Varadaraja Perumal Manalurpet

Varadaraja Perumal, Manalurpet

Vaishnavite Temples, Villupuram District

God

Prayoga Varadaraja Perumal, facing east

Goddess

Perundevi Thaayar, facing east

Other Deities

Garuda, Anjaneya, Vishwaksenar, Ramanujar, Namazhwar, Naagar

Varadaraja Perumal Manalurpet is an east-facing temple situated on the north bank of the Then Pennai River. The entrance is through a gate on the east side. The temple is in a single Prakaram and surrounded by a compound wall on all sides. The outer Prakaram is large and has many trees. Garuda faces the main deity in the Prakaram and the lord is visible through a Salaram (viewing window) on the wall. The entrance to the sanctum is from the south. There is a Maha Mandapam followed by an Ardha Mandapam and Antralaya before the sanctum of the lord. On either side of the entrance to the Ardha Mandapam are two Anjaneyas as Dwarapalakas, which is a rare feature. The main deity is called Prayoga Varadaraja Perumal and is a beautiful 6 feet tall idol, with four hands, in a grand, standing posture along with Sreedevi and Bhoodevi on either side. The processional deity is called Rengaraja Perumal. The goddess is in a separate shrine located on the southwest side of the Prakaram. Behind the sanctum sanctorum is a small Naagar Mandapam. There are a few pillars with nice carvings in the Maha Mandapam. Varadaraja Perumal Manalurpet is in bad shape and is leaking on all sides during rains. The Prakaram is overgrown with weeds and the vimaanams are in a sad state of maintenance.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No information

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Varadaraja Perumal Manalurpet dates back to the 14th Century CE. There are a few inscriptions here on the sidewalls, but the information from these is not available as of now.

Legend

The main deity here at Varadaraja Perumal Manalurpet is seen with four hands with his right hand blessing the devotees, the left hand on the thigh, and the rear two hands with a conch and a Disc, ready to wield (Prayoga). His name of Prayoga Varadaraja Perumal comes from this posture.

Directions

Varadaraja Perumal Manalurpet is about 15 kilometers west of Thirukovilur. Varadaraja Perumal Manalurpet is about 25 kilometers south of Thiruvannamalai.

Stay and Food

None locally. The closest are Thiruvannamalai and Thirukoviloor.

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