Sri Bhoomi Neela Samedha Aadhimoola Perumal (Gejendra Varadhar) Temple

Overview

Gajendravaradaswami Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located in Athalanallur, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, India.

About The Temple

It is strongly believed that salvation is certain to those who worship in this temple where Indradhyumna and a Gandharva attained salvation. The sins of the devotees are cleansed in this temple, on the banks of River Tambiraparani, Sages Brugu and Markandeya had the darshan of the Lord. That the place was largely inhabited by elephants is supported by large elephant population even today in the Mundanthurai forest area and that Sage Agasthya lived here is supported by the presence Agasthya falls in Papanasam.

The temple was built by kings which represents the architecture of their period. There are many epigraphic evidences too. The Lord is named Gajendra Vardha as he relieved Indradhyumna who was cursed as an elephant, responding to his request that the Lord stay in the place. In days of yore, the place was called Yanai Katha Nallur meaning that an elephant was saved from its curse.

Legend and Stories

A king, Indradhyumna by name ruled the region in accordance with the advice of Sage Agasthya, his Guru. One day, he failed to receive the Guru when he came to his court as he was engaged in entertainments. Angry Agasthya cursed him to become an elephant and be their head in the jungles. He fell on the earth as an elephant bearing the name Gajendran – head of elephants.

Similarly, a Gandharva, a community noted for its musical skills, fell to the curse of Sage Kabila. While the sage was bathing in the river, the Gandharva, not meaning to offend him, caught hold of the legs of the sage as he was also bathing the river. The angry sage cursed him to become a crocodile. He told the Gandharva that he would remain a crocodile till Lord Vishnu would cut his head with His discus. King Indradhyumna and the Gandharva thus began their cursed lives in earth and water then.

Due to scarcity of water caused by famine, the elephants came to River Tambiraparani to quench their thirst. The crocodile in the river caught hold of Gajendra who fought with the creature to free itself from its hold. The struggle went on for thousands of years.

Gajendra saw a lotus bud in the middle of the river and immediately thought of Lord Vishnu and offered it to Him crying ‘Adhimoolame’. Lord rushed to the rescue of the animal and cut off the crocodile with His discus. When the Lord gave His hand to Gajendra to drag him to the bank, he requested the Lord to stay there itself to rescue people in distress. Lord obliged the prayers and stayed in this holy soil. Both were simultaneously relieved of the curses.

Festivals

3 day Thai Poosam festival in January-February, Chithirai first day falling almost on April 14, Vaikunda Ekadasi in December-January, Tirukarthikai in November-December, 30 day Margazhi puja in December-January, last Saturdays of Tamil months and all Saturdays in Purattasi (September-October) are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Significance

Devotees pray for removal of obstacles in marriage proposals, child boon, harmony in family life, progress in education, a job corresponding to qualifications, disappearance of family problems, prosperity, business development, illness-free healthy life and success in realizing the desires.

Thanks Giving

To realize their boons, devotees perform special tirumanjanam to Lord Gajendravarada with silk clothing and those wealthy offer jewels. They also offer Poochattai (garlands densely knit).

How To Reach Sri Ganendravardaswami Temple, Athalanallur

Air

The nearest airport is at Madurai Airport.

Rail

The nearest railway station is at Veeravanallur Railway Station.

Road

The temple can be reached by auto from Veeravanallur on the Tirunelveli-Papanasam bus route. The temple is 38 km from Tirunelveli and 8 km from Papanasam.

Temple Address

Sri Ganendravardaswami Temple,
Athalanallur, Tirunelveli District,
Tamil Nadu, Pincode - 627426.