Nainamalai Varadharaja Swamy Temple, Namakkal

Address

Nainamalai Varadharaja Swamy Temple, Namakkal perumal Kovil Street, Sendamangalam Namakkal District Tamilnadu – 637409 Mobile: 9443499854 & 9442397876

Diety

Varadharaja Swamy Amman: Kuvalayavali Thayar

Introduction

The Nainamalai Varadharaja Swamy Temple is a significant and ancient temple in Tamil Nadu. The Nainamalai Varadharaja Swamy Temple is located at Nainamalai, which is situated at a hilltop near Namakkal, Tamil Nadu. The temple is approximately 10 miles northeast of Namakkal.

Puranic Significance

This temple is considered to be one of the most ancient temples in Tamil Nadu, with a history dating back many yugas (ages). It is believed that various rishis (sages) have performed tapas (penance) at this sacred site. The temple is also known as “Thirupathi of Salem,” emphasizing its significance in the region. The main deities of the temple are Sri Varadharaja Swamy and Kuvalayavali Thayar. The presiding deity, Varadharaja Swamy, is highly revered, and devotees visit the temple in large numbers.

Mythological Association: According to local mythology, the temple is associated with Naina Maharishi, the guru of Thirumalai Naicker, who is said to have performed penance at this site. It is also believed that the temple exists in various yugas (ages) with different names, including Indhra Jalam, Padma Jalam, Yadhava Jalam, and Naina Jalam.

Religious Significance: The temple is visited by devotees, especially during the month of Puratasi (September-October), when lakhs of people come to worship on Saturdays.

Special Features

Unique Features:

The temple is known for its unique annual event where, once every 12 years, Lord Indra worships the deity in the form of thunder.
The temple is situated atop a hill, and to reach it, one needs to climb approximately 3,500 steps, which takes around three hours.
The sacred tree (Thala Virucham) of this temple is the nali tree.

Architecture and Sculptures: The temple features a maha mandapam with sculptures of various deities, including Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lord Lakshmana, Lord Krishna with a butter pot, Lord Narasimha, Lord Hanuman, Lord Ayyappan, and the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu (Dasavatharam).

Unique Phenomenon: From the 1st day of the Tamil month Aani to the 30th day of Aadi, sun rays fall directly on the deity.

Connected Locations: The temple can be reached from Sendamangalam, a town located at the foot of the Nainamalai hills. There is also another significant temple in Sendamangalam dedicated to Sri Perundevi Sametha Lakshmi Narayana Swamy.