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Saturday, May 6, 2017

Rajagopala Swamy Temple, Mannarkoil, Thirunelveli

Rajagopala Swamy Temple, Mannarkoil, Thirunelveli
Rajagopalaswamy Kulasekara Perumal Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu located at Mannarkoil near Ambasamudram in Thirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at a distance of about 1 km towards west side from Brahmadesam Kailasanathar Temple and 7 Kms from Ambasamudram off the Tenkasi – Kutralam Highway. Mannarkoil is an island bounded by the Thamirabarani river on the south side, and the Ghatana river on the north side.










The island looks like Srirangam near Tiruchirappalli. Rangam means island formed in between two river courses. Mannarkoil has always been in the pilgrimage itinerary in Thirunelveli district by the Vaishnavite population. The imposing perimeter walls enclose temple structures. The village and the temple are mentioned as Vedhanarayanpuram (sound of Vedas is always heard here) and Rajendra Chola Vinnagaram respectively in ancient records.  










The saint Kulasekara Azhvar spent his last 30 years in Mannarkoil and attained moksha here. Therefore Mannarkoil has become the Thiruvarasu Koil for Kulasekara Azhvar (place where Azhvars join the feet of the Lord, is called ‘Thiruvarasu’). As a token of respect, the temple authorities have aptly named this temple as Rajagopalaswamy Kulasekara Perumal temple. This is the Mukthi Sthalam of Sri Kulasekara Azhwar who was born in a King’s family but became an Azhwar. There is a separate shrine for him.










Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
History
For brief details, please refer below link;
The Temple
For brief details, please refer below link;
Inscriptions
For brief details, please refer below link;
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Festivals
The temple celebrates the following festivals;
·        10 days Brahmotsavam in Chithirai (April-May)
·        Procession of Azhvaar in Pushpa Pallakku in Thai
·        Theppotsavam in Masi (February-March)
·        Pre event practice session of Kaisika Puranam for the Thirukkurungudi
Literary Mention
For brief details, please refer below link;
Prayers
As this is a holy land with echoes of Vedas, the main prayer is to shine in academic pursuits on strong educational foundation. People also pray for wedding boon, welfare of children causing concern, family welfare and improvement in occupations.
Contact
Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple,
Mannarkoil, Thirunelveli District
Phone: +91 4634 252 874 / 318 408
Connectivity
Mannarkoil is located at about 7 Kms from Ambasamudram off the Tenkasi – Courtallam Highway. Ambasamudram is 37 Kms from Tenkasi, 12 Kms from Veeravanallur, 47 Kms from Thirunelveli, 206 Kms from Madurai and 143 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Mini buses and autos are available from Ambasamudram. Buses are available for every 15 minutes from Thirunelveli new bus stand to Ambasamudram/Papanasam. One can reach the temple in an hour from Thirunelveli.
Those travelling by buses from Thirunelveli and Ambasamudram bound to Tenkasi should get down at the Mannarkoil Vilakku stop and walk a KM to reach the temple. Nearest Railway Station is located at Ambasamudram. Nearest Airport is located Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.

References