Vanamamalai Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam shrines dedicated to Vishnu. Vishnu is worshipped here as Vanamalai Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Varamanagi.
Shrine’s History
The temple has many inscriptions, the earliest of which is from 1236 CE. The inscription is from the period of Sundara Pandya I indicates a gift from him on the occasion of Adi Puram. Another inscription from 1275 from Kulasekara I indicates the details of tax collection in the region. The inscription on the Eastern Gopuram from the period of Sundara Pandya II in 1284 indicates gift of land to the temple. The gift of Vikrama Pandya III is inscribed on the northern wall in 1299. A gift of money to sculpt the image of Sadagopar in 1305 is found in the Eastern wall in the second precinct.The presiding deity is called Devapiran as he is believed to have married Varamangai, the daughter of the pontiff of Vanamamalai Mutt. The temple is maintained and administered by the pontiff in modern times
Legends Associated with This Shrine
The details about the presiding deity find mention in Brahamananda Purana, Skanda Purana and Narasimha Purana. Sage Narada got the narration about the features of Thodatri and Sargunamangai from Shiva. As per Hindu legend, Lakshmi, the wife of Vishnu is believed to have born at this place as Srivaramangai and hence the place came to be known as Varangunamangai.
As per another legend, Adisesha ,the serpent performed penance at this place to seek the grace of Vishnu to lay on him. Vishnu was pleased by his devotion and rested on the serpent. Garuda, the eagle also performed penance and was granted a wish to be guarding Vaikunta, the residence of Vishnu. As per local legend, a childless king named Kaarya worshipped Vishnu at this place. Vishnu directed him to Nanguneri under the earth. The king dug up the earth to see blood oozing from the place. To stop the blood, the king was asked to perform ablution on the presiding deity with oil every day. Blessed with children, the king constructed the temple.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
The temple has a large five-tiered gopuram and a large temple compound having two prakarams.There are various pillared halls in the temple.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
The State Express Transport Corporation has intercity service to Bangalore, Chennai, Kanyakumari and other cities.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Tirunelveli Junction railway station. The city is connected to major cities in all four directions: Madurai and Sankarankovil to the north, Nagercoil to the south, Sengottai and Kollam to the west and Tiruchendur to the east.
By Air
The nearest airport to Tirunelveli is Tuticorin Airport. The nearest international airports are Madurai Airport and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
Shrine Timings
8.00 AM to 12.00 P.M and 5.00 PM to 9.00 PM.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Chithirai Brahmmotsavam April/May
Panguni month Utsavam March/April Purnima day
Extra Information About this Shrine
Nearby Temple
Sivasailam Temple
Venkatachalapathy Temple
Suyambulingaswamy Temple
Agasthiyar Temple
Vettuvan Koil Temple
Vijayasasana Perumal Temple
Makara Nedunguzhaikadan Temple
Allagammai Kashi Vishvanathar Temple
Sri Sanjeevi Varadha Anjaneyar Swamy Temple