Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple -Tirunelveli

Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Tirunelveli -Tamil Nadu is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is classified as one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams of the Vaishnavite tradition.
This temple ancient Vishnu temple lies on the banks of the perennial river Thamirabarani. This area is also known as Veeraraghavapuram, which is the hoary name of this place. It has been named after Veeraraghavan, the main and preceding deity (Moolavar), in Sri Varadaraja Temple. Sri Varadaraja perumal is the Utsava Moorthy.

Varadaraja Perumal Temple has separate shrines for Sudarshana with Yoga Narasimha at the rear, Garuda, Krishna, Vikshwasenar, Adhiseshan and the Alwars.Two separate shrines are dedicated to the goddesses, Vedhavalli Thayar and Perundevi Thayar.

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 staunch devotee of Varadaraja Perumal. King Krishnavarma once found an idol made of blue stone while bathing in Thamirabarani River. He built a temple installing the deity and named him Varadaraja Perumal. Deeply plunged in the worship of the Lord, the king was not prepared militarily to face the invasion on his land. He prayed to the Lord to protect him, his subjects and his land. Responding to the prayers of the king, Lord came to the battlefield in his form, fought and drove the enemies back. King Krishnavarma felt happy and constructed this temple for Lord Veeraraghavan to show his gratitude.

He formed a city called Veeraraghavapuram around it and also called Veeraraghava Theertha Kattam in river Thamirabrani, which flows as uthiravahini (towards north) in this kshetram. Hence this area holds the name Veeraraghavapuram.

The10-day Chithirai festival during April-May is an interesting one and attracts lots of devotees. The other festivals are annual Abishek festival in May – June, Adi festival, Krishna Jayanthi and Sri Ramanavami . Hanuman Jayanti is also celebrated for 10 days in the Tamil month of Marghazi (December- January). Five days of Unjal utsavam starts with deepavali. In Karthigai month “Sokkapanai” festival is celebrated on the full moon day. Alwar Thirunakhsatrams and related Uthsavams are celebrated regularly every year at this temple.