Friday, October 5, 2018

Varadha Narayana Perumal Temple, Vadakalathur, Nagapattinam

Varadha Narayana Perumal Temple, Vadakalathur, Nagapattinam
Varadha Narayana Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Vadakalathur Village in Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Varada Narayana Perumal and Mother is called as Perundevi. The Temple tower of Thirukkanangudi Divya Desam can be seen from this Temple. This Temple is the central one among the Pancha Narayana Kshetrams, the foremost of them being Thirukkannamangai Damodhara Narayana Perumal Temple (18th of 108 Divya Desams of Vaishnavite Temples). The temple poojas are performed as per Vaikanasa agama traditions. 

This Temple is considered as one of the Pancha Narayana Kshetrams in this region. Pancha Narayana Kshetrams are listed as below;
Legends
The Anjaneya Idol is new and when immersed in milk, as per procedure before installation, the image of Anjaneyar is said to have appeared on the top of the milk.

History
The Temple is believed to be 1300 years old, constructed in late Pallava period. It seems to have been renovated 600 years later in Maratta/Nayaks period (may be by a king named Keechaka). The front tower is Katta Gopuram - having suffered major destruction in a worst ever cyclone of 1962. Original Moolavar idols are made of sand stones (unearthed in damaged condition and now preserved), and most probably replaced in 14th century with the existing black stone statues of exceptional charm and beauty. Temple constructions were made of bricks in nan-madakooda model originally. People seem to have come across with bricks and wells whenever the earth is dug in the places around.  Two broken epigraphic stones with chakra seal (Aazhikkal) found in the debris stand proof for the glorious past of the temple.

The Temple
This is a small and beautiful temple situated adjacent to a lily pond, Theertham of this temple. Presiding Deity is called as Varada Narayana Perumal and is facing east. Garuda Shrine can be found facing the sanctum. Lord graces devotees in a smiling, standing posture with Makarakundalams, Shanku, Chakram, Abhaya and Kadi Hastham with Lakshmi as Srivathsam. Sridevi and Bhudevi are by his sides with flowers in hands. Mother is called as Perundevi. She is housed in a separate shrine. There are shrines for Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman, Vishvaksena, Nammazhwar and Vaishnavite Azhwars in the Temple premises.

Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Kizhvelur Railway Station, 4 Kms Kizhvelur, 8 Kms from Sikkal, 17 Kms from Thiruvarur, 14 Kms from Nagapattinam, 13 Kms from Nagapattinam Railway Junction,18 Kms from Thiruvarur Railway Junction and 137 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated at about 4 Kms from Kilvelur on Thiruthuraipoondi road, branching out from the Thiruvarur – Nagapattinam Highway. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Kizhvelur. Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.
Location