Saranatha Perumal Temple, Thirucherai – Religious Significance

Saranatha Perumal Temple, Thirucherai – Religious Significance

Pancha Sara Kshetram:

The presiding deity is called as Saranatha Perumal, Mother is called as Sara Nayagi, Pushkarini is called as Sara Pushkarini, the place is called as Thiru Saram and Vimana is called as Sara Vimana. Thus, the place came to be called as Pancha Sara Kshetram.

Divya Desam:

The temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7^th – 9^th century Vaishnava canon, by Thirumangai Azhwar in thirteen hymns. The temple is classified as a Divyadesam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the book. He has mentioned about the devotees of Saranatha who are deeply immersed in Narayana consciousness.

Ashta Prabandha:

Divya Kavi Pillai Perumal Iyengar in his Ashta Prabandha states that people should not waste their time glorifying wealthy men but should laud the greatness of the almighty.

Lord Vishnu seen with his five consorts:

This temple is considered as the only Divya Desam where Vishnu is seen with his five consorts namely Sara Nayagi, Sridevi, Bhudevi, Maha Lakshmi, and Neela Devi.