Perumbakkam Sri Venkata Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Perumbakkam

Address

Perumbakkam

Villupuram district,

Tamil Nadu -605301

Moolavar

Sri VenkataVaradaraja Perumal

Amman

Sri Sridevi andSri Bhoodevi, Sri Perundevi Thayar

Introduction

Sri Venkata Varadaraja Perumal Temple, located in the village of Perumbakkam, Tamil Nadu, is an ancient temple approximately 7 kilometers from Villupuram on the Villupuram-Thirukoilur highway. This revered temple, believed to be over 1,000 years old, showcases the architectural legacy and spiritual significance of the Pallava period.

Puranic Significance

According to the Sthala Purana, Lord Varadaraja appeared in the dream of a Vaishnavaite and Vedic scholar in Perumbakkam, instructing him to uncover the idols buried in a land called “Thoramaniam” and construct a temple for Him and His consorts. Following this divine revelation, the land was excavated, revealing the idols of Sri Venkata Varadaraja Perumal, flanked by Sri Sridevi and Sri Bhoodevi.

The temple was built during the Pallava period following the Agama Shastra, as evident from its inscriptions. It features a recently constructed Rajagopuram, and its Maha Samprokshanam (Kumbhabhishekam) was performed on July 7, 2014.

The presiding deity, Sri Venkata Varadaraja Perumal, is unique as He displays the “Katika Hastham” (a feature of Lord Venkateswara) and the “Abhaya Hastham” (associated with Kanchipuram’s deity). The deity also bears the Vakshasthala Pratima (an image of Lord Narasimha) on His chest. This unique feature has earned Perumbakkam the title of “Dakshina Ahobilam”.

Devotees believe that darshan of this deity is equivalent to visiting Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala, Lord Varadaraja in Kanchipuram, and Lord Narasimha in Ahobilam simultaneously. The Sthala Vriksham (sacred tree) is the Vilvam, and the presiding goddess is Sri Perundevi Thayar.

The temple also features sannadhis for other deities, including:

Sri Lakshmi Narayana
Sri Pattabhirama
Sri Lakshmi Hayagriva
Sri Lakshmi Narasimha
Sri Lakshmi Varaha

Special Features

Sri Kalyana Anjaneyar

Worshiping Sri Kalyana Anjaneyar is believed to remove obstacles for marriage and childbirth, offering blessings to devotees facing challenges in these areas.

Sri Viswaksenar and Sri Nammazhwar Sannadhi

Separate shrines are dedicated to Sri Vishwaksenar and Sri Nammazhwar, along with idols of Sri Kumuthavalli Nachiar and Sri Thirumangai Azhwar.

Sri Bhashyakarar (Sri Ramanuja) Sannadhi

A separate sannadhi is dedicated to Sri Ramanuja, highlighting the temple’s connection to the Vaishnavite tradition.

Nagam (Adhiseshan)

A small shrine dedicated to Nagam (Adhiseshan) is present. Devotees offer milk and prayers here, believing it helps alleviate sorrow and bring goodwill.