Keezha Thiruvenkatanathapuram Varadaraja Perumal Temple - Thirunelveli

Address

Keezha Thiruvenkatanathapuram Varadaraja Perumal Temple – Thirunelveli

Keezha Thiruvenkatanathapuram, Thirunelveli District,

Tamil Nadu- 627 006

Mobile: +91 97891 32401

Moolavar

Varadaraja Perumal

Introduction

Varadaraja Perumal Temple is dedicated to God Vishnu located at Keezha Thiruvenkatanathapuram Village in Thirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. This ancient temple is located at about 800 meters East of Mela Thiruvenkatanathapuram Temple on the bank of the river Thamirabarani. Due to the abundant presence of Red Soil around the temple, this place got the name “Sengani”, where “Sen” meaning “Red” and “Kani” meaning “Land” in Tamil. Presiding Deity is also called as Dhana Regai Perumal. The Temple belongs to 12th Century AD. The Temple follows Thenkalai Vaikanasam Agamam. The temple which had been in dilapidated condition for almost half a century was recently renovated. It is also located very near to the Gothai Parameswarar temple, also known as Then Kalahasthi.

Puranic Significance

Vaazha Vaikum Perumal:

A king who ruled Nellai in the 14th century came to this temple to get blessings from the Lord, but the priest was unavailable due to illness. At that time the Lord, disguised himself as the priest, performed the pooja, saving the priest from the King’s punishment. So the Lord is often called “Vaazha Vaikum Perumal” (The one who saves).

Bhrigu Rishi penance on Lord Vishnu:

Bhrigu Rishi is said to have undertaken penance in this forest area of Saali Vaadi Puram. It is believed that the Lord was installed here by Saint Brighu.

Dhana Regai Perumal:

As the Dhana Regai (prosperity line) runs on the right hand of Varadaraja Perumal, the belief is that if a devotee places a coin in the hand of the Lord, it will multiply. Hence, the Lord is called Dhana Regai Perumal.

Special Features

Varadaraja Perumal Temple is situated on the banks of the Thamirabarani River. It was built by King Veerapandian in the twelfth century. On the northern side of the temple lies the Kubera vassal, which is the 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 Varadaraja Perumal is present with four hands along with the consorts Sridevi Thayar and Bhoomadevi Thayar.

He has Chakra and Dhana Regai (money yielding line) in his right hands and Sangu and Gadayutham in his lefts hands. It is a belief that by getting the money blessed by keeping it in his Dhana Regai, one would never be in trouble due to lack of money. The Lord here is also called as “Then (South) Kanchi” in synonymous to Kanchipuram Varadharaja Perumal.