Karisulndamangalam Venkatachalapathy Temple (Chakrathazhwar Temple) – Thirunelveli

Address

Karisulndamangalam Venkatachalapathy Temple (Chakrathazhwar Temple) – Thirunelveli

Karisulndamangalam,

Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu – 627453.

Mobile: +91 75985 78254 / 94880 62925 / 75981 88716 / 75981 78716

Moolavar

Venkatachalapathy/ Chakrathazhwar

Introduction

• The Venkatachalapathy Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Karisulndamangalam Village, near Cheranmahadevi in Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.
• The temple is also known as Chakrathazhwar Temple, as the presiding deity is Chakrathazhwar, while the processional deity is Venkatachalapathy.
• The temple is situated approximately 1 km north of Pathamadai Temple on the southern banks of the Thamarai Barani river.
• The temple is believed to be over 1,500 years old.

Puranic Significance

• Romasa Rishi’s Penance: It is believed that Romasa Rishi undertook penance at this site, invoking the blessings of Lord Venkatachalapathy.
• Chakrathazhwar as Presiding Deity: The deity, which embodies the characteristics of Varaha and Narasimha avatars, is believed to have the divine right to grant long life and good health to devotees.
• Panagam as Neivedhyam: Devotees offer Panagam (a sweet drink) as neivedhyam (offering) during Pradhosha Kalam. It is believed that worshipping the lord with archana for consecutive Pradhosha days fulfills all wishes.
• Shukra Parihara Sthalam: The temple is considered a Sukkiran Parihara Sthalam, as Chakrathazhwar is associated with the planet Shukra (Venus).
• Padipayasam: Childless couples seeking progeny visit the temple, perform abisheka aradhanai, and offer Padipayasam (a special sweet dish) as neivedhyam. They then distribute it to village children as a part of an ancient belief.

Special Features

• The unique feature of this temple is that the main deity is Chakrathazhwar, while the processional deity (Urchavar) is Venkatachalapathy.
• The deity Chakrathazhwar is depicted with 16 hands. Behind him stands Lord Yoga Narasimha, holding Sudarshana Chakra in all four hands.
• The idol of Yoga Narasimha, established by Nambhoodhiris from Kerala, does not hold the conch (Sangu) but only the Sudarshana Chakra.
• Historical References: According to inscriptions from Sundara Pandya II, this temple was referred to as ‘Then Thiruvengadam’, and the area was known as ‘Kali Say Mangalam’, which later became ‘Karisulntha Mangalam’.
• Temple Renovations: The Vimana (temple tower) was constructed by Pithusi Raguthar, and other donations included a garuda vahanam (vehicle of Lord Vishnu), silver plate, and 11 vigrahas of the Alwars.
• In 1993, the temple faced severe flooding due to river water entering, but it was later renovated, including the construction of a new compound wall, renovation of the Vimana, and strengthening of the Garuda Vahana Path.
• Kumbabishekam Plans: Renovations and preparations for an Ashtabandhana Maha Kumbabishekam were planned for 2012.

Festivals

• Purattasi Brahmotsavam (September-October)
• Panguni Uthiram (March-April)
• Masi Makam (February-March)
• Vaikasi Visakam (May-June)
• Thiru Karthikai (November)
• Vaikunda Ekadashi (December)
• Sravana Deepam (July-August)

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/05/venkatachalapathy-temple-chakrathazhwar.html

Century/Period

1500 years old.

Nearest Bus Station

Karisulndamangalam

Nearest Railway Station

Cheranmahadevi

Nearest Airport

Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram

Location on Map

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