Soundara Raja Perumal Temple, Papanasam, Thanjavur

Soundara Raja Perumal Temple, Papanasam, Thanjavur

Soundara Raja Perumal Temple is located about 8 kms West of Kumbakonam in Sundara Perumal Koil near Papanasam. The temple is located at a distance of 4 km from Papanasam.

Legends

Lord Vishnu relieving Indra from Curse:

Cursed by a rishi, Indra was struck with an illness. To relieve himself from the curse, he came here and undertook penance under the Vanni Tree in Sundara Perumal Koil. He was to donate pumpkins to Brahmins but when he could not find a Brahmin, it is believed that Lord Vishnu disguised himself as a Brahmin and appeared here before Indra.

Later, Lord Vishnu provided darshan to Indra as Soundara Raja Perumal and relieved him of his curse. In a thanking gesture, Indra installed the idol of Soundara Rajan and built this temple.

Abhimana Perumal:

According to the Puranas, Sundara Raja Perumal is said to be the Abhimana Lord for Pulla Bhoothangudi Rama, Lord of Azhagar Koil and Oppiliappan.

The Temple

There is a separate Sannidhi at this temple for 18 steps Karuppiah (similar to Azhagar Koil) who acts as the security for this temple.

There are also separate sannidhis for Vishwaksenar, Yoga Narasimha, Kannan, Anjaneya, Azhvaars and Garuda.

Moolavar: Soundara Rajan East Facing Standing Posture

Goddess: Soundara Valli-Separate Sannidhi

Utsavar: Sundara Rajan

Temple Opening Time

Temple is open from 6.30am – 12 noon and 4 pm – 8.30 pm. 

Festivals 

Puratasi Navarathri is the only big festival at this temple. On Vijayadasami, Sundara Raja Perumal goes out on his only street procession of the year. 

Contact

Soundara Raja Perumal Temple,

Papanasam, Thanjavur District,

Priest: Sundara Raja Bhattar @ 94446 56944

Connectivity

Buses between Kumbakonam and Thanjavur stop near the railway level crossing at Sundara Perumal Koil (about 2kms West of Swami Malai and 5 kms East of Papanasam). The temple is about 1/2km from the bus stop. Car from Kumbakonam will cost about Rs.200-250/-

Nearest Railway Station is located at Papanasam, Thanjavur & Kumbakonam. Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.