Devaadi Raja Perumal Temple, Therazhundur

Introduction

Devaadi Raja Perumal temple is one of the Divya Desams, the sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu. Also known as Amaruviappan temple, this has been praised by many Tamil saints known as Azhwars, who have contributed a lot to the renaissance of Vaishnavism. This is located in Therazhundur village of the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu state. The primary deity of this temple is Devaadi Raja Perumal, and his consort is Sengamalavalli Thayar. The processional deity is called Amaruviappan. This is also one of the temples where Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, is given prominence. It is the shrine where River Cauvery prayed to Vishnu to remove her curse. That the great Tamil poet Kambar was born in the Therazhundur village, also adds to its greatness. This temple has much religious significance and is frequented by devotees from across the state and the country.

Temple Legends

Once there was a king named Uparisiravasu, who was an ardent devotee of Lord Brahma. He performed severe austerities for many years and obtained the boon, which gave him the power to fly in his chariot. While so flying in the sky, he once fell in the water and splashed it on Sage Agasthya. As he thus earned the displeasure of the sage, his chariot got stuck in this location, and hence this place came to be called ‘Ther Anzhundur.’ It is also stated elsewhere that due to the curse from the sages, the chariot lost its ability to fly, and so, it has to stop its flight.

Another legend connects the place with Brahma, the God of Creation. Once, Brahma drove some cattle away, not knowing that they belonged to none other than Lord Krishna himself. Krishna immediately created a similar herd of cattle, and he settled here on the request of a repentant Brahma. As the Lord appeared for the sake of the cattle here, the presiding deity is called Amaruviappan.

The History and Architecture of Devaadi Raja Perumal Temple, Therazhundur

The temple was built by King Karikala Chola in the first century CE, in the Dravidian style of architecture. The principal deity Lord Devadi Raja Perumal is enshrined in the sanctum, while the processional deity Lord Amaruviappan is housed under the Garuda Vimanam and is portrayed with his cattle. The temple has a five-tiered Rajagopuram, the temple tower, and is surrounded by a granite compound wall. The temple tank, known as Darsa Pushkarani, is located outside the temple complex. There is a separate shrine for Goddess Sengamalavalli, the divine consort of the Lord, and it is located in the second precinct.

There are also shrines for Sage Agastya, Narasimha, Rama, Viswaksena, Hanuman, and Azhwars. The mounts or the Vahanas used for the Lord like Adisesha, Surya Prabha, horse, and elephant, and those for the Goddess like the Surya Prabha, Yali, Swan, elephant, and lion, are also found in the temple.

Temple Festivals

The important festival here is the Vaikasi Brahmotsavam celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June) when the Lord and the Goddess are taken in grand processions. Vaikuntha Ekadashi, during the Margazhi month (December-January), is also highly revered here. Sri Ramar Utsavam is observed in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April), while Sri Andal Utsavam, a special festival in praise of Goddess Andal, is celebrated in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August). The temple follows the Vadakalai style and Pancharatra Agamic tradition of worship.

Benefits of worshipping Therazhundur Devaadi Raja Perumal

Since Lord Vishnu gave salvation to river Cauvery here, people believe that his grace can redeem them of all their sins, too. Also, the Lord is portrayed here with his cattle showing that he cares for all living beings. Hence it is believed that he can care for his devotees too, and clear their problems, remove obstacles in marriage and provide academic excellence. Goddess Sengamalavalli is the Loka Matha, the universal mother Goddess. She can bestow many blessings, which can help her devotees gain powerful, positive vibrations. It is a belief that with the sincere worship of the divine couple, all the difficulties in life regarding job, progeny, health, wealth, and protection against enemies can be cleared.