Arasar Koil Kamala Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Chengalpattu

Address

Arasar Koil, Madurantakam Taluk,

Chengalpattu District – 603 308

Mobile: +91 96985 10956 / 93817 44615

Moolavar

Kamala Varadaraja Perumal

Amman

Sundara Mahalakshmi

Introduction

The Kamala Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Arasar Koil Village, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is indeed a significant and historically rich place of worship.

Puranic Significance

Historical Significance: The temple is believed to be older than the renowned Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram. It has a history dating back to the 12th century and has received patronage from Chola, Pandya, and Vijayanagara dynasties.
Legends and Myths: The temple has a rich mythological history. According to legend, Lord Brahma discovered the idols of Kamala Varadaraja Perumal and his consorts, Sridevi and Bhudevi, during his mission to collect sand from the Palar River for a sacrificial altar at Kanchipuram. These idols were installed and worshipped at this temple, making it older than the Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram.
Navagrahas and Kubera: The temple is associated with the worship of the Navagrahas, with each of the nine planetary deities and their consorts believed to have worshiped Mother Sundara Mahalakshmi in nine different forms at this temple. It is also said that Lord Kubera regained his lost wealth by praying to Sundara Mahalakshmi here.

Special Features

Architecture and Temple Layout: The temple features exquisite architecture with intricately carved pillars, including musical pillars that emit musical notes when tapped. It has separate shrines for Kamala Varadaraja Perumal and Sundara Mahalakshmi, who is given prime importance in the temple. The temple is also known for its unique six-toed idol of the goddess.

Additional Deities: The temple houses shrines for Andal, Yoga Narasimha, Kubera, Kalinga Nardana, Paramapathanathar, Trivikrama, and other deities. It also has a sacred Peepal tree as the Sthala Vriksham and the Palar River as the associated temple tank.

Festivals

Chitra Pournami, Varalakshmi Vrata days, Akshaya Tritiya, and special Fridays during Aadi and Thai months are celebrated with great enthusiasm. During Chitra Pournami, Lord Kamala Varadaraja Perumal, along with his consorts, visits Esoor for Theerthavari on the banks of the Palar River.