Friday, May 11, 2018

Pachai Varana Perumal Temple, Agaramel – The Temple

Pachai Varana Perumal Temple, Agaramel – The Temple
The Temple is east facing with single prakaram. This temple has a five-tier gopura over the eastern entrance. There is four pillared Mandapam belongs to Vijayanagar period is found in front of the Rajagopuram. Presiding Deity is called as Pachai Varana Perumal / Haritha Varana Perumal. The main deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu along with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. The idols of God and two Goddesses in the main sanctum are in the sitting posture and are very big.


As Lord Krishna took the form of green elephant, he got the name of Pachai Varna Perumal in Tamil language and Haritha Vaarana Perumal in Sanskrit language, which means "green colored". The Lord graces with four arms, the right ones are holding the discus and showing abhaya, while the left arms are holding conch and pointing to his divine feet. He graces under the Dharma Koti Vimana.


The handsome Utsava Idol of Perumal and Ubhaya Nachiyar in standing posture are seen in front along with those of Andal and Sudarshana. The pillared passage leading to this shrine, houses the idols of Ananthan, Garudan, Vishvaksena, Swami Ramanuja and many of the Azhwars & Acharyas. It is in this pillared pavilion that the numerous mounts (vahanas) of the deity such as Garudan, Hanumantha, Horse Elephant, Sesha and more which are in an excellent condition are kept. 


Opposite to the main shrine, Garuda is present in a small shrine and the flag staff is also present. Mother is called as Amruthavalli. The Mother Shrine is situated to the right of the main shrine and the shrine dedicated to Andal is also seen in this prakara. There is a mandapa in front of the Mother Shrine supported by very slender, beautiful pillars which reveal the exquisite craftsmanship of the master-artisans of the ancient Tamil Nadu.


There is a separate shrine for Mudaliandan in the Temple. This shrine faces south, has the stone moolavar and metal Utsava images of this famous preceptor seen here with folded palms (Anjali Hastha). There is also a small shrine for Manavala Mamunigal in front of the Mudaliandan shrine facing east. 


There is shrine for Rama with Sita and Lakshmana beside him and a shrine for Utsava Idols can be seen to the right of Rajagopuram after entering the Temple. There is a separate shrine for Hanuman in this temple. Theertham associated with this Temple is Dharma Pushkarini and it is situated diagonally opposite the temple.