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.