Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy Temple, Thirunelveli

Address

Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy Temple, Thirunelveli

Krishnapuram, Thirunelveli district,

Tamil Nadu – 627759

Moolavar

Venkatachalapathy

Amman

Padmavalli

Introduction

• Located in Krishnapuram, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu (8 km from Tirunelveli).
• Dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Venkatachalapathy).
• Constructed in Dravidian style, showcasing Nayak architecture.
• Enclosed by a granite wall with a five-tiered Rajagopuram (gateway tower).
• The temple follows the Thenkalai tradition of worship.
• Punnai is the Thala Virutcham (Holy Tree) for the temple.
• Notable for sculptures that produce sound when tapped.
• Maintained and administered by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Endowment Board.

Puranic Significance:

• Dates back to the 9th century AD.
• Built by Krishnappa Nayak, son of Viswanatha Nayak (founder of Madurai Nayak dynasty).
• Copper plates from the 16th century mention grants for perpetual lighting of lamps and other temple activities.
• Grants included six villages for daily poojas and the construction of four streets around the temple for the temple car.
• Originally administered as a sub-temple of the Ramaswamy Temple, Thirunelveli.
• Became a part of the Nellaippar temple in 1973 and Tiruchendur Devastanam in 1986.

Special Features:

• The temple occupies 1.8 acres and is surrounded by granite walls.
• Five-tiered Rajagopuram (110 feet tall).
• Main deity (Venkatachalapathy) in a standing posture, made of granite, with four arms holding conch, chakra, abayamudra, and kadahasta.
• Images of Sridevi and Bhudevi on either side of the main deity.
• Separate shrine for Alamelumangai with a festival image.
• Dwaja Sthambam and Garuda statue at the entrance.
• Numerous halls including Pandal Mandapam, Vahana Mandapam, Ranga Mandapam, and Nanguneri Jeeyar Mandapam.
• Musical pillars that produce interesting sounds when tapped.
• Several Puranic carvings on pillars depicting various legends.
• The temple’s sculptures are globally famous and considered architectural marvels.

Notable Sculptures:

1. Rathi and Manmatha: Detailed depiction of Rathi’s wrist veins.
2. Bheema, Vyakra Balaka, and Dharma Raja: A sculpture showing a fight with Dharma Raja’s judgment.
3. Lankan Connection: A Queen depicted in Sri Lankan style attire.
4. Veera Bhadra: A sculpture showing Veera Bhadra with distinct features.
5. Princely Karna: Depiction of Karna with a bow and mustache.
6. Arjuna’s Penance: Long-bearded Arjuna in deep meditation.
7. Elephant and Cow: A dual sculpture of an elephant and cow in the same image.
8. Queen on King’s Shoulder: A king lifting his queen in battle.
9. King Saving the Abducted Prince: A dynamic depiction of a king rescuing a prince.
10. Other Sculptures: Depictions of a lady with a parrot, a beggar with a monkey, and lovers.

Festivals:

• Follows Thenkalai Vaishnavite traditions and Pancharathra Aagama.
• Performs pooja five times daily as per agamic tradition.
• Major festivals include:
  • Brahmotsavam (11-day festival in Purattasi, ending with Theppotsavam or Float Festival).
  • Vaikunda Ekadasi (December-January).
  • Pongal (January 14).
  • Kanum Pongal (next day after Pongal).
  • Tamil and English New Year.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com

Century/Period

9th Century

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Krishnapuram

Nearest Railway Station

Seydunganallur and Thirunelveli

Nearest Airport

Thoothukudi, Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.

Location on Map

lightuptemple