Varadaraja Perumal Temple / Thirubuvanai Temple

Overview

Varadaraja Perumal temple is located in Puducherry and the main deity is Lord Vishnu. The temple has been constructed in the Dravidian style. It is a storehouse of Chola architecture. The temple follows Vaikasana Agama tradition of worship.

About the Temple

This temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram which functions as the temple's gateway tower. The sanctum houses the idol of Varadaraja Perumal in standing posture and it is made of granite and has four arms. Two of his arms hold the conch and the chakra, while the other two have the Abayamudra and Kadahasta. Sridevi and Bhudevi are placed on either side of the idol. The festive idol is called Srinivasan. It has identical features as those of the presiding deity. The Ardha mandapa is guarded by two Dwarapalas on either sides.

Legend and Stories

The temple is initially accepted to be worked by the Cholas and along these lines by the Pandyas from the twelfth century. There are engravings in the temple from the time of Rajaraja Chola (1014-37 CE) showing presentation of Tiruvaimozhi, the renowned works of the Azhwar holy person Nammazhwar. The engraving is dated 1048, the 30th year of Rajaraja. The specify of showing Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Chandogasama, Talavakrasama, Apurva, Vajnasaneya, Bodhayaniya Sathashatandha Sutra and explantions of Sastras and sagas like Ramayana are additionally found in the temple. The areas changed hands from British to French provincial Empire amid the seventeenth century. Most temples in the place were devastated amid the French intrusion, yet the temple was saved. The temple housed the pictures of the Vedapureeswarar Temple amid the pulverization by the French troops amid 1748. The temple was additionally monitored by the attacking Muslim troops. The pictures of Rama, Sita, Hanuman, Navaneethakrishnan, Santhanakrishnan and Venugopalan were uncovered from Vaithikupam in 1902 and in this manner housed in the temple. It is trusted that that Vasantha Mandapam was constructed by a Muslim.

Festivals

The temple does not separate amongst Thenkalai and Vadakalai factions of Vaishnavite custom and takes after Pancharathra aagama. In current circumstances, the temple ministers play out the pooja (ceremonies) amid celebrations and on a day by day basis. The significant celebrations in the temple are the ten day yearly Brahmostavam amid the Tamil month of Chittirai (April - May) and five day Pavitrotsavam amid Avani (August - September) and 25 day Ramar celebration amid chittirai. Amid the Ramanavami celebration, the bubbly pictures of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman are taken around the roads of the temple in the temple chariot drawn by a large number of devotees. Annaprasanam, a routine of making the babies compose their first letters in order in a plate of rice is a custom honed in the temple by devotees. The temple is kept up and regulated by the Archeological Survey of India as an ensured landmark.

Rituals

The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m., and Sayarakshai at 8:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Varadaraja Perumal and Perundevi. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple.

Significance

The Lord responds every prayer of the devotee. All appeals for children, marriage and other matter are placed at the feet of the Lord by the devotees. Those facing litigations and cases in the court, those aspiring a government job, couples separated due to some reason or other are sure that Lord Varadaraja is the solution to all their problems.

How To Reach Pondicherry

The neraest Airport is in Chennai. The Nearest railway station is in Pondicherry. Pondicherry Sri Varadarajaperumal temple is 160 Kms from Chennai, 40 from Villupuram, 23 from Cuddalore. Pondicherry is linked with all important places in Tamil Nadu.

Temple Address

Varadaraja Perumal Temple,
M.G Road,
Near Eswaran Temple,
Puducherry, Pincode -605001.