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Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Panduranga Vittaleswarar Temple, Vittalapuram, Thirunelveli

Panduranga Vittaleswarar Temple, Vittalapuram, Thirunelveli
Panduranga Vittaleswarar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu located at Vittalapuram in Thirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. This Temple is believed to be 500 years old. This is one of the two ancient Panduranga temples in India and is revered as Dakshina Pandaripuram. Vittalapuram is located 3 kms East of Krishnapuram. Presiding Deity is called as Panduranga Vittaleswarar and Mothers are Bhama and Rukmini.


Legends
Vittalarayan won the Battle without entering into the battle field:
The place was under the administration of Vittalarayan also known as Vittaladevan as the representative of South during Krishnadevaraya’s rule in 16th century. He was a staunch devotee of Lord Panduranga. Lord Panduranga of Pandaripuram (Maharashtra) appeared in the dream of Vittalaraya, the Vijayanagara Chieftain who had camped near Thirunelveli on his way to a battle against the Travancore King and expressed his desire to provide darshan here. As per the instructions, Vittalaraya came to this village and found the Pandaripuram idol buried on the banks of the Porunai (Tamaraibarani) River. He built this temple and named the place as Vittalapuram (previously called Nattarkulam).
Having got the blessings of Pandurangan, he reached Suchindrum with his army, in a sudden turn of events and much to his delight, the Travancore ruler agreed for a favourable settlement without entering into the battle field. Happy at this quick and positive end to his campaign, and as a thanking gesture, Vittalaraya returned to the Panduranga temple in Vittalapuram. Camping here, he put in place a process and the finances for a daily six time pooja as well as the conduct of festivals round the year.
Prarthana Sthalam:
It is believed that Lord Panduranga immediately fulfills the wishes of devotees who visit this temple and offer their prayers with sincerity.
The Temple
Lord Perumal is a Swayambumurthy in the temple. He is called as Vittaleswarar Perumal in Standing Posture facing east. With his handsome look and ‘hands on hips’ posture facing East, Panduranga, seen here with Rukmini and Satyabhama (in separate shrines) steals the heart of the devotees. Utsavar is called as Panduranga. Utsavar Panduranga with four hands graces in standing posture facing east and accompanied by Bhoomadevi, Sridevi and Neeladevi near the sanctum.


There are also separate shrines in corridor-prakara for Bhama, Rukmini, Senai Mudalvar, and Udayavar. Rukmini shrine is aesthetically constructed. There is a 16 pillar mandapam in the front side of the temple followed by a large one with the flag post and Balipeeta. The flag post is taller than the tower. Garuda, the eagle vehicle of the Lord is facing west towards the sanctum sanctorum. 


Those belonging to the lineage of great Panduranga devotees as Purandaradasa, Ramadevar, Tukaram and Gnanadeva use to come to this temple to worship the Lord. Lord Sri Krishna with Adhiseshan is located in between main shrine and Vahana mandapa. The Deity is shown as Tamil nadu style, not Pandaripuram style. Though one does not find exquisite sculptures here like the ones inside Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy temple (another Vijayanagara period temple).


There are several inscriptions relating to contributions made as well as festivities undertaken during different periods of time. A temple that for centuries witnessed grand celebrations including 10 day Utsavams and processions on different Vahanams now wears a rather deserted look.


Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. and 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Only Vaikunta Ekadesi, Thiru Karthigai and Margazhi Utsavams are being celebrated.
Prayers
Before appearing for their first stage performance (arangetram) artists qualified in Music and dance, offer worship to Lord Panduranga in the temple. Devotees offer milk peda (Thirattupal in Tamil) as Nivedhana for child boon and happy wed locks. Devotees offer milk porridge (Pal Payasam) to the Lord praying for children’s educational progress.
Contact
Sri Panduranga Vittaleswarar Temple,
Vittalapuram, Thirunelveli District
Phone: +91 4630 263 538
Mobile: +91 92458 94065
Connectivity
Vittalapuram is located at about 3 Km from Seydunganallur on the Thirunelveli – Tiruchendur Route, 10 Kms from Vallanadu, 15 Kms from Srivaikuntam, 50 Kms from Thoothukudi, 170 Kms from Madurai, 12 Kms from Thirunelveli and 170 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Autos and mini buses are available from Seydunganallur. Buses are available for every half an hour between Thirunelveli and Vittalapuram temple (Route Nos. 11A, 23B and 3G).
One can also take the Tiruchendur bound express bus and get down at Seydunganallur and reach the temple (3kms North) in an auto (Rs.30/-). The other option is to take the Tuticorin bound bus and get down at Vasavapuram and reach the temple (3kms South) in an auto (Rs.30/-). Nearest Railway Station is located at Thirunelveli and Srivaikuntam. Nearest Airport is located at Madurai, Thoothukudi and Thiruvananthapuram.

References