Manalurpet Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Villupuram

Address

Manalurpet Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Manalurpet, Kallippadi, Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu 605754

Diety

Prayoga Varadaraja Perumal, Amman: Sridevi and Bhoodevi

Introduction

The Varadaraja Perumal temple in Manalurpet is an east-facing temple with several distinctive features.

Location:

The Varadaraja Perumal Manalurpet temple is located about 15 kilometers west of Thirukovilur in Tamil Nadu, India.
It is situated on the north bank of the Then Pennai River.
The entrance to the temple is through a gate on the east side.

Temple Features:

The temple is enclosed by a compound wall on all sides and is situated within a single Prakaram (circumambulatory path).
The outer Prakaram is spacious and adorned with numerous trees.
Garuda, the divine vehicle of Lord Vishnu, faces the main deity within the Prakaram.
The main deity, Prayoga Varadaraja Perumal, is a magnificent idol standing at about 6 feet in height. He is depicted with four hands, with the right hand raised in a blessing gesture, the left hand resting on his thigh, and the rear two hands holding a conch (Shankha) and a discus (Chakra).
Sridevi and Bhoodevi, the consorts of Lord Vishnu, are depicted on either side of Prayoga Varadaraja Perumal.
There is a processional deity known as Rengaraja Perumal.
The temple also has a shrine dedicated to the goddess, located on the southwest side of the Prakaram.
An interesting feature is the presence of two Anjaneyas as Dwarapalakas (guardians) on either side of the entrance to the Ardha Mandapam.

Temple Condition:

Unfortunately, the Varadaraja Perumal Manalurpet temple is currently in a state of disrepair.
The temple faces issues such as leakage during rains, and the Prakaram is overgrown with weeds.
The vimanas (tower-like structures) of the temple also require maintenance.

Historical Significance:

The Varadaraja Perumal Manalurpet temple dates back to the 14th century CE.
The temple has a few inscriptions on its sidewalls, but detailed information from these inscriptions is currently unavailable.

Puranic Significance:

The main deity, Prayoga Varadaraja Perumal, is portrayed with four hands in a particular posture. This posture is the source of his name, “Prayoga Varadaraja Perumal.” His right hand blesses devotees, the left hand rests on his thigh, and the rear two hands hold a conch and a discus, indicating his readiness for action.

While the temple has a rich historical and religious significance, it requires proper maintenance and preservation to ensure its continued cultural importance.