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