Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple, (Sundararaja
Perumal Temple), Anbil – The Temple
The
temple is covering an area of about an acre with one prakaram. The main
entrance of the temple faces the east and has a 3-tiered Rajagopuram, the gateway tower. The main shrine has the image of
the presiding deity Vadivazhagiya Nambi in reclining posture (Kidantha Kolam in
Bhujanga Sayanam) over his divine serpent Adisesha. The images of his consorts, Sridevi and Bhoodevi, Brahma are present in the sanctum. His right arm is
found as if his head is slightly resting on it.
His
consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi are found near his feet. Brahma is found
emerging out of his navel. The Utsava deity is called as Sundara Raja
Perumal. The temple is nowadays called after his name. Sundara Raja Perumal is
found along with his two Devis. The east facing sanctum's vimana is very
attractive. It is called as Taraka Vimana. The precinct around the sanctum
houses the shrines of the twelve Azhwars, Narasimha, Venugopala, Lakshmi Narasimhar and Hanuman.
The
structure of the roof over the sanctum is in the form of a gopuram, which is usually a feature in gateway tower. The front
hall of the sanctum has a shrine for Andal in standing
posture, while the bronze idol image her in seated posture. This is considered
as a Prarthana Sthalam for unmarried women. Theertham of this temple are
Mandooka Pushkarani and Kollidam. Senai mudalvar’s sannidhi is located behind the
sanctum.
The Thaayar in
this Sthalam is Azhahiavalli Nachiyar. The shrine of the Goddess Azhagiya
Valli Thayar is found in the south east corner of prakara. As per her
name, she is very beautiful. Her shrine is facing east direction. There is a
nice Garden around the temple. Bali peetha is located outside the Raja Gopuram
in this temple. Garuda is found facing towards the sanctum. One more idol of Garuda
and the north facing Andal are found in the Maha Mandapa area.
In the
Ardha Mandapa, the small stone idols of Ramanuja, Manavala Mamuni, Alwars, Venu
Gopala, Yoga Narasimha, Bhakta Anjaneya and Veera Anjaneya are found. Venu
Gopala is found with four arms and is playing flute. Veera Anjaneya is found
with his left arm raised, which is a unique feature. He is generally found
raising his right arm above his head.
