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