Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple is the temple of Lord Vishnu; it is in Tirukannamangai, which is a 6 km distance from Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu. The temple is a part of the “Divya Desams,” which consist of the 108 temples that have gained praise from the 12 Tamil poet-saints.
The place is also linked with Mahalakshmi as people believe she meditated on one of the 108 places. Hence the place is also known as Lakshmi Forest.
Legends
There is a Hindu legend that describes Varuna and sage Romasa. Both of them worshipped Vishnu at this place. There is a beehive in this temple, and the bees are considered to be the sages who worship the Lord and live here. Shiva is the protector of the boundaries of this temple.
This is also the place where Chandran got relieved of his underwater curse. It is believed that Chandran had an affair with the Guru’s wife named Thara. The Guru got to know about it and cursed him. Later, Chandran performed penance and prayed to the Lord of this place to lift his curse. After the holy bath in the tank, he was free from his curse.
There is another legend related to Vishnu and Laxmi during the churning of the ocean. Goddess Laxmi appeared during the churning process, but she was too shy to look at Lord Vishnu. She then went to Thirukannamangai and performed penance as she wanted Vishnu for marriage. Hence, the deity in this temple is known as Perum Purak katal as he left his place to marry Laxmi. The place where Laxmi performed the penance is known as Lakshmi Vanam.
There is a tank in the temple, and people believe that its water originated from the supply of Brahma after worshipping Vishnu.
Tower Description
The temple contains a vast complex with a 5-tier raja gopuram. The temple tank is situated opposite the temple; this tank is also one of the largest ones in Tamil Nadu. Here the shrine is also called Saptamrita Kshetram, which represents seven natural elements as Vimanam, Mandapam, aaranyam, theertham, kshetram, river, and town.
The temple has an East entrance, and you will find a four-pillared hall. The tall raja gopuram has a height of 90 ft, and the rectangular walls enclose it. There is another temple to the West of it. The temple has large passages through which the processions happen during the festivities.
Besides the main shrine, there is also an image of Buddha that is not found anywhere else. Then there are rare images of Vaikunta Natha and Vishnu, also with his mount eagle.
The History Behind The Names
Goddess Mahalaxmi is known here as “Abishegavalli.” This is because the Goddess did penance in the Mandapam of this temple. She then took a bath in the pushkarani and got merged with Perumal. The place of her meditation is called “Lakshmi Vanam.” There is a beehive where the bees are believed to be the sages and yogis. When these entities could not leave the Lord, they converted themselves into the bees to stay with the Lord.
The name Bhaktaraavi Perumal comes from the concept of Jeevatma, our soul, and Paramathma, God. God Bhaktavatsala Perumal transformed his soul and gave the Jeevatma the space to merge with him.
Lord Krishna always had the Gobikasthree, the women of Gokulam. However, this place is named after Kannan’s wife, Thiru Kanna Mangai, because Mahalaxmi performed penance here.
Festivals
Many festivals are celebrated here, such as the 10 days festival following Chitra Poornima day in April – May. This festival is the primary one among all and is celebrated with fervor. Vaikunda Ekadesi is also the day that is celebrated without missing. There is a belief that devotees who stay here at night attain Mukti after their death and attain the abode of Vishnu. Such devotees get liberated from the cycle of life and death.
The temple’s deity is known as Bhaktavatsala Perumal; people also call him Bhaktaraavi Perumal. The deity here remains in the standing position facing the East direction.
Temple Pooja Daily Schedule
Devotees can visit the temple in the morning as it remains open from 7.30 am to 12.30 pm. They can also visit the place in the evening from 5 pm to 8.30 pm.
How To Reach?
If you take the Kumbakonam route, the temple is 5 km from Thiruvaarur. It is in the Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu and is 15 miles from Thirucherai.
Near By Railway Station: Thiruvaarur Railway station
Near By Airport: Trichy, Chennai
