Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple

Last updated

Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple
Thiruvellarai
Thiruvellarai (7).jpg
View of the unfinished southern gateway
Religion
Affiliation Hinduism
District Tiruchirapalli
Deity
Features
  • Tower: Vimalaakkruthi Vimanam
Location
Location Thiruvellarai
State Tamil Nadu
CountryFlag of India.svg  India
India Tamil Nadu location map.svg
Om symbol.svg
Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple, Thiruvellarai, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu
Geographic coordinates 10°57′21.6″N78°40′03.7″E / 10.956000°N 78.667694°E / 10.956000; 78.667694
Architecture
Type Dravidian architecture
Creator Cholas
Specifications
Temple(s)One
Elevation136.79 m (449 ft)

The Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple or Thiruvellarai Temple in Thiruvellarai, a a village in the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham , the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Pundarikakshan and his consort Lakshmi as Pankajavalli.

Contents

According to legends, the temple is said to have been built by Sibi Chakravarthy. The temple has three inscriptions in its two rock-cut caves, two dating from the period of Nandivarman II (732–796 CE) and the other to that of Dantivarman (796–847). It also has Pallava sculptural depictions of Narasimha and Varaha, two of the ten avatars of Vishnu.

A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines and six of its seven bodies of water. The rajagopuram , the temple's gateway tower, is unfinished. A swastika shaped temple tank built in 800 CE by Kamban Araiyan during the reign of Dantivarman is outside the temple complex. The Vijayanagar and Nayak kings commissioned paintings on the walls of the shrine of Pudarikakshan, some of which are still present.

Pundarikakshan is believed to have appeared and showered his divine grace to Garuda (vahana of Vishnu), Sibi Chakravarthy, sage Markandeya and Hindu gods Bhoomadevi, Brahma, Shiva, Indra and Chandra. Six daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the chariot festival, celebrated during the Tamil month of Chaitra (March–April), is the most prominent. The festival is unique in the state as a community feast is offered, a custom stretching back many centuries. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

History

The temple tank in front of the main gateway Thiruvellarai (13).jpg
The temple tank in front of the main gateway

Pundarikakshan Perumal temple is believed to have been built by the Pallavas, as seen from the three inscriptions in its two rock-cut caves. Two of the inscriptions are dated from the period of Nandivarman II (732–796 CE) and the other from the period of Dantivarman (796–847 CE). The temple construction completed presumably during the time of Dantivarman. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] The influence of Alvars, the Vaishanva saints of the 7th–9th centuries helped spread Vaishnavism to a greater extent among the public and the ruling Pallava kings, who became temple patrons. [7] [8]

A Chola inscription indicates an endowment to the shrines of Krishna (an avatar of Vishnu) and his chief consort, Rukmini, inside the temple by King Parakesarivarman (907–955 CE). [5] [9] [10] [11] The temple had later additions from the subsequent Chola, later Pandyas, Hoysala and the Vijayanagara kings. [2] The temple suffered extensive damage during a flood and was repaired by a merchant around 1262–63. [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. An Executive officer appointed by the Board manages the temple along with Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple, Sri Alagiya Manavala Perumal Temple at Woraiyur, Sri Vadivalagiya Nambi Perumal Temple and Mariamman Temple at Anbil. Annadhanam scheme, which provides free food to devotees, is implemented in the temple by the Board. Under the scheme, free food is offered to hundred devotees every day in the temple and the expenditure is fully funded by the contributions from devotees. [1] [12]

Architecture

Swastika tank, with stepped entrances in all four sides, was built in 800 CE Tiruvellarai tank.jpg
Swastika tank, with stepped entrances in all four sides, was built in 800 CE

