Devaadi Raja Perumal temple also Known as Therazhundur temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Amaruviappan and his consort Lakshmi as Sengamalavalli Thayar.
Shrine’s History
The original structure of the temple was built by the Karikala Chola during the 1st century CE, with later additions from the Cholas during the 11th century.
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Legends Associated with This Shrine
As per local legend, Uparisiravasu, a king obtained boons after severe penance for years from Brahma that would enable him to fly with his chariot. While flying at this place, his chariot fell in waters and splashed on sage Agasthya who was doing penance. The chariot got stuck in the place and hence it came to be known as Theranzhundur . Another variant, Uparisiravasu ruled in favour of celestial deities against the sages and the sages cursed that his chariot would not any further and it got stuck in the place. A third variant notes that the king did not heed the request of her queen to get down to worship Vishnu at this place while flying in his chariot and on account of divine powers his chariot was held at this place.
As per Hindu legend, Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, drove the cattle belonging to Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu. Krishna created another herd in the meanwhile. Realising that the herd belonged to Krishna, Brahma apologised and wished Krishna to set his abode at this place. Since Krishna appeared for the cattle and settled here, the presiding deity is called Amaruviappan .Following the legend, the presiding deity in the sanctum is portrayed with cattle surrounding him. As per another legend, Prahalad, an ardent devotee of Vishnu feared Narasimha, the avatar that killed Hiranya, the demon father of Prahalad. Amaruviappan appeared to console Prahalad. There is another belief that Kaveri, the river goddess prayed Amaruviappan to relieve herself of the curse by sage Agastya.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
Amaruviappan temple is located in Therazhundur, a village located 10 km from Mayiladuthurai in Nagapattinam district. The temple is believed to have been built by Karikala Chola during the 1st century CE, with additions in the later century. The temple tank is located in front of the temple and the temple has approached the roads in the embankment. The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram, the gateway tower that pierces the granite concentric walls. The central shrine houses the image of Devadi raja Perumal in standing posture and the festival deity Amaruviappan, housed under the Garuda Vimanam.
There are also other images of cattle and sages in the sanctum. There is a separate shrine of Sengamalavalli, the consort of Amaruviappan in the second precinct. There are separate shrines for Agastya, Narasimha, Rama, Viswaksena, Hanuman and Azhwars. Adisesha, Surya Prabhai, Indra Vimanam, horse and elephant are the mounts used for Amaruviappan. For the goddess, the mounts used are Surya Prabhai. Yali, Swan, elephant and lion. The sub-temples of this shrine are a Govindarajar temple.There are two water bodies associated with the temple along with river Kaveri, namely Darsa Pushkarani located in front of the temple and Gajendra Pushkarani on the northern side.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Thanjavur has a well-maintained suburban public transport system. Government and private buses operate frequently to major cities and towns.
By Rail
Thanjavur railway junction has three rail heads leading to Tiruchirapalli, Kumbakonam and Thiruvarur. Thanjavur is connected by rail with most important cities and towns in India.
By Air
The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport.
Shrine Timings
7.30 AM to 12.00 To 5.00 PM to 8.30 PM.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Sri Ramar Utsavam April/May
Brahma Utsavam May/June
Sri Andal Utsavam July/August
Sri Jayanthi Utsavam August/September
Deepa Utsavam November/December
Pagal Patthu Utsavam December/January
Thai Month Garuda Seva Festival January/February
Magam Utsavam February/March
Extra Information About this Shrine
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Thanjai Mamani Koil Thirumananjeri Temple
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Sri Adhivaraha Perumal Temple