Venkatachalapathy Temple, Mela
Thiruvenkatanathapuram – The Temple
The
temple is revered as “Then Thirupathi” and visiting this temple is considered
equivalent to visiting Thirupathi. The temple resembles Thirupathi in many ways
– Lord Srinivasa is on a hill of white stones like Thirupathi; Like Akasha
Ganga falls in Thirupathi, the River Thamirabarani falls here; Like Kalahasthi
near Thirupathi, there is a Then Kalahasthi named Sangani Kailasanathar temple
nearby. Srinivasa Gattam here has many sacred springs as Pushkarani with
other such springs in Thirupathi. Tiruvengadanathapuram aka Tirunankovil is
located at a distance of around 10 Kms from Thirunelveli city.
The Mela
Thiruvenkatanathapuram temple's sanctum has a Lord Srinivasa statue. The
12 steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum represent 12 Azhwars. Lord
Srinivasa graces devotees with all assurance. Sri Anjaneya is on left
front of the Lord as his Vahanam. Garuda in this temple graces with conch
and discus. Presiding Deity is called as Venkatachalapathy with Sridevi and
Bhoodevi. Utsavar is Srinivasa Perumal with Alarmel Mangai Thaayar, Sri and
Bhoo Devi. It is an Abhimana Sthalam.
The
current structure of Venkatachalapathy temple in this village can be dated back
to 700 years old. The temple is located on top of a hillock. The village is a
serene and peaceful place located on the banks of the river Tamirabarani. The
temple faces the east direction. The main shrine houses the main deity Vengadachalapthy along
with his two consorts, Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. All are found in the
standing posture. Venkatachalapathy is found with four arms holding conch and
discus.
The Utsava
metal idols of Srinivasa, Sri Devi, Bhoo Devi and Andal are also located in the
main shrine. In maha mandapa, the bronze idols of Garuda and Hanuman are found.
Garuda is holding conch and discus which is a rare sight. In maha mandapa, the
sub-shrine for Ramanujar, Senai Mudaliar and Vishwaksenar is located. The flag
staff, Garuda idol and Bali peetha are found facing towards the main shrine.
The
temple is built as a 'maada kovil' with the main shrine on the elevated
platform. The front side mandapa of the temple is full of pillars with
carvings. The temple has two praharams. The inner prakara has two shrines for
the Goddesses - Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. The outer prakara is located outside
the temple wall. It is believed that Lord Venkatachalapathy of this temple blesses
childless couples with children. Hence, it is a Prarthana Sthalam.
