Thirunangur Sri Vaikundanathar Temple (Thiruvaikunda Vinnagaram), Mayiladuthurai

Address

Thirunangur Sri Vaikundanathar Temple (Thiruvaikunda Vinnagaram), Nangur, Tamil Nadu 609106,Phone 91 4364 275 478

Deity

Vaikunta Nathan, Amman: Vaikunta Valli

Introduction

• Location: Thiruvaikunda Vinnagaram (also known as Vaikunta Nathan Perumal Temple) is located in Thirunangur, a village near Sirkazhi, Tamil Nadu.
• Deity: Vishnu, worshipped as Vaikuntanathan, and his consort Lakshmi, worshipped as Vaikuntavalli.
• Significance:
  • One of the 108 Divyadesams dedicated to Vishnu.
  • Constructed in the Dravidian architectural style.
  • Glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the Azhwar saints’ Tamil canon (6th–9th centuries AD).
  • Theerthams (holy water bodies): Lakshmi Pushkarini, Utharanga Pushkarini, and Viraja.

Puranic Significance

• The Legend of King Swetakethu:
  • King Swetakethu, from the Ikshvagu dynasty (the dynasty of Lord Rama), was a noble king known for his honesty and integrity.
  • Swetakethu and his wife, Damayanthi, had a deep desire to visit Vaikunda to have a darshan (sighting) of Lord Vishnu.
  • They performed severe penance under the sun, shedding their mortal coils, and reached Vaikundam. However, they were unable to find Lord Vishnu (Vaikunda Vasan) and stood there in sadness.
  • Maharshi Narada explained that although their penance was severe, they had not performed enough homams (rituals) or charitable acts. He advised them to worship Lord Iravadeswarar on the banks of the Cauvery River and seek his help for a Vaikunda darshan.
  • Following Narada’s advice, Swetakethu, Damayanthi, and Sage Udanga Maharshi performed penance at the sacred site.
  • Lord Vishnu appeared before them along with Mothers Sridevi and Bhoodevi, and Lord Iravadeswarar prayed that the place should be honored as Vaikunda Vinnagaram. Lord Vishnu granted his darshan, and the temple was consecrated as Vaikunta Vinnagaram, where Vishnu appears as Vaikundavasa with Vaikundavalli.

Beliefs

• Family Unity: Devotees believe that worshiping Perumal here brings unity and peace in families. It is particularly common for devotees to pray to Perumal for blessings related to family harmony.

Special Features

• Vishnu’s Posture: The Lord Perumal is depicted in a sitting posture, facing east, blessing the devotees with his divine presence.
• Vimana: The temple’s Vimana (the tower above the sanctum) is called Ananda Satya Varthaga Vimanam.
• Sage Udhanga Maharshi’s Darshan: Sage Udhanga Maharshi and Upari Siravasu were blessed with the darshan of Perumal in this temple.

Festivals

• Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam and Garudasevai: Celebrated in January or February.
• Vaikasi Brahmmotsavam: Celebrated in May or June.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Nangur

Nearest Railway Station

Sirkali

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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