Veeraraghavapuram Varadharaja Perumal Temple – Thirunelveli

Address

Veeraraghavapuram Varadharaja Perumal Temple – Thirunelveli

Thirunelveli District,

Tamil Nadu 627001

Phone: +91 – 462 – 233 5340

Moolavar

Varadharaja Perumal

Introduction

Location:

• Located in Veeraraghavapuram, Thirunelveli town, Thirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, India.
• The temple is approximately 1 km from the old bus stand and railway junction of Thirunelveli.
• The temple has a close connection with Sri Vana Mamalai Mutt, Nanguneri.

Historical Significance:

• The temple is believed to be 1500 years old.
• The first and foremost honor and respect in the temple is given to H.H. Vana Mamalai Jeer Swamigal.

Puranic Legend:

• King Paramarajan, who ruled over Thirunelveli, discovered a blue stone idol of Lord Vishnu while bathing in the Padmanabha Theertha in the Tambiraparani river.
• The king named the Lord Varadaraja Perumal and installed the idol in a temple, becoming a staunch devotee.
• When a neighboring king attacked his land, the king prayed to Lord Varadaraja Perumal for protection. The Lord appeared as Veeraraghavan, the embodiment of bravery, and led the king’s army to victory.
• In gratitude, King Krishnavarma built a temple for Lord Veeraraghavan, around which the city of Veeraraghavapuram was formed. The river Thamirabarani flowing north here is also called Veeraraghava Theertha.

Lord’s Grace:

• A devotee of Lord Veeraraghava once fasted for Lord’s darshan until he fainted. Pleased with the devotion, the Lord appeared before him during the Uchikala Pooja.
• Lord Veeraraghava is known for being exceptionally graceful and responds to the devout prayers of his followers.

Beliefs:

• Devotees pray for successful marriage proposals, children, and progress in education.
• Tirumanjanam (ritual bathing) with Vastras (clothing) is performed to the Lord.

Special Features:

• The temple is located on the banks of the Thamirabarani river and follows Vaikhanasa Agamam.
• The main deity, Lord Veeraraghavan, is enshrined as the Moolavar (main deity), with Sri Varadharaja Perumal as the Utsava Moorthy (processional deity).
• Lord Anjaneya (Hanuman) stands in front of Lord Veeraraghava.
• There are separate shrines for Sudarsana, Yoga Narasimhar, Mahalakshmi, Bhoomadevi, Garuda, Lord Krishna, Adhiseshan, Vishwaksenar, and the Alwars in the temple corridor.
• Separate shrines exist for Sri Vedhavalli Thayar and Sri Perundevi Thayar.
• The temple has a five-tier Rajagopuram and a large Mahamandapam with four giant saptaswara pillars.
• The temple was re-consecrated (Samprokshanam) on May 29, 2013.

Festivals:

• Major festivals celebrated include:
  • Purattasi Brahmotsavam
  • Panguni Uthiram
  • Masi Makam
  • Vaikasi Visakam
  • Thiru Karthikai
  • Vaikunda Ekadashi
  • Sravana Deepam

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/04/varadharaja-perumal-temple.html

Century/Period

1500 Years Old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Veeraraghavapuram

Nearest Railway Station

Thirunelveli

Nearest Airport

Madurai.

Location on Map

lightuptemple