Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple, Thiruninravur, Thiruvallur

Introduction

Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple is a Vishnu shrine. The Lord is worshipped here as Bhaktavatsala Perumal, while his consort is Abhishekavalli or Kannamangai Thayaar. This temple lies in the Thirukkannamangai village, in the Tiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. This Perumal has been revered by the Azhwar saints in their Divyaprabhandam hymns, and so, the temple is counted as a Divya Desam, a special abode of Vishnu. It is believed that Bhaktavatsala Perumal appeared in this place to marry Goddess Lakshmi and take her as his consort.

Temple Legends

The legend of this temple is linked with the famous story about the churning of the ocean. When the Devas, the celestials, and the Asuras, the demons churned the great ocean of milk for extracting Amrut, the divine elixir of life, Goddess Lakshmi emerged out of it. Though she wanted to marry Lord Vishnu, she felt too shy to look at him and reveal her intension. Instead, she is said to have come to Thirukkannamangai and performed penance for uniting with the Lord in the marital bond. And Vishnu came here and took Goddess Lakshmi as his consort. As he is said to have left his abode to come here to marry her, the festival deity is known by the name Perum Purak Kadal. This place is also known locally as Lakshmi Vanam, the forest where Lakshmi did penance. As per other mythological accounts, the waters of the sacred temple tank were nothing but the drops that fell down when Brahma worshipped the Trivikrama Avatar of Vishnu and gave his feet a sacred bath. Besides, it is also said that the rain God Varuna and sage Romasa worshipped this Lord, while Shiva is guarding the temple. Devas are also said to present in the temple in the form of a beehive and are praying to the Lord, and special worships are performed to the beehive, here.

The History and Architecture of Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple, Thirukkannamangai

This is an ancient temple possibly of the 8th century CE and is believed to have been built by the medieval Cholas with later contributions from the Nayak kings. The Rajagopuram, the entrance tower is 5-tiered, while the temple complex is fenced by a granite wall. The imposing image of Bhaktavatsala Perumal in standing posture can be worshipped in the sanctum, which has Utpala Vimanam as its roof. Goddess Abhishekavalli is housed in a separate shrine. Of the sculptures found in the temple, Vaikunta Natha and Vishnu riding his Garuda mount are exquisitely carved. The temple tank Darshana Pushkarini is huge and lies just in front of the main entrance. This temple is hailed as a Saptamrita Kshetram, as the 7 elements here – the Kshetram, Vimanam, Aaranyam, Mandapam, Theetham, the river, and the place- are of significance.

Temple Festivals

The 10-day Brahmotsavam festival celebrated during Chittirai (April-May) is the biggest one here, when the deity is taken in processions daily in different mounts. The temple chariot is also drawn during this occasion.

Benefits of worshipping Thirukkannamangai Bhaktavatsala Perumal

Devotees offer prayers here for getting good employment opportunities, removal of marriage obstacles, and progeny blessing.