadaraja Perumal.
Festivals
10 day Chithirai festival in April-May, annual abishek festival in Vaikasi (May-June), Aadi Utsav in July-August, Onam, Krishna Jayanthi, Navarathri, Oonjal in Aipasi (October-November), Karthikai Deepam in November-December, Fridays in Thai (January-February) and Ramanavami are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Significance
Devotees pray for cordial conclusion of marriage proposals, child boon and progress in education
How To Reach Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Tirunelveli
Airport
The Nearest Airport is Madurai Airport.
Railways
The Nearest Railway Station is Tirunelveli Railway station.
Road
The temple is just a kilometer from the old bus stand and the railway junction of Tirunelveli. As there is no bus facility to the temple from here, the devotee can opt for an auto or even simply walk to the temple.
Temple Address
Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple,
Agaragaram kovil Street, Palayamkottai Taluk,
Tharuvai, Tirunelveli district,
Tamil Nadu, Pincode - 627356.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Seeking child boon
- Excellence in education
- Happiness in marriage talks
Shlokas
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.
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.
Timings
The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.