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.