Pundarikakshan Perumal temple is located in Thiruvellarai, a village 27 km (17 mi) from Tiruchirappalli, on the Thuraiyur road. The shrine of Pundarikakshan is built on a 15 m (50 ft) tall artificial hill. [13] There are two stepped entrances to the sanctum, Utharayana Vaasal and Dhakshanayana Vaasal, each open for a six-month period. From 15 January to 15 June, Utharayanya Vaasal is opened, Dhakshanaya Vaasal is for the other six-month period. Pundarikakshan, the presiding deity of the temple is named "Maayavan" during Dakshinayanam and "Thai Maatha Naayagan" during Uttarayanam . The two gates in the temple are believed to represent the continuous cycle of entering into life and getting out of it. An image of the presiding deity, Pundarikakshan, is seen in a standing posture facing east. He is believed to have appeared to Garuda, Sibi Chakravarthy, Bhoomadevi, sage Markandeya, Brahma and Shiva, all of whose images are housed inside the sanctum. The consort of Pundarikakshan, Shenbagavalli, (also called "Peri Pirattiyaar Lakshmi Devi") has a separate shrine. The Utsavar (festival image) of Pankajavalli is called Shenbagavalli and is housed inside the same shrine. [1] [14] The temple has Pallava sculptural depictions of Narasimha and Varaha, two of the ten avatars of Vishnu. Narasimha is depicted holding a demon in one panel, the other shows him tearing the demon. [4]

The rectangular walls around the temple enclose all the eight shrines and six of the seven water bodies associated with the temple. Besides the main shrine for Pundarikakshan and Pangayavalli, the temple has shrines for Alvars, Garuda, Ramanujar and Uyyakondar. The seven water bodies are Divya Tirtham, Kanda Kshree Tirtham, Tirtham, Chakkara Tirtham, Pushkala Tirtham, Padma Tirtham and Varaaha Manikarnika Tirtham. The vimanam (structure over the sanctum) is called Vimalaakkruthi Vimaanam. [1] There are various sculptural depictions of Krishna on the pillars of the temple, in the most notable of which he is depicted dancing on a pot. He is seen dancing in Swastika posture with his buns like hair-do, ornaments and anklet. In another sculpture, he is seen slaying the demon Bhagasura. [5] The Vijayanagar and Nayak kings commissioned the Krishna paintings on the exterior walls of the shrine of Pundarikakshan; they have clear labels. [15] Paintings with some of the popular themes from the epic Ramayana were also commissioned by the Nayak kings in the temple. [16]

The rajagopuram , the main gateway tower, is an unfinished structure. [6] An initiative to complete the estimated 22 m (72 ft) has been mooted by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board in 2017. [17] A swastika-shaped temple tank built during 800 CE is present in the south-western corner of the street around the temple. It has four stepped gateways, each having 51 steps. The tank is believed to have been built by Kamban Araiyan during the reign of Dantivarman. In modern times, it is maintained by the Department of Archaeology of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The temple complex covers an area of 2.62 ha (6.5 acres), while the tank covers an area of 0.1256 ha (0.310 acres) and many mandapas are dedicated to the Lord which cover a total 3.2 ha (8 acres). [1] [18] [19]

An archaeological study in 2010 revealed that the layout of the rock-cut caves in the temple is similar to that of other rock-cut temples such as the Rockfort and Pechipalai cave temple. The unfinished caves in the temple, along with the lower cave temples in Tiruchirappalli and Tiruparankunram, each have a shrine for Shiva in the east and Vishnu in the west, separated by a central bay between them. [20]

Panorama of the Uttarayana and Daskhinaya entrances of the temple sanctum Thiruvellarai pano.jpg
Panorama of the Uttarayana and Daskhinaya entrances of the temple sanctum

Legend

The passageway around the sanctum Thiruvellarai (18).jpg
The passageway around the sanctum

