Thirumanikkoodam Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Nagapattinam

Address

Thirumanikkoodam Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Nangur, Thirumanikkoodam , Nagapattinam district- 609 106.

Diety

Varadaraja Perumal Amman: Bhoodevi (Lakshmi)

Introduction

Thirumanikkoodam or Varadaraja Perumal Temple is located in Thirunangur, a village in the outskirts of Sirkazhi in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the 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 one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Varadharaja Perumal. It is one among the eleven divyadesams of Thirunangur Tirupathis and is closely associated with Thirumangai Alvar. It is also the only temple in the Nangur divyadesams to have revered by an azhwar other than Thirumangai Alvar. As per Hindu legend, the temple tank for dug by Arjuna from the age of Mahabaratha. Krishna appeared as Parthasarathy to Arjuna here and initiated his education, leading to the name of the temple. Tower: Kanaka

Puranic Significance

The legend of all the eleven temples of Thirunangur are closely associated with each other. As per legend, the Hindu god Shiva started dancing in fury at this place after the death of his consort Uma due to the yagna (sacrifice) of Daksha. Each time his lock of hair touched the ground, there were eleven other forms of Shiva who appeared. The celestial deities were worried that if the dance continues, it would result in decimation of entire creations. They prayed to Vishnu for help, who appeared at this place. On seeing Vishnu, Shiva’s anger was reduced and he requested Vishnu to appear in eleven forms like he did. On his request, Vishnu appeared in eleven different forms at Tirunangur.

Special Features

This temple is in the 37th place of the 108 Divya Desams. Altar and Garudazhwar shrine are present as we enter the temple. Mahamantap and Arthamantap are present. Varadaraja Perumal the presiding diety in the Sanctum Sanctorum in a standing posture on a lotus pedestal is facing east. In the right hand side of the square shaped lotus pedestal Sridevi appears in the standing position and the Earth Goddess is seen on the left hand side. The procession God stays nearby. In the northern side of Arthamantap Nammazhwar graces in the sitting posture. Garuda seva function will take place for all 11 Perumal on the next day of new moon every year. Thirumanikudam Varadaraja Perumal among the 11 Perumal will appear in Golden Garuda vagan. Chronic diseases will be cured on worshipping the God in Thirumanikudam.