Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Emaneswaram, Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram

Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Emaneswaram, Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram
Varadaraja Perumal temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Emaneswaram Village near Paramakudi Taluk in the Ramanathapuram District. The temple is on the northern bank of River Vaigai. Presiding deity Lord Varadaraja blesses the devotees from under the Punyakoti Vimana in the sanctum sanctorum. Devotees worship the Vimana first and then Lord. It is believed that their sins would disappear if they follow this worship.

Legends
Lord Perumal appeared in the dream of a devotee living there and informed him that He was in an idol form in a canal there. The devotee was very happy to find the Lord in the canal and installed in the name of Varadaraja Perumal.  The temple grew bigger and popular in the days that followed.
The Temple
The temple is on the northern bank of River Vaigai. Presiding deity Lord Varadaraja blesses the devotees from under the Punyakoti Vimana in the sanctum sanctorum.  Devotees worship the Vimana first and then Lord.  It is believed that their sins would disappear if they follow this worship. Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the month of Vaikasi covering May-June.  On Purattasi Saturdays during September-October, Lord is dressed as Lord Venkatachalapathi in Tirupati. On the third Saturday, Lord is dressed with Vaira Angi ornament. Hence, he is also praised as Tirupati Perumal. On Vaikasi Poornima day in May-June, Lord comes to Vaigai as Kallazhagar Perumal as followed in Madurai temple.  Then, the event of his granting salvation to Maharshi Mandooka is celebrated in a very grand manner. 
Lord graces devotees on the Garuda Vahana on Chithirai (April-May) and Aipasi (October-November) full moon Panchami (fifth) day. Mother Perundevi shrine is at right of that of Lord. Behind is the shrine for Chakrathaazhwar appearing with 16 hands and wearing a crown of fire. Lord Srinivasa Perumal with Mother Alarmelmangai Thayar is in a separate shrine installed earlier. All pujas are performed in this shrine as followed for presiding deity.
The Vimana above the sanctum sanctorum is of Punyakoti design. The Navagraha- 9 planets shrine is in the prakara and that of the guardian deity Karupannaswamy is outside the temple. Lord Emaneswaranar temple, worshipped by Yama the God of Death when he was dismissed by Lord Shiva while he tried to catch Sage Markandeya is just at a distance.
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 6.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Festivals
Vaikasi Brahmotsavam in May-June; Navarathri in September-October and Vaikunda Ekadasi in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
People pray here for wedding and child boon. Realizing their wishes devotees perform special Thirumanjanam to Lord.
Contact
Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple,
Emaneswaram – 623 701,
Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram District
Phone: +91- 4564 - 223 054
Connectivity
Buses running between Paramakudi and Nayinarkoil pass through this place, Emaneswaram. Those going by Ilayangudi buses, have to get down at Kanmaikarai stop. The temple is at a walking distance from here. 
Nearest Railway Station is located at Paramakudi and Nearest Airport is located at Madurai.