Manakkal Ayyampettai Vaikunta Narayana Perumal Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Manakkal Ayyampettai Vaikunta Narayana Perumal Temple, Manakkal Ayyampettai, Thiruvarur district – 610104. Phone: +91 4366 326227 Mobile: +91 97880 40397

Diety

Vaikunta Narayana Perumal Amman: Bhudevi and Sridevi

Introduction

The Vaikunta Narayana Perumal Temple in Manakkal Ayyampettai, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu, is a historic and sacred place dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Historical Significance: The Vaikunta Narayana Perumal Temple is believed to have been constructed during the Pallava period, around the 7th century AD. It has a rich history and is mentioned in Devaram verses by Thiru Gnana Sambandar.
Temple Names: Over the years, the temple has been known by various names, including Thiru Peru Velur, Thiru Peru Velur Vinnagaram during the Chola rule, and Siru Velur Ayyampettai during the Nayak period.
Recovery and Restoration: The temple faced damage during the 14th century CE due to an invasion. For a long time, it was neglected. However, with the efforts of individuals like Dr. R. Sivaraman, along with the support of the government and religious organizations, the temple was restored to its former glory in recent times.
Shukra Parikara Sthalam: The temple is considered a Shukra Parikara Sthalam, where devotees can offer sincere prayers to seek relief from Shukra Dosha, an astrological affliction associated with the planet Venus.
Architectural Features: The temple boasts an imposing Vimana (tower) for the main deity and a smaller three-tiered Rajagopuram (entrance tower) on the eastern side. The presiding deity is Vaikunta Narayana Perumal, who is seated in an east-facing posture. The deity is accompanied by Mothers Bhoomadevi and Neeladevi. A unique feature of this temple is the prayoga chakra, a rare and powerful posture symbolizing readiness to protect devotees.
Other Deities: The temple complex also houses shrines dedicated to Lakshmi Kubera, Garuda, Baktha Anjaneya, and Chakrathazhwar, making it a place of multifaceted worship.
Renovation: The temple was in a dilapidated state for nearly 700 years, with the Raja Gopuram (main tower) in ruins. Recent efforts have successfully renovated and restored the temple to its former glory.
Festivals: The temple celebrates various festivals, with Vaikunta Ekadesi and Puratasi Saturday being prominent. Thirumanjanam (sacred ablution) is performed on Tamil New Year as part of the temple’s rituals.

The Vaikunta Narayana Perumal Temple not only holds historical significance but also serves as a place of spiritual solace and astrological remedy for devotees seeking relief from Shukra Dosha. Its rich architectural and cultural heritage makes it an important landmark in the region.