Varadaraja Perumal Kolathur

Vaishnavite Temples, Pudhukottai District

God

Varadaraja Perumal, facing east

Goddess

Sridevi and Bhoodevi along with the main deity, facing east

Other Deities

Anjaneya, Garuda, Azhwars

Varadaraja Perumal Kolathur is an east-facing temple with a 3 tiered Rajagopuram at the entrance. Outside the entrance is the temple pond with steps leading down. The sanctum sanctorum of the main deity is situated in a single Prakaram. The temple is surrounded by tall walls. The important festivals that take place in Srirengam are said to happen here also. On the day of Diwali, an offering of Dosa is presented to the lord and given to devotees. An ancient Shiva Temple is nearby.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Temple Tank

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Varadaraja Perumal Kolathur dates back to the Nayak and Thondaman periods. It is said to have been built by one Namana Thondaman (not mentioned in dynasty names) on the behest of a Minister, Varada Venkata Nayak, of the Nayak Dynasty.

Legend

On his way to Srirengam to worship the Lord, Varada Venkata Nayak, a minister of the Nayak Dynasty is believed to have stayed in this village. He requested to visit a Vishnu temple and the Thondaman King of the region said none was there locally. Upon the behest of the minister the King is said to have built this temple.

Directions

Varadaraja Perumal Kolathur is 2 kilometers south of Keeranur town on the road going towards the Pudukottai Highway.

Stay and Food

None locally. Restaurants are available on the Highway. The place of stay would be Thiruchirapalli and Pudukottai.

Vaishnavite Temples

Varadaraja Perumal, Kolathur