Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple is a temple dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu, located in Thirukannamangai,a village in Nagapattinam district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.It is counted as one among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu.Vishnu is worshipped as Bhaktavatsala Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Kannamangai Nayagi.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
As per Hindu legend, Varuna, the guardian deity of the west and sage Romasa are believed to have worshipped Vishnu at this place. The beehive in the temple is believed to be devas worshipping Vishnu and in modern times, has special rituals performed for itShiva is believed to guard the four corners of the temple. As per another legend, when the Ocean of milk was churned by Asuras and Devas, various objects emerged from it. At the end of it, Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu emerged and was too shy to look at Vishnu. She went on to Thirukannamangai to perform penance seeking the hands of Vishnu for marriage. The festival deity of the temple is called Perum Purak katal as he is believed to have left his place to marry her. Local legend marks the places as Lakshmi Vanam, the forest where Lakshmi performed her penance. The temple tank is believed to have originated from the water drops in Brahma’s cache when he worshipped Vamana, an avatar of Vishnu.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
Temple has a 5-tier rajagopuram and a vast temple complex. The prime deity, Bhaktavatsalar has an imposing image. The temple tank is situated right opposite to the temple and is considered one of the largest temple tanks in the state. This shrine is also referred to as Saptamrita Kshetram referring to seven of its elements such as Vimanam, Mandapam, aaranyam, theertham, kshetram, river and town. The main entrance of the temple faces the East and at the entrance of the temple, there is a four pillared open hall. The temple has a 90 ft tall rajagopuram and is enclosed by rectangular walls around it. There is a smaller temple tower on the western side. The walls of the temple are surrounded by large streets, through which the temple chariot passes along during festivals. A rare image of Buddha, image of Vaikunta Natha and Vishnu mounted on his eagle mount Garuda are the major images in the temple. There is a pillared hall leading to the shrine of Kannamangai Thayar shrine that has pillars with Nayak architectural representation.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation operates close to 175 daily services connecting various cities to Thiruvarur.Most of the buses via Thiruvarur are operated by the corporation ply between Trichy and Velankanni.
By Rail
Thiruvarur railway junction is a four-way junction connecting Thanjavur in the west, Mayiladuthurai in the north, Nagapattinam in the east and Thiruthuraipoondi in the south. There is a daily express train to Chennai via Mayiladuthurai and Ernakulam and trains available from Mannargudi to Tirupathi and Velankanni to Goa, operated three times a week that pass through Thiruvarur.
By Air
The nearest airport to Thiruvarur is Tiruchirapalli Airport located about 110 km from the town.
Shrine Timings
7.30 AM to 12.30 PM and 5.00 PM to 8.30 PM.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Vaikunda Ekadesi December to January Chitra Poornima Festival April to May
Extra Information About this Shrine
Nearby Temple Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Kudavasal Sri Saranathan Perumal Temple Thyagaraja Temple, Tiruvarur Tirucherai Sivasthalam Sarguna Nathar Temple Ramanathaswami Temple, Tiruvarur Koothanur Maha Saraswathi Temple Kalyana Varadharaja Perumal Temple Iravatheeswarar Temple, Thirukottaram Agnipureeswarar Temple