Seithunganallur Kalyana Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Tirunelveli

Address

Seithunganallur Kalyana Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Tirunelveli

Seithunganallur, Thirunelveli district,

Tamil Nadu – 628809

Moolavar

Kalyana Varadaraja Perumal

Amman

Sridevi and bhudevi

Introduction

The Seithunganallur Temple, dedicated to Lord Kalyana Varadaraja Perumal, is a significant place of worship in the village of Seithunganallur, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple is believed to have been built during the later Pandyan period. The Mughamandapam Asthana Mandapam within the temple was constructed in the 16th-17th century AD during the rule of the Tenkasi Pandyas.
• Opposite the temple is the Madhva Theertha, a sacred water body adorned with lavender flowers.
• The temple’s architectural structure includes a Mahamandapam and an Arthamandapam. The Mahamandapam houses the idols of Garudazhwar and Santana Gopala Krishna, while the Arthamandapam is dedicated to Ramanuja. The presiding deity, Kalyana Varadaraja Perumal, stands in a kolam (auspicious posture) that signifies the mother’s womb.

Historical Significance:

• Sri Rama Madhava Tirtha, a saint from the Mysore Madhva Mutt, stayed in the riverside area of Seithunganallur approximately 200 years ago. He propagated Madhva principles among the local people.
• When he decided to return to his native land, he bathed in the Thirukkulam and worshipped Lord Varadaraja Perumal. Lord Varadaraja Perumal appeared before him in the form of Garudavahana and ordered him to stay in Seithunganallur and continue spreading Madhva principles.
• Sri Rama Madhava Tirtha followed Bhagavan’s order and dedicated his life to spiritual work, eventually attaining salvation near the Tirtha Pool in the temple.
• In his memory, his disciples built a Vrindavan (a sacred structure) at that spot, where they continue to offer daily worship. They also organize an annual festival on Rathasaptami, the day of his birth.

Beliefs:

• Devotees believe that performing special abhishekam (ritual bath) to the Moolavar (main deity) on Nakshatra days every month can help remove marriage-related obstacles. This Perumal is considered a divine blessing for marital harmony, hence the name Kalyana Varadaraja.
• The temple attracts a large number of devotees who participate in the festival with faith and devotion, seeking the divine blessings of Lord Kalyana Varadaraja.

Century/Period

16th-17th century AD

Nearest Bus Station

Seithunganallur

Nearest Railway Station

Tirunelveli

Nearest Airport

Thoothukudi

Location on Map

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