Varadaraja Perumal Tirunelveli

Vaishnavite Temples, Tirunelveli District

God

Veeraraghava Perumal, facing east

Goddess

Perundevi Thaayar and Vedavalli Thaayar, facing east with the main deity

Other Deities

Garudan, Anjaneya, Moola Garudan, Chakrathazhwar, Azhwars

Varadaraja Perumal Tirunelveli is a small east-facing temple with a 3 tiered Rajagopuram. A single prakaram houses the Sanctum Sanctorum and the shrines. The main deity is Veera Raghava Perumal and the processional deity is Varadaraja perumal.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Veera Raghava Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Arasamaram (Peepal Tree – Ficus relegiosa)

History

Varadaraja Perumal Tirunelveli is said to have been constructed during the 17th Century CE by one king called Krishna Varma. But reliable historical information is not available.

Legend

Krishna Varma under whose rule the area fell was besieged by enemy troops and being a patron of arts and culture, he was not equipped to take on their might. He prayed to the idol of Lord Varadajara Perumal in his palace to show him the way. The lord came to his rescue by taking the king’s role and provided enough armed strength and courage in his commanders to win the war. The thankful Krishna Varma then created the Theertham section in Tamiraparani River, built the temple for Veera Raghava Perumal, and installed his idol of Varadaraja Perumal as the processional deity.

Directions

Varadaraja Perumal Tirunelveli is south of the railway station on the other side of the 2 tiered bridge and close to the railway track. The place is called Veera Raghava Puram and the adjacent area is Meenakshipuram.

Stay and Food

Tirunelveli has several hotels and restaurants.

Vaishnavite Temples

Varadaraja Perumal, Tirunelveli