The word Vellarai means white rock. Owing to the presence of white rocks in the region, the place is historically referred to as Thiru Vellara. As per Hindu legend, when Sibi Chakravarthi stayed there with his warriors, a white boar crossed his path. He chased it and the boar hid inside a hole. Markandeya, a sage, was doing penance there and the king narrated the incident to him. The sage asked the king to fill the hole with milk. While doing so, Hindu god Vishnu appeared before them. The sage asked the king to bring 3700 Vaishnavas from the north and build a temple on the site for Vishnu. As requested, the king took 3700 Vaishnavas and started building the temple. While doing so, one of the Vaishnavas was killed in transit and the king was concerned by the accident. Vishnu appeared incognito as Pundarikakshan, a Vaishnava, and requested to be counted among the 3700. [1] [21] [22] According to another legend Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, performed penance at the temple, and Vishnu appeared before her as Sengamalakannan. The presiding deity has since been called "Thamarai Kannan", meaning the one who has eyes resembling lotus; his consort is called "Pankajha-Valli". The Hindu god Shiva in form of Neelivaneswarar is believed to have worshipped Pundarikakshan to absolve himself from the sin of holding Brahma's severed head. Vishnu appeared to both Shiva and Brahma, adhering to their prayers. [1]

Religious significance

Fort walls of the temple compound Thiruvellarai (26).jpg
Fort walls of the temple compound

The temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham , the 7th–9th century Vaishnava canon, by Periyalvar in eleven hymns and Thirumangai Alvar in thirteen hymns. [1] [22] [23] [24] The temple is classified as a Divya Desam , one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the book. Some of the ancient Sanskrit books consider the temple as an uthamakshetram, meaning the place that gives the best to its devotees. [1] The sculptures on the pillars of the temple reveal the earliest practice of Krishna worship in Tamil Nadu. [25] Vedantha Desikar (1269–1370) has revered the temple in his work Hamsa Sandesam. It is also considered one of the most hallowed and pious Vaishnava Divyadesams, as being older than the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam, one visit to this temple is considered equal to visiting all the 108 Vaishnava Divyadesams. As per Hindu legend, the eighteen steps in the temple represent the eighteen chapters of the Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita and the last four steps represent the four vedas , the sacred Hindu religious texts. The sound made in front of some of the big pillars of the temple echoes around the temple. Some of the sacred verses are recited more than once in front of these pillars during worship. Thiruvellarai is the birthplace of Uyyakondar , a disciple of Nathamunigal . Also, Thiruvellarai is the birthplace of Nammalvar (Vishnuchitthar) is believed to have taught Sri Bhasyam to Nadadhoor Ammal in the temple. [1] [21] [26]

According to Hindu legend Ramanuja (1017–1137), the leading expounder of Vishishtadvaita philosophy, visited the temple. One of his disciples placed Ramanuja's sandals along with the image of Varadarajan. Ramanujar became furious at this, for which the disciple explained that for Ramanuja Varadarajar is god, but for him, Ramanuja is supreme. [27] [28] Thiruvellarai is the birthplace of Uyyakondar, a disciple of Nathamuni. Swami Engalazhwan is believed to have taught Sri Bhasyam to Nadadhoor Ammal in the temple. [1] [21] [26] The Jiyar of the temple, the head of the temple, is named Pankaya Selvi Jiyar after the name of the Thayar of the temple. [29]

Festivals and religious practices

Cave temple in the temple compound Thiruvellarai (28).jpg
Cave temple in the temple compound

The temple priests perform the puja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavaite community, a Brahmin varna. The temple rituals are performed six times a day: Ushathkalam at 7 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 7:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 10:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Pundarikakshan and Pankajavalli. During the last step of worship, nagaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument) are played, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. [1] [26]

The Chariot festival is the most prominent festival of the temple, and for the surrounding villages. It is celebrated during the Tamil month of Chittirai (March–April) when devotees pull the chariot around the streets of Tirvellarai. Verses from Naalayira Divya Prabandham are recited by a group of temple priests amidst music with nagaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument). The chariot festival is unique in the state as a community feast is offered by several individuals and committees, a custom many centuries old. The processional idols of Pundarikakshan and Pankajavalli are brought to the temple car early in the morning amidst religious chanting. Ratharohanam, the rituals associated with taking the idols to the temple car, is performed at an auspicious time before commencing the procession. [30] [31]

