Sundara Mahalakshmi Temple or Arasar Koil is among the rarest of rare temples, where Shukra the planet controlling wealth visits every Friday to pay obeisance to Mahalakshmi.

Seated in padmasana or the lotus pose, Sundara Mahalakshmi in all her grandeur showers all her blessings on her devotees and is seen with 6 toes. The presence of the 6^th toe indicating the endowment to Shukra.

Arasar Koil or ‘King of Temples’ is also famous to be among the only abodes of Mahavishnu which was built jointly by Mayan and Vishwakarma. An amazing 24 Pillar Vaastu Mandap where each pillar resonates a unique sound, denotes one of the finest marvels of architecture.

The main deity here is none other than the ‘King of Boons’, Mahavishnu as Varadaraja! Known as Kamala Varadaraja Perumal, Mahavishnu along-with his consort Sundara Mahalakshmi is also believed to have blessed Kubera regain his lost wealth. Kubera after losing his throne and kingdom to Ravana sought refuge and prayed here and was blessed with wealth and prosperity.

Currently in ruins, and with restoration of the dilapidated structures underway, Arasar Koil or Sundara Mahalakshmi Temple is definitely NOT a shrine to be missed.

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