Azhagiya Shantha Manavaalan Temple, Arjunapuram, Vathirairuppu
(Watrap), Virudhunagar
Azhagiya
Shantha Manavaalan Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu located at Arjunapuram
Village 2 km far from Vathirairuppu (Watrap) town in Virudhunagar District of
Tamilnadu. This Temple is almost 800 years Old and belongs to Tenkasi Pandyas.
This Temple is located 11 Kms Northwest of Krishnan Kovil off the Madurai-
Srivilliputhur highway. Presiding Deity is Lord Azhagiya Manavaalan is seen in
a standing posture flanked by Sri and Bhoo Devi. The temple is open between 7am
and 12noon and 4pm-6pm.
Legends
Story behind the name Arjunapuram:
Azhagiya
Shantha Manavala Perumal Temple in Arjuna Puram near Vathirairuppu (Watrap), a
temple whose legend dates back to the Mahabharata and one that is closely
associated with Ninra Narayana Perumal Divya Desam in Thiruthangal. The story
goes that on their way to Kerala (Malai Naatu Divya Desams), the Pandavas
passed through this place. Arjuna brought relief to this drought-hit village by
shooting his powerful arrow that pierced the earth, from where water gushed
out. In memory of this event, this village is referred to as Arjuna Puram and
the river Arjuna Poigai. As the Pandavas stayed here, the place has come to be
referred to as Dharmaranya Kshetram.
Association with Thiruthangal Divya Desam:
A fight
arose between the three Devis - Sri Devi, Bhoo Devi and Neela Devi - as to who
was the senior most among them and also the favourite of the Lord. Sri Devi was
guided by the Saptharishis here at Vathirairuppu to undertake penance at Thiru
Thangal, around 30 kms from here. Pleased with her prayers, Lord Narayana
appeared before her and acknowledged that she was indeed his favourite. The
place where she was guided and shown the place to penance is called Vyaktra
Puram which in course of time became Vathirairuppu.
The
Temple
The
handsome Azhagiya Manavaalan is seen in a standing posture flanked by Sri and
Bhoo Devi. Presiding deity Lord Azhagiya Shanta Manavala Perumal graces facing
east holding his discus and conch in the upper hands, the lower right assuring
boons to devotees (Abhayahastha) and the left holding a club. There are two
Garudas in the temple, one carrying the Lord and ready to fly and the other
sitting in a worshipping form keeping two hands together.
Inscriptions
at the temple, dating back to the rule of Tenkasi Pandyas, indicate the temple
having artha mandapam, maha mandapam and mukha mandapam. There are several
beautiful stone sculptures at the Vasantha Mandapam and Ekadesi Mandapam. There
is a huge ancient well to the north of the temple complex. There are several
beautiful stone sculptures in the Vasantha Mandapa and Ekadesi Mandapa.
Inscriptions
Inscriptions
at the temple dating back to the rule of Tenkasi Pandyas indicate the temple
having Artha Mandapa, Maha Mandapa and Mukha Mandapas. A 13th Century AD
inscription on a Stone near the well refers to the rule of Kulasekara Pandya
and names Nakkan Sokkan Villi as the digger of the well.
During
the 15th Century AD, this place was referred to as Sendaneri. Consecration
of the temple took place in the 2nd half of the 15th Century dating
back to the rule of Venrumalayitta Vira Pandya Deva with a donation of 20ma of
land being made towards rituals, repairs and renovation of the temple. Yet
another inscription provides insights into the grant of a temple tank for pooja
at noon and for daily food offering for the Lord.
Temple
Opening Time
The
temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
While
Aadi Pooram in July - August is the main festival of the temple, presiding
deity is taken in procession on Purattasi Saturdays in September - October.
Contact
Sri Azhagiya
Shanta Manavala Perumal Temple,
Arjunapuram,
Vathirairuppu – 626 132,
Virudhunagar
District
Mobile: +91 – 96774 19184
/ 94431 41884
Connectivity
The
temple is in Arjunapuram 2 km far from Vathirairuppu. As there is no bus
facility, only autos have to be hired. Arjuna Puram is just over 11 kms
from Krishnan Kovil (Kalasalingam University) off the Madurai- Tenkasi Highway.
Buses ply every half hour from Krishnan Kovil/Srivilliputhur to Watrap. From
there, one can reach the temple by auto (2 kms).
The
nearest railway station is Srivilliputtur. There are several passenger trains from Madurai to Srivilliputtur. The Pothigai
Express is a daily train
from Chennai Egmore to Senkottai that reaches Srivilliputtur at 6.13 in the
morning. From Srivilliputtur you can take a local bus to Watrap.
Watrap
Town is connected from NH 208 around 10 km (From Krishnan Kovil) and
17 km (from Alagapuri Village) and there are plenty of buses are operated
to and from Madurai, Srivilliputhur, Virudhunagar, Kovilpatti, Sivakasi and
Theni. The nearest Airport is Madurai (72 km) and there are plenty of
Local Taxi Operators are operating the taxis to Madurai Airport for Pickup and
Drop facility.
