Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple, Cheranmahadevi,
Thirunelveli
Bhaktavatsala
Perumal Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu located at Cheranmahadevi in
Thirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is believed to be built in 12th
century by Pandyas (probably who were under the Cholas). Vimanam is made up of
brick and the temple is full of beautiful relief and bas-relief images. The
Temple is just a kilometer away from the banks of the river. The temple is
being maintained by ASI and is near the Cheranmahadevi Nava Kailasa temple.
The
Temple is believed to be built in 12th century by Pandyas (probably
who were under the Cholas). The devotees are allowed to worship on the day
called Vidhivadha. Chadurvethimangalam is the historical name of Cheranmahadevi
in that Mangalam means "a place donated by a king to a
priest". The proof of this name was located on 4 inscriptions and then
another inscription says “சேரவன்மாதேவி இராசராச பாண்டிய நாட்டு உத்தம சோழ வளநாட்டு முள்ளி நாட்டு பிரம்மநேயம் நிலகரி சோழ சதுர்வேதிமங்கலம்”. This is known after “பிராந்தக வீரநாராயணனின்” wife “வானமன்மதேவி “who ruled from the year 885 – 903 AD. This
information was provided by “Neelakanda Shastri”.
The
Temple
Bhaktavatsala
Perumal temple is located in the outskirts of Cheranmahadevi amidst paddy
fields. It is under the control of ASI. It can be considered as one of the best
heritage sites in Tamilnadu state. It is unfortunate that this site remains
little known. The temple complex is big and houses two structures. The smaller
structure (temple) is dedicated Bala Krishnan. It is a very attractive
sculpture. The bigger temple is dedicated to Bhaktavatsala Perumal.
Perumal
sculpture is also very attractive; he is found in the standing posture and
standing tall with four arms. He is standing alone without his consorts in this
temple. The main shrine has all the sections as per the South Indian temple
architectural style - moolasthanam, ardha mandapa, maha mandapa and the
exterior mandapa. Garuda is found to be facing the main shrine. In the exterior
mandapa, the sculpture of Bhoo Devi is found. Inside the maha mandapa, apart
from the big Dwarapalas, the idol of Vishwaksenar is found.
The main
shrine is built as per the "maada kovil" architectural style. The
only other idol found in the temple is Yoga Narasimha temple located in the
prakara. The entire temple is full of pillars with beautiful carvings and
relief images. All the images are extremely attractive. Yoga Narasimha relief
image on the backside wall of the main shrine is notable. The wall surrounding
the main shrine is intricately decorated and found to be artistically
brilliant. The vimana made up of brick is another highlight of the temple.
Though
the temple entrance is incomplete, it is artistically attractive. The main
entrance to the temple in the second and third circumference walls are
West-wards whereas the temple is actually East-wards. The high temple walls are
usually made of sized stones assembled with interlocking fixtures in two rows.
Inner of these two rows of stone walls are filled with binding materials such
as processed lime and bricks.
Arjunan
Thapasu – the penance of Arjuna – as a ‘pudaippu’ sculpture i.e. embossed
sculpture - on a front mandapam pillar. Arjuna is seen in a perfect yogic
posture with a boar in the background symbolizing the epic story of
Mahabharata. Penance of Arjuna is obviously one of the popular sculptural
choices of ancient sculptors - which we can spot in almost all the major
temples of Thirunelveli. However, undoubtedly the master piece of this
depiction is that one of the Pallava sculpture found in the Mahabalipuram rock
relief.
Unique
feature of this temple is a lady sculpture illustrating the ornaments, dress,
hair style, makeup pattern, aesthetic sense and beauty concept of the past era.
The temple is full of various patterns of lion motifs indicating Narasimha
Murthy. The splendid architectural pattern of the inner precincts is comparable
to the famed Hoysala temples. This huge temple complex hidden amidst vast
plantain and paddy fields - just appurtenant to a river Ghat is under the
control of Archaeological Survey of India since 1921.
The ASI
web site informs that this temple is with Chola architectural touches with
inscriptions of Chola and Pandya regimes. Few statutes of later Nayakar royalty
are also found in this temple. These royal image sculptures near the southern
entrance to the second periphery are impressive and show the attire and
patterns of Nayakar period. There is no more information made available by the
ASI to the visitors other than this simple panel. This temple complex is a
treasure trove of exquisite sculptures with minute carvings.
Connectivity
Bhaktavatsala
Perumal Temple is located at Cheranmahadevi in Thirunelveli District of
Tamilnadu. Cheranmahadevi is located at about 50 Kms from Tenkasi, 17 Kms from
Ambasamudram, 6 Kms from Veeravanallur, 30 Kms from Thirunelveli, 190 Kms from
Madurai & 155 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Buses are available every 15
minutes from Thirunelveli to Cheranmahadevi. Nearest Railway Station is located
at Cheranmahadevi and Nearest Airport is located at Madurai and
Thiruvananthapuram.