Thirukkannamangai Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Thirukkannamangai Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple, Kodavasal Taluk, Thiruvarur District, Thirukkannamangai, Tamil Nadu 610104

Diety

Bhaktavatsala Perumal, Amman: Abhiseka Valli

Introduction

Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple is a temple dedicated to god Vishnu, located in Thirukannamangai, a village in Tiruvarur district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Constructed in Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. It is counted as one among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu. Vishnu is worshipped as Bhaktavatsala Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Kannamangai Nayagi. The temple is believed to be of significant antiquity and is believed to be initiated by the Medieval Cholas of the late 8th century AD, with later contributions at different times from Thanjavur Nayaks. The temple has three inscriptions dating from the Chola period. The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower) and enshrined within a granite wall. The complex contains all the shrines and the temple tank is located outside the main entrance of the temple. Thala Virutcham : Magizha Maram Theertham : Darshana Pushkarini

Puranic Significance

When the milk ocean was churned, after the appearance of the Karpaga Tree and Kamadenu, Mother Mahalakshmi appeared finally. Enticed by the handsomeness of Perumal, She decided to have His hand in wedding, came to this place and began Her penance to realize the wish. Knowing Her mind, Lord Vishnu asked Vishwakseana to fix a Muhurt, the auspicious day for the wedding. He then granted darshan to Mother. The wedding took place with all divine pomp and splendour in the presence of all Devas – Mupathu Mukkodi-90 crore in number. As Lord Perumal came out of the milk ocean for Mother Mahalakshmi, He is praised as Perum Pura Kadal – Kadal in Tamil means ocean. The place is also praised as Lakshmi Vanam as Mother performed penance here and as Krishna Mangala Kshetra as the divine wedding took place here

Beliefs

Sri Garuda Bhagwan, the celebrated vehicle of Lord Vishnu in the temple is colossal in size gracing the devotees. Those seeking removal of obstacle in wedding proposals, child boon and job seekers go ound Him for realizing their wishes

Special Features

The templehas a 5-tier rajagopuram and a vast temple complex. The prime deity, Bhaktavatsalar has an imposing image. The temple tank is situated right opposite to the temple and is considered one of the largest temple tanks in the state. This shrine is also referred to as Saptamrita Kshetram(seven celebrated elements of nature), referring to seven of its elements such as Vimanam, Mandapam, aaranyam, theertham, kshetram, river and town. The main entrance of the temple faces the East and at the entrance of the temple, there is a four pillared open hall. The temple has a 90 ft (27 m) tall rajagopuram (temple tower) and is enclosed by rectangular walls around it. There is a smaller temple tower on the western side. The walls of the temple is surrounded by large streets, through which the temple chariot passes along during festivals. A rare image of Buddha, image of Vaikunta Natha and Vishnu mounted on his eagle mount Garuda are the major images in the temple. There is a pillared hall leading to the shrine of Kannamangai Thayar shrine that has pillars with Nayak architectural representation.