Friday Jan 31, 2025

Tiru Anbil Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple, Trichy

Deity: Sundar Raja Perumal, Amman; Valli Nachiyar
Temple Address: Tiru Anbil Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple, Tiru Anbil,  Trichy District- 621 702, Phone: +91- 431 - 6590 672.
Open between: 06:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 04:00 AM to 08:30 AM

Introduction

The Sundararaja Perumal Temple (also called the Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple) in Thiru Anbil, a village on the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, is a significant religious site dedicated to Lord Vishnu, worshipped as Sundararajan (a beautiful and charming form of Vishnu), and his consort, Sundaravalli (Lakshmi).

Historical and Architectural Significance

  • Dravidian Architecture: The temple is constructed in the classic Dravidian style, showcasing intricate carvings, grand structures, and towering spires.
  • Divya Prabandha: This temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, a collection of hymns written by the Azhwar saints (6th–9th centuries AD), who played a pivotal role in spreading Vaishnavism across South India.
  • One of the 108 Divyadesams: As one of the 108 Divyadesams, this temple holds immense importance in Vaishnavite tradition, where Lord Vishnu is revered in various forms.

Legends and Historical Contributions

  • The temple is believed to have been built during the Medieval Chola period in the late 8th century AD and later received significant contributions from the Vijayanagar kings and the Madurai Nayaks.
  • Copper Plate Inscriptions: These inscriptions found in the area show generous donations from the Chola kings, highlighting their patronage for religious causes during their reign.

Temple Structure and Surroundings

  • The temple is surrounded by a granite wall that encloses all its shrines and sacred bodies of water, creating a serene and sanctified environment.
  • Rajagopuram: The gateway tower or Rajagopuram faces east and features a three-tier structure, marking the grandeur of the temple.
  • Location: It is situated on the banks of the Kollidam River, adding to the spiritual ambiance of the temple and its setting.

Sacred Trees and Theerthams

  • Thala Virutcham (Sacred Tree): The Thazhamboo tree is sacred to the temple, symbolizing purity and devotion.
  • Theerthams (Sacred Water Bodies):
    • Manduka Theertham: This sacred water body is tied to the legend of sage Suthaba (as mentioned in previous content).

Puranic Significance

1. King Sundara Chola’s Devotion

  • The temple is located on the northern bank of the river Kollidam, around 25 km from Trichy.
  • King Sundara Chola, a devout follower of the temple, is believed to have donated substantial wealth to the temple following his war victories.
  • His prime minister, Anirudha Brahmarayar, is associated with Anbil, the village where the temple is located.
  • Copper plates from the Chola period from Anbil indicate generous contributions from the Medieval Cholas.

2. Temple Inscriptions and Legends

  • The inscriptions in the temple reference the legend of Vishnu appearing before sage Valmiki at the temple’s location.
  • The temple is managed and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
  • Under the Board’s administration, the temple offers an Annadhanam scheme, providing free food to devotees daily, funded entirely by contributions.

3. Legend of Sage Suthaba (Mendaka)

  • Sage Suthaba was performing penance under water at the temple site when sage Durvasa waited for him in vain. Suthaba’s failure to notice Durvasa led to Durvasa cursing him to become a frog (Mendaka).
  • Suthaba requested Durvasa to lift the curse, and Durvasa explained that the curse was due to a sin committed in his previous birth. He revealed that Lord Vishnu would relieve Suthaba.
  • Suthaba, now as a frog, continued his penance under water at the Mendaka Theertham in the temple, where Lord Vishnu appeared to him as Sundararajan.

4. Legend of Brahma’s Curse

  • Another legend involves Lord Brahma, who believed himself to be the most handsome being, having created all humans. Lord Vishnu, learning of Brahma’s vanity, cursed him to be born as an earthly being.
  • Brahma, seeking deliverance from the curse, worshiped Vishnu.
  • Vishnu appeared as a handsome young man before Brahma. Brahma, awed by Vishnu’s divine personality, inquired about Vishnu’s true form. Vishnu revealed that physical appearance is transient and that one should be judged by their heart and virtues.

Beliefs

The temple is thronged by devotees praying for marriage. Special ablution is also performed for Andal seeking their wishes.

Special Features

The main entrance of the temple faces the east and has a 3-tiered rajagopuram, the gateway tower. The main shrine has the image of the presiding deity Sundararaja Perumal (Vishnu) in reclining posture over his divine serpent Adisesha. The images of his consorts Sridevi (Lakshmi) and Bhoodevi and Brahma are present in the sanctum. The festive image of Sundararajan – Vadivazhagiya Nambi – is housed in the sanctum. The precinct around the sanctum houses the shrines of the twelve Azhwars, Narasimha, Venugoplar, Lakshmi Narasimha (Lakshmi with Narasimha) and Hanuman. The structure of the roof over the sanctum is in the form of a gopuram, which is usually a feature in gateway tower. The front hall of the sanctum has a shrine for Andal in standing posture and has her bronze image in seated posture

Festivals

The Tirthavari festival celebrated in the Tamil month of Maasi (February–March) and Vaikunta Ekadasi celebrated during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January) are the major festivals celebrated in the temple.

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000 years old

Saints and Singers

Thirumazhisai azhwar

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Best Time

கோயில் திறந்திருக்கும் நேரம் :07.00 to 12.30, 16.00 to 20.00

Accommodation

Trichy

Nearest Bus Station

Lalkudi

Nearest Railway Station

Trichy

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

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