Injimedu Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Thiruvannamalai

Address

Injimedu Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Injimedu village, Thiruvannamalai district 604503. Mobile: + 91 94440 22548/ 9962522548

Diety

Varadharaja Perumal Amman: Perundevithayar

Introduction

Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple, also known as Injimedu Temple, is a prominent Vishnu temple located in Injimedu Village in the Thiruvannamalai District of Tamil Nadu, India.

Deity: The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped as Sri Varadharaja Perumal. He is in a standing posture (Nindra Thirukolam).
Goddess: The temple also houses a shrine for Sri Perundevi Thayar.
History:
- The temple is believed to be around 1,000 years old.
- Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple is affiliated with the Sri Ahobila Mutt Aadhinam.
- Injimedu was earlier known as “Yagnamedu” or “Yagna Vedhikai” because numerous yagnas and yagams (ritualistic offerings and sacrifices) were performed in this village as an offering to Lord Narayana.
Significance:
- The temple is considered a prarthana sthalam (place of prayer) and is known for its significance in performing various rituals for devotees.
- Devotees often contribute to and participate in Yagams, Homams, and Annadhana conducted in the temple, especially during Swathi Nakshathram and Moola Nakshathram.
Sri Kalyana Lakshmi Narasimhar Shrine:
- The temple also houses a shrine for Sri Kalyana Lakshmi Narasimhar in an amarntha Thirukolam (sitting posture). Sri SenchuLakshmi Thayar is seated on Swami’s lap.
- The uniqueness of this shrine is that Thayar appears to be looking at the Lord with one eye and at the devotees with the other eye.
- Lord Narasimha is seated at the top of Lord Rama’s bow, providing divine strength to destroy demons. This is a distinctive feature of the temple.
Sri Yagna Ramar Shrine:
- Sri Bharatwaja Maharishi established the shrine for Lord Rama. Here, Lord Rama is worshipped as Sri Yagna Samrakshana Ramar with Sita Devi. He holds a bow and arrow in his hands.
- In this shrine, both Sri Lakshmana and Lord Hanuman are present along with Sri Garuda. This combination is relatively rare in temples.
- Sri Anjaneya swamy, known as Sri Kalyana Varadha Anjaneyaswamy, is another special deity here, wearing Makara Kundalam in his ears.
Sri Sudharshanar and Andal Shrine:
- The temple also has separate shrines for Sri Sudharshanar and Devi Sri Andal.
Jeeyars of Ahobila Muth:
- Injimedu is the birthplace of two Jeeyars (spiritual leaders) of Ahobila Muth: 34th Pattam Srivan Satakopa Sri Satakopa Ramanuja Yatheendra Mahadesikan and 42nd Pattam Srivan Satakopa Sri SrirangaSatakopa Yatheendra Mahadesikan.
Festivals:
- The temple hosts various festivals, including New Year Festival, Thai Month Festival, Thirupavadai Annakoodai Festival, Tirukkalyanam (celebration of the divine wedding), Karudasevai (procession with the deity on a chariot), and Krishna Jayanti (celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth).

Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple is not only a place of worship but also a center for spiritual and ritualistic activities, offering devotees a unique spiritual experience. It is known for its rich history and cultural significance, making it a notable pilgrimage site in the region.