Friday, September 7, 2018

Kaladipet Kalyana Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Thiruvotriyur – The Temple

Kaladipet Kalyana Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Thiruvotriyur – The Temple
This is a small beautiful temple with a tank and various shrines. The temple is facing east and the Rajagopuram is under construction with the public participation (The new Rajagopuram is to replace the damaged Rajagopuram built by M/ Vasu Iyer & Kuppammal built through their own fund). Palipeedam, Dwajasthambam, Deepasthamba and Garudalvar Sannadhi are located immediately after the Rajagopuram.




The sanctum sanctorum consists of Mukhamandapam, Arthamandapam and sanctum. There is a shrine for Manavala Mamunigal, Udayavar and Alwars in the Mukha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Kalyana Varadaraja Perumal. The sanctum enshrines Lord Varadaraja Perumal (Vishnu). He has four arms and is found in the standing posture. It is said that this idol is an exact replica of Varadaraja Perumal idol of Kanchipuram temple. The presiding deity is seen along with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi on his either sides.



Procession deity Pavala Vanna Perumal of the temple enjoys special reputation in the temple with a staff in his left hand.  The Vimana of the Lord’s shrine is of the Tridala design.  Gopuja – cow puja is performed daily before the shrine of the Lord.  Mother is called as Perundevi Thayar. She is found in a separate shrine in the prakara to the left of the sanctum. There is also a shrine for Andal on the right side of the sanctum in the temple premises. Nammalvar can be found in Andal Shrine.



The highlight of the temple is Navagraha shrine, which is normally not found in Vishnu temples. All the planets are installed on a stage designed as lotus petal. There are shrines for Anjaneya and Chakkarathalwar at left side immediately after Rajagopuram (Entrance) inside temple premises. There is a separate shrine for Lord Rama with Lakshman and Sita in the Temple premises. There is 4 Pillar mandapam near Chakkarathalwar Sannadhi.



Also, there is a 4 Pillar mandapam in front of the Rajagopuram which is encroached and used for parking vehicles. The Temple Pond, Thirukulam is on the right side of the temple. Sthala Vriksham is Magizham. There are two inscriptions belongs to 1924 AD and there are no older inscriptions. Both the inscriptions are in Telugu. Probably one inscription speaks about donations made and the other one for the construction of Chakkarathalwar Sannadhi.