Keezha Thiruvenkatanathapuram Varadaraja Perumal Temple – Thirunelveli

Address

Keezha Thiruvenkatanathapuram Varadaraja Perumal Temple – Thirunelveli

Keezha Thiruvenkatanathapuram, Thirunelveli District,

Tamil Nadu- 627 006

 Mobile: +91 97891 32401

Moolavar

Varadaraja Perumal

Introduction

• Location: The Varadaraja Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located at Keezha Thiruvenkatanathapuram Village in the Thirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is situated about 800 meters east of the famous Mela Thiruvenkatanathapuram Temple, on the banks of the Thamirabarani River.
• Historical Significance: This ancient temple dates back to the 12th century AD and follows the Thenkalai Vaikanasam Agamam. The temple had been in a dilapidated condition for several decades but was recently renovated.
• Name Origin: Due to the presence of abundant red soil around the temple, the place is called “Sengani” (meaning “Red Land” in Tamil, where “Sen” means “Red” and “Kani” means “Land”).
• Presiding Deity: The presiding deity is Varadaraja Perumal, also known as Dhana Regai Perumal.

Puranic Significance:

1. Vaazha Vaikum Perumal (The Savior):
   • A 14th-century king from Nellai visited the temple to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu, but the priest was unavailable due to illness. The Lord disguised Himself as the priest and performed the pooja, saving the priest from the king’s anger and punishment. This incident earned the deity the name “Vaazha Vaikum Perumal” (The One Who Saves).
2. Bhrigu Rishi’s Penance:
   • Bhrigu Rishi is believed to have undertaken intense penance in the forest area of Saali Vaadi Puram, which is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu was installed by the sage. This association with Bhrigu Rishi adds spiritual significance to the temple.
3. Dhana Regai Perumal (The Prosperity Giver):
   • The deity’s right hand is said to have a prosperity line known as Dhana Regai. It is believed that placing a coin in this hand leads to financial blessings and the coin will multiply. This feature is one of the reasons the deity is called Dhana Regai Perumal (The One with the Money Yielding Line).

Special Features:

1. Temple Structure and Surroundings:
   • The temple is located on the banks of the Thamirabarani River, which adds to its spiritual and serene atmosphere.
   • The temple was built by King Veerapandian during the 12th century. The northern side of the temple features the Kubera vassal, which is the main entrance.
   • The Sthala Viruksham (main tree of the temple) is a bamboo tree, which holds religious significance.
   • Due to the Dhana Regai (prosperity line) in the deity’s right hand, this place is also referred to as Shukra Sthala (the place of prosperity).
2. Deity’s Iconography:
   • Lord Varadaraja Perumal is depicted with four hands:
     • Right Hands: One hand holds the Chakra (discus), and the other holds the Dhana Regai (money yielding line).
     • Left Hands: One hand holds the Sangu (conch), and the other holds the Gadayutham (mace).
   • The temple also features the consorts Sridevi Thayar and Bhoomadevi Thayar alongside the Lord.
3. Beliefs and Blessings:
   • It is believed that placing money in the deity’s Dhana Regai will ensure that the devotee will never face financial difficulties. This aspect of the temple makes it a prominent destination for those seeking financial prosperity.
4. Other Name:
   • This temple is also referred to as “Then (South) Kanchi”, a title it shares with the Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram.

Festivals:

The temple celebrates various festivals, including:

• Puratasi Shravanam (a significant ritual for Lord Vishnu)
• Garuda Sevai (a procession with the Garuda Vahana)
• Margazhi Utsavam (a festival in the month of Margazhi)
• Thai Dolotsavam (celebration involving a procession during the Tamil month of Thai).

References

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

Century/Period

It was built by King Veerapandian in the twelfth century.

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Mela Thiruvenkatanathapuram

Nearest Railway Station

Thirunelveli

Nearest Airport

Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram

Location on Map

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