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.
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