- Vishnu
Vana Thirupathy Sri Srinivasa Perumal
- therikudi iruppu,Tamil Nadu
- View on map
- Tell us about this temple
Overview
Sri Punnai Srinivasaperumal Temple, also known as Vana Thirupathi Temple is located in Punnainagar near Thiruchendur in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu and was built by the famous hotel chain Saravana Bhavan owner in their native place. Among tourists going to the nearby Vaishnava Nava Tirupathi temples and Thiruchendur temple, this temple is getting popular.
About the Temple
The temple was built according to the rules of Mayan Sastra with Main Tower – Rajagopuram, followed by Festival Hall, Prakara Mandapam, Maha Mandapam, Artha Mandapam and Sanctum Sanctorum in 22 days on a land measuring 23, 000 sq.ft. As soon as they enter the temple, Lord Raja Ganapathy greets and graces the devotees.
The Festival Hall (Utsav Mandap) is huge in size facilitating conduct of cultural activities and lectures. Separate Rajagopurams are there for Lord Shiva and Lord Perumal facing east. The temple is built combining northern architecture and Chera, Chozha and Pandiya models and conforming to the Agama rules.
One can see Chakarathzhwar and Yoga Narasimha Shrines, while entering the Mahamandapam (Ashtalakshmi Mandapam). In separate shrines Sri Vadapalani Murugan, Sri Kripanandavariar, Sri Rajagopalan, Thanigai Murugan with Valli and Deivanai are enshrined. From northwest corner Sri Andal graces. In the outer prakara (corridor) of Sri Srinivasaperumal, facing south, Ganapathi and Dakshinamurthy are gracing the devotees. Guruvaayurappan, Vishnu Durga facing north, Anjaneya facing north east are behind and Garudalwar in Mahamandapam is seen worshipping Perumal.
Gracing from the sanctum sanctorum in a standing form is Sri Adinarayana, Sivan Anaindha Perumal (Perumal embracing Lord Shiva) giving us the feeling as if he speaks to us. Peria Palavesam and Chinna Palavesam are on his right in separate shrines. Sivan Anaindha Perumal faces north while Mother Sivakami faces south. From their respective shrines Brahmma Shakti and Pechi grace. Also, there are shrines in the temple prakara for the village deities like Pookkan Palavesam, Sudalai, Mundan, Chappani Muthu, Ladguru Sanyasi, Muthupillai Amman, Irulappar and Nattani Palavesam.
On 9th July, 2009, the consecration of the temple was performed grandly and within five months 5 lakh devotees had visited. 5 Kala pujas are performed five times a day. One can have peaceful darshan as long as one feels and the deity has lot of resemblance to Srinivasar of Tirumala. The Ladoo Prasadam would remind one of Tirupati Ladoo Prasadam and is given to everyone free of cost.
Near the temple are Nava Tirupathis (9 Vishnu temples) belonging to the 108 Divyadesams. In their own interest, those coming for Nava Tirupati darshan may visit this temple also. Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, another significant temple, revered as one of the Aaru Padai Veedu (six army camps) of Lord Muruga is very near. Those coming to visit any of these temples have the facility to visit other temples also.
There are small rest houses for visitors to stay opposite the temple premises, if required. There are decent options for one to have a quick bite or to freshen up, next to the temple. Visitors can also visit the Nagakanni Amman temple just a few meters away from Vana Tirupati, which is generally visited by those with Ragu-Kethu doshas.
About the Deity
As in Tirupati, Perumal is in a standing form facing east in the sanctum sanctorum, giving a feeling that one is in Tirupati. He graces with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi in the Ardhamandapam. Aesthetically sculpted in the temple, are the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. From a separate shrine in the Kannimoola direction, Mother Padmavathi graces.
