Dusi Vaikuntavasa Perumal Temple – Thiruvannamalai

Address

Dusi Vaikuntavasa Perumal Temple – Thiruvannamalai

Dusi village,

Thiuvannamalai district,

Tamil Nadu- 631702

Moolavar

Vaikuntavasa Perumal

Amman

Santhanavalli Thayar

Introduction

Location:

• The Vaikuntavasa Perumal Temple is located in Dusi Village, situated in Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.
• This sacred temple is positioned on the southern bank of the River Palar, about 10 kilometers from Kanchipuram.
• The consecration (Samprokshanam) of the temple was held on March 24, 2011.
• The temple town of Kanchipuram holds significant ties to Dusi, as Lord Varadharaja Perumal (Varadha) is believed to visit Dusi on every Chithirai Pournami (around mid-April), blessing the homes of the village.

Puranic Significance:

Historical and Mythological Background:

• The Vaikuntavasa Perumal Temple in Dusi is believed to date back to the Pallava period, much like the famous Vaikunta Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram, which was constructed during the reign of Nandivarman II Pallavamalla (731–798 A.D.).
• Original Name – Satakopapuram: The village was originally called Satakopapuram, named after Sri Adi Van Satakopan, the first preceptor of the Ahobila Math, who is said to have stayed here for a few years.
• Name Change to Dusi: The village was later named Dusi due to the dust (called Dusi in Tamil) raised by the marching armies of the British and French who passed through the area while stationed nearby.
• The village was also known as Chaturvedimangalam, a hub of scholars well-versed in the Vedas and Sastras.

Special Features:

• Main Deity: The temple is dedicated to Vaikuntavasa Perumal, whose majestic idol is flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi (collectively called Ubhaya Nachiyar).
• Goddess Lakshmi: Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped here as Santhanavalli Thayar in a separate shrine.
• Vaishnava Saints and Acharyas: The temple also features images of revered Vaishnava saints like Nammazhvar and Thirumangai Azhwar, as well as Acharyas who contributed significantly to the temple’s spiritual heritage.
• Cultural and Religious Hub: Historically, the temple was not only a religious center but also a socio-economic and cultural hub in the region. Over time, the temple fell into disrepair due to natural factors and neglect.
• Restoration Efforts: The temple was revitalized through the dedicated efforts of the people of Dusi and the families from the village who now live elsewhere. Renovations included a new shrine for Santhanavalli Thayar and a renovated Madapalli (temple kitchen).

Festivals:

Chithirai Pournami Festival:

• The most important festival at the temple is held on the full-moon day (Pournami) of Chithirai (April-May), when the processional deity (Utsava Moorthy) of Sri Varadharaja Perumal from Kanchipuram visits Dusi.
• During this festival, Lord Varadaraja blesses every house in the village, drawing a large number of devotees from Kanchipuram and surrounding areas. The event is attended by the Jeeyar of Ahobila Math and other prominent spiritual leaders.

Other Festivals:

• The temple also celebrates several other important festivals, including:
  • Ekadasi
  • Navaratri
  • Sankranti

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/02/vaikuntavasa-perumal-temple-dusi.html

Century/Period

731-798 A.D

Nearest Bus Station

Dusi

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvannamalai

Nearest Airport

Puducherry

Location on Map

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