Complete Guide to Thirumazhisai Sri Jagannatha Perumal Temple (History, Rituals, Travel)

November 18, 2025 , , , , ,

Location

  • Address: Jagannatha Perumal Koil, Thirumazhisai, Tamil Nadu 600124, India
  • Situated in Tiruvallur district, part of Chennai metropolitan region.
  • The temple pond (Brugu Pushkarini) and sacred tree (Parijatham) add to its sanctity.

Presiding Deities

  • Main Deity: Jagannatha Perumal (Lord Vishnu) in standing posture
  • Consort: Thirumangaivalli Thayar (Lakshmi)
  • The temple emphasizes Vishnu’s universal form, similar to Jagannath of Puri, but rooted in Tamil Vaishnava tradition.

Sub-Shrines

  • Thirumangaivalli Thayar Sannathi (dedicated shrine for Goddess Lakshmi)
  • Other smaller shrines for Vishnu’s forms and Alvar saints are present, reflecting Vaishnava devotional traditions.
  • The temple pond (Jagannatha Perumal Temple Pond) is considered sacred and part of ritual practices.

Temple Significance

  • Spiritual Importance:
    • Revered as a major Vishnu temple in Tamil Nadu, drawing parallels with Jagannath worship in Odisha.
    • Associated with Thirumazhisai Alvar, one of the twelve Alvars, who was born in this town. His devotional hymns elevate the temple’s sanctity.
  • Architecture:
    • Built in Dravidian style, dating back 500–1000 years.
    • Features traditional gopurams, mandapams, and sanctum structures.
  • Festivals & Rituals:
    • Daily poojas include Kalasandhi and evening rituals.
    • Annual festivals celebrate Vishnu’s glory, attracting pilgrims from across Tamil Nadu.
  • Unique Aspect:
    • Lord Jagannatha here is worshipped in a standing form, unlike reclining (Tirupullani) or seated (Puri) traditions.
    • Symbolizes Vishnu’s omnipresence across different regions and traditions.

History

  • The temple is believed to be 500–1000 years old, constructed in the Dravidian style.
  • It is closely associated with Thirumazhisai Alvar, one of the twelve Alvar saints (6th–9th century CE). His hymns in the Divya Prabandham elevate the temple’s sanctity.
  • The temple has been patronized by local kings and devotees, forming part of the Vaishnava pilgrimage circuit in northern Tamil Nadu.

Legends

  • Birthplace of Thirumazhisai Alvar: The saint was born in Thirumazhisai, and his devotion to Vishnu is celebrated here.
  • Jagannatha Perumal’s universal form: The deity here is worshipped as Vishnu in his cosmic aspect, similar to Jagannath of Puri, but localized in Tamil tradition.
  • Sacred associations:
    • Sthala Vriksha (Temple Tree): Parijatham, symbolizing divine love.
    • Theertham (Sacred Tank): Brugu Pushkarini, believed to purify devotees.
  • Local lore emphasizes Vishnu’s presence in multiple forms: reclining (Tirupullani), standing (Puri), and here in Thirumazhisai, reinforcing his omnipresence.

Architecture

  • Style: Dravidian architecture with gopuram (gateway tower), mandapams (pillared halls), and sanctum sanctorum.
  • Main Sanctum: Houses Jagannatha Perumal in standing posture.
  • Sub-shrines: Dedicated to Thirumangaivalli Thayar and other Vaishnava deities.
  • Temple Tank: Brugu Pushkarini, used for ritual bathing and festivals.
  • Special Features:
    • The temple integrates regional Tamil Vaishnava traditions with pan-Indian Jagannath symbolism.
    • Its age and design reflect medieval Tamil temple construction, emphasizing symmetry, stone carvings, and ritual spaces.

Daily Rituals

  • Tradition: Temple follows the Thenkalai Vaishnava tradition under Vaikasana Agama.
  • Priests: Belong to the Vaishnavite Brahmin community.
  • Steps in each ritual:
    • Alangaram (decoration of deity)
    • Neivethanam (food offering)
    • Deepa Aradanai (waving of lamps)
  • Rituals are performed for both Jagannatha Perumal and Thirumangaivalli Thayar.
  • Weekly, monthly, and fortnightly rituals (like Ekadasi, Amavasya, Pournami) are also observed.

Festivals

  • Brahmotsavam: Grand annual festival with processions of Jagannatha Perumal on different vahanas (vehicles).
  • Vaikuntha Ekadasi: Celebrated with special rituals and opening of Paramapada Vasal (gateway to salvation).
  • Thirumazhisai Alvar’s Birth Anniversary: Unique to this temple, honoring the saint born here.
  • Other Vishnu Festivals:
    • Panguni Uthiram (celestial wedding of Perumal and Thayar)
    • Deepavali, Navaratri, and Kartikai Deepam with special decorations.
  • Temple tank (Brugu Pushkarini) is used for Theerthavari (holy water rituals) during festivals.

Beliefs & Significance

  • Alvar Connection: As the birthplace of Thirumazhisai Alvar, the temple is believed to radiate his spiritual energy.
  • Jagannatha Perumal’s Cosmic Form: Worship here is said to grant moksha (liberation), echoing the universal symbolism of Jagannath worship.
  • Devotee Beliefs:
    • Prayers bring prosperity, health, and family harmony.
    • Special emphasis on removal of obstacles and spiritual upliftment.
  • Sacred Elements:
    • Parijatham tree (Sthala Vriksha) symbolizes divine love.
    • Brugu Pushkarini is believed to cleanse sins and grant blessings.
Temple Timings
SessionTime
Morning5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Evening4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Pooja Schedule

Time SlotPooja Name Days
9:00 AM – 9:30 AMKaala Shanti PoojaDaily
4:30 PM – 5:00 PMUcchi Kaala PoojaMonday
5:30 PM – 6:00 PMPushpa Purappadu ThirumalvadaiMonday
7:30 PM – 8:15 PMThiruvarathanam, Koli Kaalam, PeekamuthiraiMonday

 Getting Here

  • By Road:
    • Located in Thirumazhisai, ~25 km west of Chennai on the Chennai–Bangalore Highway (NH 4).
    • Easily accessible by buses and autos from Poonamallee and Avadi.
  • By Rail:
    • Nearest railway station: Avadi (10 km) or Thiruvallur (15 km).
  • By Air:
    • Chennai International Airport (~30 km).
  • Local Landmark: The temple is close to Thirumazhisai town bus stand and is well signposted.

Tips

  • Footwear: Leave footwear outside; carry a bag if needed.
  • Dress Code: Traditional attire preferred (men: dhoti/veshti, women: saree/salwar).
  • Festivals: Crowded during Vaikuntha Ekadasi and Brahmotsavam—arrive early.
  • Temple Tank: Brugu Pushkarini is sacred; devotees often take a ritual dip.
  • Nearby Temples: Combine visit with Thiruvallur Veeraraghava Perumal Temple and Poovirundhavalli Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple for a Vaishnava circuit.
  • Food & Stay: Limited options in Thirumazhisai; better facilities in Poonamallee/Chennai.
  • Photography: Restricted inside sanctum; allowed in outer prakaram.

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