ThiruVaragunamangai Sri Vijayasanar ( Paramapatha Nathan ) Temple, Thoothukudi

Address

ThiruVaragunamangai Sri Vijayasanar ( Paramapatha Nathan ) Temple, Natham ( Varagunamangai ) – 628 601, Thoothukudi District .

Deity

Vijayassana Perumal, Amman: Varaguna Mangai Thayar

Introduction

• ThiruVaragunamangai Perumal Temple is one of the Nava Tirupathi temples, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Located in Natham, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu, on the Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route, along the banks of the Thamirabarani River.
• This temple is also known as Sri Vijayasana Perumal Temple and is associated with Chandra (Moon) among the Navagrahas.
• It is the 2nd of the Nava Tirupathi temples.
• One of the 108 Divya Desams, glorified in the Divya Prabandham by Azhwars.
• Theertham (sacred water body): Agni Tirtha (Tevapuskarani).
• Significance: The temple is believed to be the site where Lord Vishnu appeared before Vedavith, a Brahmin sage, in response to his penance.

Puranic Significance

• Vedavith, a poor Brahmin from Punyagosham Agraharam, near the Rewa River, longed for Maha Vishnu’s darshan.
• Vishnu, taking the form of an old Brahmin, guided him to Varagunamangai (Natham) as the ideal place for his penance.
• Vedavith performed intense tapas (penance), chanting the Asana mantra.
• Pleased with his devotion, Maha Vishnu appeared before him and granted moksha (liberation).
• As Vishnu manifested in response to this mantra, he is worshipped here as Vijayasanar Perumal.

Beliefs

• The Nava Tirupathi temples are regarded as the Navagraha temples of the Pandya region, similar to the Navagrahas in Chola Nadu.
• Unlike other temples, there are no separate Navagraha shrines, as the nine Vishnu temples themselves represent the Navagrahas.
• Worshipping here is believed to remove planetary doshas (astrological afflictions).

Special Features

• Lord Vijayasana Perumal is revered in Nammazhwar’s hymns, highlighting his significance.
• The temple is associated with King Varaguna Pandya, whose name is believed to have influenced the name Varagunamangai.
• The temple features a five-tiered Rajagopuram (main entrance tower), surrounded by lush greenery.
• Sage Romesar performed severe penance for thousands of years at this site, and the Lord appeared before him, granting his wishes.

Festivals

• Vaikunda Ekadasi – Celebrated with grand rituals and processions.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Tirunelveli

Nearest Railway Station

Tirunelveli

Nearest Airport

Thoothukudi

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