Athalanallur Gajendra Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Thirunelveli

Address

Athalanallur Gajendra Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Thirunelveli

Athalanallur, Thirunelveli District,

Tamil Nadu- 627426

 Phone: +91 – 4634 – 287195 / 287295

Moolavar

Gajendra Varadaraja Perumal

Amman

Therku Nachiyar and Vadakku Nachiyar.

Introduction

Location and Accessibility:

• Located at Athalanallur Village, near Veeravanallur, in Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.
• Situated 12 km north-east of Ambasamudram and about 42 km from Thirunelveli.
• The temple is set amidst green fields on the eastern banks of the Tamirabarani River.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple is strongly associated with the Gajendra Moksha legend.
• Gajendra Moksha: The story of the elephant king Gajendra, who was saved by Lord Vishnu from a crocodile. Gajendra offered a lotus to Lord Vishnu while struggling with the crocodile, invoking the prayer “Adhimoolame” (the original form). Lord Vishnu intervened, cutting the crocodile with his discus and granting salvation to both the elephant and the crocodile.
• Other Legends: The sages Bhrigu and Markandeya are said to have received darshan of Lord Vishnu at this site.

Beliefs:

• Devotees worship here for removal of obstacles in marriage, blessings for children, prosperity, health, business development, successful education, and the fulfillment of desires.
• Special offerings include Tirumanjanam (silk clothing) and Poochattai (dense garlands).

Temple Features:

• Main Shrine: Dedicated to Aadhi Moolam (Lord Vishnu) in standing posture with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi on either side.
• Utsava Moorthy: The processional idols of Gajendra Varadan with his consorts.
• Garuda Shrine: Found at the entrance, along with a Bali Peetha.
• The temple follows the Maada Kovil architectural style, with a raised platform and a front mandapa with carved pillars.
• Indira Vimana above the main shrine and beautiful carvings depicting scenes from the Gajendra Moksha and Dasavathara.

Special Features:

• The temple is on the banks of the Tamirabarani River, with the river flowing behind the temple.
• Five-tier Raja Gopuram at the entrance.
• Two prakaras (outer and inner courtyards) with shrines to Therku Nachiyar (Lakshmi), Vadakku Nachiyar (Bhoo Devi), and the Ten Avatars of Vishnu.
• Maha Mandapa with sub-shrines for Andal, Vishwaksenar, and Hanuman.
• The Elephant Rock inside the temple tank marks the association with the Gajendra Moksha legend.

Festivals:

• Major festivals include:
  • Thai Poosam (January-February)
  • Vaikunda Ekadasi (December-January)
  • Tirukarthikai (November-December)
  • 30-day Margazhi Puja (December-January)
  • Garuda Sevai on Vaikasi Uthiradam
  • Muthangi Sevai on Vaikunda Ekadasi
  • Sesha Vahana procession during Chandra Prabha festival.
• Special events like Sayana Sevai on Vaikunta Ekadasi.

Historical Significance:

• The temple is supported by epigraphic evidence, with inscriptions dating back 1800 years.
• The name Athalanallur (meaning “Elephant village”) is a reference to the Gajendra Moksha episode, marking the elephant’s association with the temple.

8. Current Status:

• The temple remains a significant spiritual site, though many festivals have been scaled down since the 1970s.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/03/gajendra-varadaraja-perumal-temple.html

Century/Period

1800 Years Old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Veeravanallur                           

Nearest Railway Station

Veeravanallur

Nearest Airport

Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.                                 

Location on Map

lightuptemple