Tondiarpet Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple- Chennai

Address

Tondiarpet Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple- Varadaraja Perumal Koil Street, Tondiarpet, Chennai. Phone: +91 98402 79573

Deity

Sri Varadaraja Perumal

Introduction

• Deity: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known as Sri Varadaraja Perumal.
• Location: Tondiarpet, Chennai district, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Age: Believed to be 500-1000 years old.
• Management: The temple is managed by Hindu Religious and Endowment Charities.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Importance:
  • The presiding deity, Lord Varadaraja Perumal, is regarded as the Kula Devatha (family deity) for numerous fishermen families in the area.
  • A legend states that an affluent man, during the reign of the kings, took the idol as collateral for a loan, later abandoning it in a forest. The idol was eventually discovered, leading to the establishment of a small temple.
• Devotional Practices:
  • Fishermen observe fasting in the month of Purattasi (September-October) and offer prayers at the temple. This tradition has been maintained for many years, with devotees believing that Lord Varadaraja Perumal grants them progress in life.
  • The temple is notable for its practice of devotees offering their children to Lord Varadaraja Perumal for adoption, believing they will receive blessings in return. This ritual is said to have benefitted over 5,000 devotees, with participants even traveling from countries like Malaysia, the US, and Canada to partake in this ceremony.
  • Offering siblings to the Lord is believed to bring luck and prosperity.

Beliefs

• Prayer and Rituals:
  • Devotees seek remedies for planetary disadvantages, assistance with wedding proposals, and blessings for children.
  • Rituals such as Tirumanjanam (a ceremonial bathing of the deity) are performed regularly.

Special Features

• Orientation and Shrines:
  • The main idol of Lord Varadaraja Perumal faces north.
  • The temple complex includes shrines dedicated to Sri Andal, Sri Gayatri, Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, and Sri Anjaneya.
• Renovation:
  • Recent renovations have enhanced the temple’s appearance, featuring a new flag post, Bali Peeta (offering platform), and other improvements.

Festivals

• Celebrations:
  • Brahmmotsavams: Celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June) with special rituals and festivities.
  • Purattasi Special Events: During the Tamil month of Purattasi (September-October), the temple hosts special Alankaras (decorations) with flowers, sandalwood, butter, and performs abhishekas (ritualistic bathing of the deity).

Century/Period/Age

500 -1000Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Tondiarpet

Nearest Railway Station

Tondiarpet

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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