Chakrapani Perumal Vallanadu

God

Chakrapani Perumal, facing east

Goddess

Sreedevi and Bhoodevi, along with main deity, facing east

Other Deities

Moola Garudan, Garuda, Anjaneya, Lakshmi Hyagrivar, Dhanvantri, Chakrathazhwar, Navaneetha Krishnan, Vishwaksenar, Periyazhwar, Ramanujar

Chakrapani Perumal Vallanadu is an east-facing temple with 2 Prakarams. There is a small 3 tiered gopuram at the entrance in the east. The outer Prakaram is beautiful with flowering plants and trees. The inner Prakaram houses the sanctum sanctorum and shrines. A shrine for Aandal is present with only a picture in it. The main deity here is a stone idol covered with a coating called Aazhi (a mixture of fruit, sugar, and lime plaster) and painted with natural herbal colors. Hence ablution is not performed to the main deity. The processional deities are called Sree Gaudugar and Neelamegavarnan with consorts, Sages Brigu and Markandeya.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No information

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Athi (Ficus racemosa)

History

Chakrapani Perumal Vallanadu is an old temple as is evident from the architecture of the structures. The sanctum sanctorum is said to have been built by Parantaka Veeranarayana Pandyan (regnal years c.880 – 900 CE). Veera Narayana was one of his titles. The mandapam in front was constructed by the Nayak Kings.

Legend

Aazhi in Tamil is also known as a circular disc or wheel. Chakra also means the same. The Lord with the discus in hand here at Chakrapani Perumal Vallanadu is also known as Aazhi Vilangum Perumal. Aazhi also means the mixture mentioned above. Since he is coated with it he is called so. Many sages have worshiped the Lord here at Chakrapani Perumal Vallanadu.

Directions

Chakrapani Perumal Vallanadu is 15 kilometers east of Tirunelveli and 37 kilometers west of Thoothukudi on the highway connecting the two towns. The temple is in the middle of the village. There is a small temple for Sadhu Chidambara Swamigal of Vallanadu and a temple for Lord Shiva as Thirumoolanadar on the north side of the village.

Stay and Food

None locally. The closest is Tirunelveli.