Azhagu Perumal Vaniyambadi

Vaishnavite Temples, Vellore District

God

Azhagu Perumal, facing west

Goddess

Sundaravalli Thaayar, facing east

Other Deities

Dwara Ganapathy, Dwara Nagarajan, Garuda, Lakshmi Narayana Perumal, Naagar, Chakrathazhwar, Bala Anjaneya

Azhagu Perumal Vaniyambadi has been recently renovated and is a beautifully maintained west facing temple. The name of the lord was originally Sundara Varadaraja Perumal which has been corrupted to the recent Azahagu Peumal. This large temple has a 3 tier Rajagopuram at the western entrance.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Sheera River

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Vilwam (Aegle marmelos)

History

Azhagu Perumal Vaniyambadi was built by Madurantaka Cholan around 985 CE as per stone inscriptions found here. Renovations were done by Sadasivaranjan, a minister of King Krishnadevaraya around 1545 CE.

Legend

In a dispute between Brahma and his consort Saraswathi (Vaani) results in Brahma cursing her to go dumb. The releif for this curse is said to be praying to Lord Shiva and offering food. This is done by Vaani after bathing in the Sheera River and Lord Shiva appears with his consorts to accept the food. So does Lord Vishnu to claim his portion of the food. This episode is believed to have taken place here at Azhagu Perumal Vaniyambadi. Thus the Shiva temple and Perumal temple here in Vaniyambadi are associated with each other. The town’s name is also connected to this legend as Lord Shiva asks Vaani to sing after eating – Vaani in Paattu – the song of Vaani – leading to Vaaniyambadi today.

Directions

Azhagu Perumal Vaniyambadi is in the western part of Vaniyambadi after crossing the Paalar River in the Fort area.

Stay and Food

Vaniyambadi has some restaurants including the Biryani joints. Ideal is the Highway or Ambur.

Vaishnavite Temples

Tamilnadu Temples