Urachikottai Varadarajaperumal Temple, Erode

Address

Urachikottai Varadarajaperumal Temple, Erode

Urachikottai, Vedagiri Hill,

Erode District,

Tamilnadu– 638301.

Moolavar

Varadarajaperumal

Amman

Sridevi, Bhudevi

Introduction

• Location: Urachikottai village, Erode district, Tamil Nadu, on Vedagiri hill.
• Deity: Lord Vishnu as Varadarajaperumal, accompanied by his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi.
• Context: Part of the Panchagiri hills, the temple is situated west of the Vedagiriswarar shrine, near the Cauvery River, 5 km from Bhavani.
• Significance: The site is renowned for its Saiva and Vaishnava temples, with the Varadarajaperumal temple being a prominent center of worship.

Puranic Significance

• Legend of Healing:
  • King Shankaralingam, a devout follower of Lord Sriranganathan, often visited Srirangam with his family.
  • His daughter suffered from an incurable stomach ailment.
  • The king had a dream in which Lord Aranganathar advised him to use the miraculous spring water atop Vedagiri hill for nine days.
  • Following the divine instructions, the daughter was cured.
  • The king built a temple at the spot, ensuring access to the spring, which is called Nandipali or Podu Khana Sunai.
  • The water, known for its coldness and healing properties, remains shielded from sunlight and is believed to cure various diseases.
• Historical Inscription: An inscription from 1867 CE near the spring adds historical value.

Beliefs

• Devotees facing delays in marriage or seeking progeny tie cloth cradles and tips on the banyan tree, the temple’s sacred tree, as a mark of their prayers.

Special Features

• Historical Significance: Estimated to be over 1000 years old.
• Architectural Highlights:
  • Granite flooring and walls adorn the Mahamandapam (grand hall).
  • Exquisite statues and carvings, including depictions of Veda Narayana Perumal seated on a lotus pedestal with Vedavyasa.
  • Vedavyasa is portrayed in a meditative posture with a chinmudra (gesture of wisdom).
  • The temple’s towers are elaborately carved and painted.
• Shrines and Deities:
  • The presiding deity, Varadaraja Perumal with Sridevi and Bhudevi, faces east in the sanctum sanctorum.
  • Additional shrines include Nammalwar, Ramanuja, Nagar, Venugopalar, and Anjaneya.
  • Vishwaksena, the commander of Lord Vishnu’s army, is located in the Artha Mandapam.
  • A holy well called Shakti Theertha lies to the west of the shrine.
  • Royal-era idols of male and female figures are placed under the temple’s sacred tree, adding a historical and spiritual dimension.

Festivals and Rituals

• Marriage and Progeny Rituals:
  • Devotees seeking blessings for marriage or children tie cloth cradles and tips to the sacred banyan tree.
• Daily Worship: Regular pujas are performed, adhering to ancient traditions.

This has been extracted from,

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com

Century/Period

1000 Years Old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Urachikottai

Nearest Railway Station

Erode

Nearest Airport

Coimbatore

Location on Map

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