Thiruvaragunamangai Perumal Temple – History, Legends, Rituals & Festivals

December 03, 2025 , , , , , ,

 

Location

  • Situated in Varagunamangai (Natham village), near Srivaikuntam.
  • Part of the Navatirupathi temples circuit along the Tiruchendur–Tirunelveli route.

Main Deities

  • Vijayasana Perumal (Vishnu) – the presiding deity, worshipped in a seated posture.
  • Varagunavalli Thayar (Lakshmi) – the divine consort.

Subshrines

  • Shrines dedicated to Sri Devi and Bhu Devi.
  • Subshrines for Alwars (Vaishnava saints) who glorified the temple in the Divya Prabandham.
  • Temple tank: Agni Theertham.
  • Vimanam (tower above sanctum): Vijayakoti Vimanam.

Temple Significance

  • One of the 108 Divya Desams, praised in the hymns of Alwars, especially Nammalvar.
  • Classified as the second of the Nava Tirupathi temples, associated with the planet Chandra (Moon) in Navagraha symbolism.
  • Legends say Vishnu appeared here as Vijayasana Perumal to bless sages like Agni, Romasa, and Satyavan.
  • Historically patronized by Pandya kings and Vijayanagara rulers, with inscriptions recording donations and rituals.
  • Architecturally built in Dravidian style, with a five-tiered gopuram and richly carved mandapams.

History

  • The temple’s origins trace back to the Chola dynasty, with inscriptions confirming their patronage.
  • Later, Pandya kings and Vijayanagara rulers contributed to expansions, endowments, and festival traditions.
  • It is one of the Nava Tirupathi temples along the Tamiraparani river, each linked to a planet; Thiruvaragunamangai is associated with Chandra (Moon).
  • The temple is praised in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, especially by Nammalvar, making it a key Vaishnava pilgrimage site.

Legends

  • According to tradition, Agni (the fire god) and sages like Romasa and Satyavan worshipped Vishnu here, and he appeared as Vijayasana Perumal seated on a throne of victory.
  • The name Varagunamangai is linked to the Pandya king Varaguna Pandya, who is believed to have been a devotee and patron of the temple.
  • Devotees believe worship here grants peace of mind and relief from lunar afflictions, as the temple is symbolically tied to the Moon.

Architecture

  • Built in Dravidian style, the temple features:
    • A five-tiered Rajagopuram (gateway tower) with intricate carvings.
    • The sanctum houses Vijayasana Perumal in seated posture, flanked by Varagunavalli Thayar.
    • The Vijayakoti Vimanam (tower above the sanctum) is richly sculpted.
    • The temple tank, Agni Theertham, is considered sacred for ritual baths.
  • The complex includes mandapams with ornate pillars, shrines for Alwars, and inscriptions recording donations and rituals.
  • Successive renovations by Chola, Pandya, and Vijayanagara rulers enhanced its architectural grandeur and religious significance.

Rituals

  • The temple follows Vaikhanasa Agama traditions, with six daily pujas:
    • Ushathkalam (early morning)
    • Kalasanthi (morning)
    • Uchikalam (midday)
    • Sayarakshai (evening)
    • Irandamkalam (night)
    • Ardha Jamam (late night)
  • Each puja includes alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering), and deepa aradanai (lamp waving).
  • Abhishekam (ritual bath) and aradhana (offerings) are performed regularly for Vijayasana Perumal and Varagunavalli Thayar.
  • Recitation of Divya Prabandham hymns by Alwars is a key ritual, especially during Adhyayanotsavam.

Festivals

  • Vaikuntha Ekadashi (December/January): The most important festival, with Uttara Dwara Darshan symbolizing entry into Vaikuntha.
  • Brahmotsavam (annual): Grand procession of Perumal on various vahanas, accompanied by music and dance.
  • Theppotsavam (Float Festival): The deity is taken on a float in the temple tank, Agni Theertham.
  • Adhyayanotsavam: Recitation of Nalayira Divya Prabandham, honoring Alwars.
  • Masi Magam: Celebrated with special pujas and processions.
  • Monthly observances include Ekadashi, Amavasya, and Nakshatra pujas.

Beliefs

  • The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, glorified in the hymns of Nammalvar, making it a sacred Vaishnava pilgrimage site.
  • It is the second of the Nava Tirupathi temples, associated with the planet Chandra (Moon). Devotees believe worship here alleviates lunar afflictions and grants peace of mind.
  • Legends say Vishnu appeared as Vijayasana Perumal to bless sages like Agni, Romasa, and Satyavan, symbolizing divine victory and protection.
  • Bathing in Agni Theertham and participating in Vaikuntha Ekadashi darshan are believed to grant moksha (liberation).
  • Devotees visit seeking prosperity, health, and spiritual fulfillment, believing Perumal’s seated posture represents stability and victory.

Temple Hours

  • Morning: 6:00 am – 11:00 am
  • Evening: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • On festival days, darshan hours may extend to accommodate devotees.

Getting Here

  • By Road:
    • 29 km from Tirunelveli, 39 km from Thoothukudi.
    • Regular buses and taxis connect Srivaikuntam with nearby towns.
  • By Rail:
    • Nearest major station: Tirunelveli Junction.
    • Local trains and buses link Tirunelveli to Srivaikuntam.
  • By Air:
    • Nearest airport: Tuticorin Airport (39 km).
    • Madurai Airport (~160 km) offers wider connectivity.

Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: During Vaikuntha Ekadashi (Dec/Jan) and Brahmotsavam (Mar/Apr) for grand celebrations.
  • Dress Code: Traditional attire is recommended (dhoti for men, saree/salwar for women).
  • Darshan Planning: Arrive early morning for peaceful darshan; festival days draw large crowds.
  • Pilgrimage Circuit: Combine with other Nava Tirupathi temples along the Tamiraparani river for a complete spiritual journey.
  • Stay Options: Basic lodging in Srivaikuntam; better accommodation in Tirunelveli or Thoothukudi.
  • Photography: Restricted inside sanctum; check local rules before taking pictures.

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