Notes

Footnotes

Citations

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 S., Venkatraman (February 2013). "Thiruvellarai". Thirukoyil. 02. 55. Hindu Religious And Endowment Board Tamil Nadu: 10–11. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 T.S., Subramanian (24 August 2008). "Tamil inscriptions found near Tiruvellarai temple". The Hindu . Tiruchi. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 4 March 2013.
  3. 1 2 Archaeological Survey of India. Southern Circle 1903, p. 63
  4. 1 2 3 Verma 2012, p. 94
  5. 1 2 3 4 T. 2002, pp. 110–111
  6. 1 2 3 Madras (India : State) (1907). Madras district gazetteers, Volume 1. Superintendent, Government Press. p. 325.
  7. ↑ T. 2002, p. 127
  8. ↑ Jouveau-Dubreuil, Tony (1994). The Pallavas. New Delhi: Asian Educational Services. p. 76. ISBN   81-206-0574-8.
  9. ↑ Archaeological Survey of India. Southern Circle 1903, p. 70
  10. ↑ Daniel, Val (1984). Fluid Signs: Being a Person the Tamil Way. University of California Press. pp. 139–140. ISBN   9780520061675.
  11. ↑ Hultzsch, Eugen (1890). South-Indian inscriptions, Volumes 9–10. Superintendent, Gov't press. p. 298.
  12. ↑ J., Sulochana Gandhi; R., Soundarajan (January 2013). "Lord Sri Ranganatha Temple - a study" (PDF). Monthly Multidisciplinary Research Journal. 2 (7): 2–5. ISSN   2231-5063. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 October 2013. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
  13. ↑ H. V., Sreenivasa Murthy (1990). Essays on Indian History and Culture. Mittal Publications. p. 56. ISBN   9788170992110.
  14. ↑ "Mahasamprokshanam at Tiruvellarai on March16". The Hindu . Tiruchi. 11 March 2005. Archived from the original on 11 January 2006. Retrieved 4 March 2013.
  15. ↑ T. 2002, pp. 108–109
  16. ↑ K.V., Raman; T., Padmaja (1 January 1995). Indian Epic Values: Rāmāyaṇa and Its Impact : Proceedings of the 8th International Rāmāyaạ Conference. Peeters Publishers. pp. 85–87. ISBN   9789068317015.
  17. ↑ "Rajagopuram". Mena Report. 7 February 2017. Archived from the original on 14 April 2018. Retrieved 13 April 2018– via HighBeam Research.
  18. ↑ "Swastik Well, Tiruvellarai". Department of Archaeology, Government of Tamil Nadu. Archived from the original on 1 July 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  19. ↑ M., Balaganessin (17 May 2008). "Pallava-built tank plagued by vandalism at Tiruvellarai". The Hindu . Tiruchi. Archived from the original on 28 February 2011. Retrieved 4 March 2013.
  20. ↑ "Study uncovers interesting details of cave temple architecture". The Hindu. 27 October 2010. Archived from the original on 12 January 2014. Retrieved 4 March 2013.
  21. 1 2 3 Ayyar, P. V. Jagadisa (1991). South Indian shrines: illustrated. New Delhi: Asian Educational Services. p. 533. ISBN   81-206-0151-3.
  22. 1 2 "Mahasamprokshanam performed at Tiruvellarai temple". The Hindu . Tiruchi. 17 May 2005. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 4 March 2013.
  23. ↑ Verma 2012, p. 75
  24. ↑ V.K., Subramanian (2003). Sacred Songs Of India, Volume 5. Abhinav Publications. p. 17. ISBN   9788170174011.
  25. ↑ T. 2002, p. 91
  26. 1 2 3 "Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal temple". Dinamalar. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 4 May 2013.
  27. ↑ Ayyangar, C. R. Sreenivasa (1908). Life and teachings of Sri Ramanujacharya. R. Venkateshwar. p.  231. tiruvellarai.
  28. ↑ Govindāchārya, Aḷkoṇḍavilli (1906). The Life of Râmânujâchârya: The Exponent of the Viśistâdvaita Philosophy. S. Murthy. pp. 220–221.
  29. ↑ R., Dr. Vijayalakshmy (2001). An introduction to religion and Philosophy - Tévarám and Tivviyappirapantam (1st ed.). Chennai: International Institute of Tamil Studies. pp. 559–61.
  30. ↑ "Hundreds pull temple car". The Hindu. Tiruchi. 9 April 2010. Archived from the original on 2 January 2014. Retrieved 4 March 2013.
  31. ↑ "Devotees pull temple car". The Hindu. Tiruchi. 19 March 2012. Archived from the original on 2 January 2014. Retrieved 4 March 2013.

