Sri Varadharaja Perumal Kovil at Tirunelveli

Infobox Mandir
imagesize = 100px


proper_name = Sri Varadharaja Perumal Kovil at Tirunelveli
date_built = unknown (it existed in some form for the last 200 years)
primary_deity = Sri Varadharaja Perumal
architecture = Kovil
location = Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu

The Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu India is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Temple

Sri Varadharaja perumal temple is situated in a small town called Tirunelveli, found at the southern end of Tamilnadu. This temple is an ancienct and reputed Vishnu temple. It lies on the banks of the perennial river Thamarabarani. This area is also known as Veeraraghavapuram, which is the hoary name of this place. It has been named after Veeraraghavan, the main and preciding deity ( Moolavar), in Sri Varadharaja Temple. Sri Varadharaja perumal is the Usthava Moorthy.

Legend

Few centuries back, A king by name Krishnavarma was ruling over this part of Tirunelveli. He held this region as his capital. He was a stranch devotee of Varadharaja perumal. He always used to pray Lord Varadharaja Perumal enthroned in his palace and chant the name of Lord Sri Rama. Observing the deep peity of this King, the neighbouring king utilized the chance to attack him. Legend says Lord Rama saved Krishnavarma from his foe. Lord appreared before king Krishnavarma as 'Veeraraghavan', the embodiment of bravery and valour. Deeply moved by the devine vision the king sang a few slogas in praise of the Lord as stated in Thamirabarani Mahatmiyam( Ch:16-17 ).

King Krishnavarma felt happy and constructed a temple for Lord Veeraraghavan to show his gratitude. He formed a city called Veeraraghavapuram around it and also called Veeraragha Theertha Kattam in river Thamirabrani, opposite to the temple. Hence this area holds the name Veeraraghavapuram.

Darshan, Sevas and Festivals

It is a matter of pride that there is a close connection between Sri Varadharaja perumal temple, Tirunelveli and Sri Vanamamalai Mutt, Nanguneri. Even now, in this temple the first and the foremost honour and respect are given to H.H. Vanamamalai Jeer swamigal.

hrines

This celebrated temple, at present has separate shrines for Sudharsanar with Yoga Narasimar at the back, Garudar, Krishnar, Vikshwasenar, Adhiseshan, Alwars. Two separate shrines are situated for Sri Vedhavalli Thayar and Sri Perundevi Thayar. Vaiganasa Agamam is being followed here.

Rajagopuram

Planning of Rajagopuram construction for Sri Varadharaja perumal kovil is underway. This project is undertaken by "Sri Varadharaja perumal kaingarya Trust".

Poojas

Regular pujas ( Visvarupam, Kalasanthi, Uchikalam, Sayarakshai and Thiruvisagam) are performed daily.

Brahmam Uthsavam

Brahmamosthavam is celebrated for 10 days during the Tamil of Chitarai ( Mid of April to Mid of May) ending on Thiruvona Nakshatram for Chakrasnanam. On 5th day Garauda sevai festival takes place with four other deities on their Garudavahanam from the neighbouring temples( Sri Srinivasa perumal, Sri Kaliayamanika perumal, Sri Lakshmi Narasima perumal and Sri Rajagopala perumal).

Car festival is celebrated on the 9th day.

Athyayana Uthsavam

Athyayana Uthsavam is celebrated for 21 days. Usthavar is adorned in different Thirukolams(Decorations). Nalayara Dhivya Prabandham is chanted on all these 20 days and on the 21st day is the Vaigunda Ekadesi festival is completed by performing Veedupadi veedu. On the day of Vaigunda Ekadesi the Usthavar is adorned in sayanakolam. That evening Sorgavasal festival is celebrated.

Other Uthsavam

Hanuman Jayanthi festival is celebrated for 10days during Marhazi ending on Moola Nakshatram with Pushpanjali. Thailiakappu, Pavithrothsavam, Alwar thirunakhsatrams and releated Uthsavams are celbrated regularly every year.

External references

[http://www.dinamalar.com/koil_english/79_varadharajaperumal_thirunelveli.asp Sri Varadaraja Perumal – Tirunelveli ]