Sri Veeraraghava Perumal Temple, Thiruvallur

Address

Sri Veera Raghava Swami Temple, Tiruvallur-602 001. Phone: +91-44-2766 0378

Deity

Veeraraghava Swamy, Amman: Kanagavalli

Introduction

• • Thiruvallur Veeraraghava Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Thiruvallur.
  • Constructed in Dravidian style and glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of Azhwar saints (6th–9th centuries AD).
  • One of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu.
  • Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Veeraraghava Perumal and his consort, Lakshmi, as Kanakavalli Thayar.
  • The temple is believed to be the place where Vishnu appeared to marry Lakshmi.
  • Observes six daily rituals and three yearly festivals.
  • Most prominent festivals: Chariot festival and Float festival during the Tamil month of Chittirai (March–April).
  • Administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Tamil Nadu Government.
• Puranic Significance
  • As per Markandeya Purana, the temple’s history is linked to Sage Salihotra, who lived in the area and was an ardent devotee of Vishnu.
  • Vishnu appeared as a guest at his hermitage, tested his devotion, and blessed him after receiving food and shelter.
• Beliefs
  • Veeraraghava Perumal is believed to have appeared here to marry his consort Lakshmi.
• Special Features
  • Administered by Ahobila Mutt.
  • Features a five-tiered Rajagopuram (main gate).
  • Separate shrines for Kanakavalli, Ganesha, Alwars, Gajalakshmi Thayar.
  • The Lord married Vasumathi, daughter of King Dharmasena.
  • Other shrines: Ganesha, Gopalan, Nammazhwar, Chakrattazhwar, Andal, Vedanta Desika, Ramanujacharyar, Lakshmi Narasimhar.
  • Presiding deity, Veeraraghava Swamy, in a recumbent position (Bhujanga sayanam), facing east.
  • Right hand blesses Sage Salihotra, left hand in Gnana Mudra preaches to Brahma.
  • Vijayakoti Vimanam symbolizes victory over Madhukaidapas asuras.
  • Kanakavalli Thayar (also Vasumathi) shrine located parallel to the sanctum.
  • Sacred tank called Hrutatapanasini.
  • Lord Veeraraghava is believed to cure diseases (Vaithiya Veeraraghavan).
  • Legend that Lord Shiva got rid of Brahmahathi Dosha after worshipping Vishnu here.
  • Small shrine for Shiva within the temple premises.
• Festivals
  • Observes six daily rituals.
  • Three major yearly festivals, including the prominent Chariot and Float festivals in Chittirai (March–April).
  • Maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of Tamil Nadu.

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000 years old

Managed By

Ahobila Matha

Nearest Bus Station

Thiruvallur

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvallur

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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