Other Deities
- Raja Ganapathi
- Anjaneya
- Chakarathalwar / Narasimhar
- Padmavathi Thayar
- Andal
- Vadapalani Andavar
- Rajagopala Swami
- Dakshina Moorthy
- Guruvaayurappan
- Brahma
- Vishnu Durgai
- Tiruthani Murugan
- Garudan
- Adinarayana
- Several Village Deities
History of the Temple
As it was a dense forest with Punnai trees used for grazing cattle, the place was named Punnayadi. Perumal (Lord Vishnu) is closely associated with Punnai tree, according to legend which is also the holy tree of Srirangam temple. Sitting on the Punnai Vahana, Perumal graces his darshan on the ninth day of Brahmotsavam in all Vishnu temples which emphasizes the significance of Punnai tree.
Though, the temple has been constructed very recently, exists from ancient times and exact year of origin is unknown. The temple, built by Hotel Saravana Bhavan (HSB), one of the famous restaurant chains of Chennai is in Punnai Nagar which happens to be the native place of the owners and this explains the construction of the temple here.
With the blessings of Sri Tirumuruga Krupananda Variyar, the temple is built, a person without any Saivite and Vaishnavite discrimination on the banks of River Thamiraparani in a serene environment.
Festivals
The festivals celebrated in the temple are Vaikunda Ekadasi in December-January, Thai Pongal almost on January 14, Parivettai the next day, Special pujas for Lord Muruga on Kruthika star days.
Pooja Timings
In general, poojas are performed five times in a day at 7:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM. Rare Facts
Rare Facts
As if seeking His blessings, the rays of Sun fall on Lord’s right hand every day.
Significance
For the presiding deity, Thirumanjanam is performed on Fridays and for the procession deity on Wednesdays which is believed to remove obstacles on wedding proposal while joining this puja. The devotees are released from the adverse aspects of Saturn by Ekantha Seva darshan on Thursdays.
Nearby, is the Naga Kanni Amman temple and Shakti in the temple helps one in one’s marriage efforts and also relieves one from the adverse aspects of Rahu-Kethu planets. Near the Vadamudakki tree here, people suffering from paralytic problems light lamps.
Accessibility
Airport
Nearest Airports are located at Thoothukudi and Madurai.
Railways
Nearest Railway Stations are located at Kurumbur, Thiruchendur and Tirunelveli.
Raod
Punnai Nagar is 5 km from Nazareth. Devotees should reach Kurumbur (52 km on the Thiruchendur route) from Tirunelveli and proceed on the Nazareth road. They also can reach Kurumbur 15 km from Thiruchendur – Nazareth – Punnai Nagar.
Temple Address
Sri Punnai Srinivasaperumal Temple,
Vana Thirupathi, Punnainagar,
Thoothukudi,
Tamilnadu.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Fame
- Freedom from diseases
- Wealth
- Courage
- Relief from adverse effects from bad planetary aspects
- Relief from bondage
Shlokas
Achutham Keyshavam Rama Narayanam Krishna Damodaram Vasudevam Harim Shridharam Madhavam Gopika Vallabham Janaki Nayakam Ramachandram Bhajey
Meaning -Oh Lord who cannot be perished, who also has names like Keshava, Rama, Damodara, Narayana, Sridhara, Madhava, Krishna, Ramachandra the beloved of Janaki, let me say your name regularly.
Vasudeva Sutham Devam Kamsa Chanoora Mardhanam Devaki Paramanandham Krishnam Vande Jagathgurum
Meaning -I bow to you O Krishna, the ultimate guru, Devaki and Vasudeva's son, and the destroyer of Kamsa and Chanur.
Adharam Madhuram Vadanam Madhuram Nayanam Madhuram Hasitam Madhuram Hridayam Madhuram Gamanam Madhuram Mathuraa Dhipate Rakhilam Madhuram
Meaning -Meaning - Sweet are Your lips, sweet is Your face, sweet are Your eyes, sweet is Your smile, sweet is Your heart, sweet is Your gait, O Lord of Mathura, everything about You is sweet.
Alokya Mathur Mukha Madarena Sthanyam Pibantham Saraseeruhaksham Sachinmayam Devam Anantha Roopam Balam Mukundam Manasa Smarami
Meaning -I think of this Balamukundan as the one who looks lovingly at his mother's face while taking milk from her, who has eyes similar to the red lotus, who is the embodiment of truth and intelligence and other forms.