Further reading

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Divya Desam</span> A canonical group of Vaishnavite temples of great significance

A Divya Desam or Vaishnava Divya Desam is one of the 108 Vishnu and Lakshmi temples that is mentioned in the works of the Alvars, the poet-saints of the Sri Vaishnava tradition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple, Thirunindravur</span> Vishnu temple in Chennai

Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal temple is a Hindu temple, located at Thirunindravur, a western suburb of Chennai, India. It is dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Bhaktavatsala Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Ennai Petra Thayar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thirukadalmallai</span> Vishnu temple of Kanchipuram

Sthalasayana Perumal Temple is at Mahabalipuram. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Sthalasayana Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Nilamangai Thayar. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pallavas, with later contributions from the Medieval Cholas, Vijayanagara kings, and Madurai Nayaks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thirukkadigai</span> Vishnu temple in Vellore

Thirukkadigai or Sholingapuram in Sholinghur, a village in Ranipet district of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Lakshmi Narasimhar, and his consort Lakshmi as Thirumamagal. There are three separate shrines in the form of Narasimha, Bhaktavatsala Perumal and Hanuman (Anjaneya). They are situated on the larger hill, at the base of the larger hill and on the smaller hill, respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Azhagiya Manavalan Perumal Temple in Uraiyur, a suburb Tiruchirappalli in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Azhagiya Manavalan and his consort Lakshmi as Kamalavalli.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yathothkari Perumal Temple</span> Hindu temple in Kanchipuram

Tiruvekkaa Temple or Yathothkari Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kanchipuram in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Yathothkari Perumal, and his consort Lakshmi as Komalavalli.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sundararaja Perumal temple</span> Vishnu temple in Tiruchirapalli

Thiru Anbil, or Sundararaja Perumal Temple, in Anbil, a village in the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Sundararajan and his consort Lakshmi as Sundaravalli.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sathyamurthi Perumal Temple</span> Ancient Hindu (Vishnu) Temple Thirumayam Pudukkottai

Sathyamurthi Perumal Temple in Thirumayam, a panchayat town in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Sathyamurthi Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Ujeevana Thayar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tiru Parameswara Vinnagaram</span> Vishnu temple in Vinnagaram

Thiru Parameswara Vinnagaram or Vaikunta Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the God Vishnu, located in Kanchipuram in the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th through the 9th centuries CE. It is one among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to the God Vishnu, who is worshipped as Vaikuntanathan and his consort, the Goddess Lakshmi as Sri Vaikundavalli. The temple is considered the second oldest extant temple in Kanchipuram after the Kailasanathar temple.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Devanathaswamy temple, Thiruvanthipuram</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu

Devanatha Hemabhujavalli Temple is a Hindu temple in Thiruvanthipuram, a village in the outskirts of Cuddalore in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, dedicated to the god Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Devanatha and Lakshmi as Hemabhujavalli. Though the presiding deity is Devanatha and Hemabhujavalli, the temple is known for Hayagriva, the ninth avatara of Vishnu in the Dashavatara of Vishnu and a god of knowledge. The temple is the only historical temple in South India to have a shrine of Hayagriva on hilltop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thiruthevanartthogai</span> Hindu temple in Mayiladuthurai

Thiruthevanartthogai or Madhava Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu located in Tirunangur, a village in the outskirts of Sirkaḻi in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Madhava Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Kadalmagal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thiruthetriyambalam</span> Hindu temple in Tirunangur

Thiruthetriyambalam or Palli Konda Perumal Temple is located in Tirunangur, a village in the outskirts of Sirkaḻi in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Palli Konda Perumal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thalai Sanga Nanmathiyam</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu

The Naanmadiya Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the village of Thalaichangadu, near Akkur in Mayiladuthurai district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Nanmadiya Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Talaichanga Nachiar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Loganatha Perumal Temple</span> Hindu temple in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu

The Loganatha Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu located 2 km away from Sikkal, Tamil Nadu, India on the Tiruvarur-Nagapatnam highway. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshiped as Loganatha Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Loganayagi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Tirukoyilur</span> Vishnu temple in Tirukoilur

Ulagalantha Perumal Temple or Trivikrama Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu located in Tirukkoyilur, Tamil Nadu, India. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Ulagalantha Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Poongothai. The temple is believed to have been built by the Medieval Cholas, with later contributions from Vijayanagara kings and Madurai Nayaks. The temple covers an area of 5 acres (20,000 m2) and has a temple tower that is the third tallest in Tamil Nadu, measuring 192 ft (59 m) in height.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nathan Kovil</span> Hindu temple of Vishnu near Kumbakonam, India

Nathan Kovil or Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram Temple in Nathan Kovil, a village in the outskirts of Kumbakonam in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Jagannathan and his consort Lakshmi as Shenbagavalli.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Govindaraja Perumal Temple</span> Hindu temple in Chidambaram

The Govindaraja Perumal Temple, also called Thiruchitrakoodam, is a temple situated in Chidambaram, a town in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, the temple is inside the premises of the Thillai Nataraja Temple, constructed in the Dravidian architecture. The temple is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Govindaraja Perumal and his wife Lakshmi as Pundarikavalli Thayar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sowmya Narayana Perumal temple</span> Vishnu temple in Thirukoshtiyur

Sowmyanarayana Perumal Temple is an ancient temple located in Thirukoshtiyur, a village in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Sowmyanarayana Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Thirumamagal. The temple is known as the place where Ramanuja, the expounder of Vishishtadvaita philosophy preached the holy ashtakshara "Om Namo Narayanaya" to all people, irrespective of their varna.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thiruvazhmarban temple</span> Hindu temple in Kanyakumari

The Thiruvazhmarban Temple, also known as Sri Kuralappa Perumal Temple in Thiruppathisaram, a village in Kanyakumari district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Thiruvazhmarban Temple is located about 5 km far, north-easterly to Nagercoil, 20 km far, north-westerly to Kanyakumari and 45 km south-west of Nanguneri Divya Desam. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams of malayala nadu divyadesham dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Thiruvazhmarban and his consort Lakshmi as Kamalavalli in kerala tantric traditions. The oldest inscription in the temple is from 1139 CE indicating gifts to the temple. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines. The temple tank is located opposite to the temple, outside the main entrance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nithyakalyana Perumal temple</span> Hindu temple

Nithyakalayana Perumal temple in Thiruvidandai, a village in Chennai, Chengalpattu district of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Varaha, the boar avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Tamil style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Nithyakalayana Perumal (Varaha) and his consort Lakshmi as Komalavalli Thayar. The original structure of the temple was built by the Pallavas during the 7th century CE, with later additions from the Cholas during the 11th century.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.