Soundararaja Perumal Temple is a temple dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu. It is counted as one among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu.Vishnu is worshipped as Soundararaja Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Soundaravalli.
Shrine’s History
Temple had contributions from Pallavas, Nagars and Cholas during the 8th to 10th centuries. During the later centuries, Thanjavur Nayaks and subsequently the Thanjavur Marathas are believed to have made significant contributions to the temple. During the rule of Nayaks, Nagapattinam was a busy port and it was more of a Dutch territory. On the request of Dutch for a light house, the Nayak king is believed to have built the seven-tiered temple tower and utilised it as the light house. Jagul Nayakar, the lietuant of Nayak king during the 1650s was a stauch worshipper of Soundararaja Perumal. He is believed to have built the temple tower, halls and the compound wall around the temple.
The image of him and his wife Lakshmi Ammal are installed in one of the halls built by them. Kundo Pandithar, an officer in Nayak kingdom during 1737 is believed to have constructed the Ashtana Mandap, shrines of Pachai Varnar, Pavala Vannar, Veetriruntha Perumal, Kidantha Kola Perumal and Vishwaksenar shrines. During the early 20th century, Dratcha Balagurumuthi Chettiyar built the Bhakthiula hall, Chinnaya Chettiyar rebuilt the Vasantha hall, Nachiyappa Pillai rebuilt the Mataipalli, Ramasami Pillai renovated the image of the presiding shrine and the citizens of the town contributed to various other renovations. There are inscriptions from various ruling empires on the contributions made to the maintenance of the temple.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
The tributary of the river Kaveri, Odambokki passes close to the temple and the river is also called Virutha Kaveri. This leads to one of the names of presiding deity, “Kaveri Thuraivan”. The present day Nagapattinam is believed to be a forest historically, namely Sundararinyam. During Tretha Yuga, a prince by name Dhuruva heard about the importance of the forest and started penance wishing to see Vishnu. Pleased by his penance, Vishnu appeared to him. Following his example, Markendaya Maharishi did penance and attained the vision of Vishnu during Kritha Yuga and Malaimagal , the consort of Vishnu, during Tretha Yuga and king Saleesa Chola during Kali Yuga.
It is believed that two enunchs namely Kandan and Sukandan attained physical fitness after having a holy dip in Sara Pushkarani, the temple tank. Hindu god of creation, Brahma, started worshipping Vishnu at this place and Vishnu appeared is believed to have appeared on the auspicious day of Masi Maham on the banks of Sarapushkarani. On account of the glow emanating from it, Vishnu at this place was called “Azhagiyan”. Since he had a glittering skin, he was called “Soundara Rajan”, meaning the most beautiful and his consort was called Soundaravalli. Since the king of Nagars , Adisesha worshipped Vishnu at this place, the place was called Nagar Pattinam, the place of Nagars.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
The temple is located in Nagapattinam, a town in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. 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. The Southern street accommodates the station of the temple chariot and Sarapushkarani, the temple tank.
A rare image of Narasimha with eight hands with one blessing Prahlada, the other showing Abhaya Mudra and the others involved in the killing of demon Hiranyakashipu is present in the temple. There is a four-pillared hall in front of the shrine of Soundarvalli shrine that has beautiful architectural representation. The hall has the images of the architects who designed it. The Nayaka hall is built like a chariot with wheels outside it. The hall which has entrance to the temple has two eight-foot sculptures of the guardian deities Sumba and Nigumba.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
An extensive network of roads connects it to Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Pondicherry, Thanjavur and all other major cities. Nagapattinam is located at a distance of about 330kms from Chennai by Road.
By Rail
Nagapattinam railway junction connects Thiruvarur in the west, Nagore in the north, Velankanni in the south and Karaikal in the east.There is a daily express train to Chennai via Mayiladuthurai and Ernakulam via Coimbatore and it connects all major cities.
By Air
The nearest Airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport, located 145 km away from the town.
Shrine Timings
7 A.M to 10 P.M
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Chittirai Utsavam April or May
Nammazhwar Utsavam June or July
Navaratri September or October
Vaikunta Ekadasi December or January
Vijayadasami September or October
Uthirayanapunyakalam January or February
Panguni Peruvizha March or April
Extra Information About this Shrine
Nearby Temple Kayaroganeswarar Temple Thanthondreeswarar Temple Neelakandeswarar Temple Pallavaneswarar Temple Aranyeswarar Temple Naganathar Temple
