Soundararaja Perumal Temple, Nagapattinam

Introduction

The Soundararaja Perumal Temple is a place of worship dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located in the coastal town of Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu state. This is a Divyadesam, a special abode of Vishnu that has come for praise from the Azhwar saints in their sacred hymns. Vishnu, as Soundararaja Perumal, is the main deity here, while his consort is enshrined as Goddess Soundaravalli. As the deity has taken his abode on the banks of Odambokki, a tributary of river Cauvery, he is also known as 'Kaveri Thuraivan,' the resident of Cauvery. This town is originally said to have been a forest called Sundararinyam, and since Adisesha, the king of the Nagas, the serpents worshipped here, this became Nagapattinam.

Temple Legends

The legends state that prince Dhurva learned about the greatness of this forest and did severe penance here in Treta Yuga to get Lord Vishnu's darshan. Delighted by his devotion, the Lord appeared before him and blessed him. And others like Sage Markendaya and Goddess Lakshmi, too, started following the example set by the young prince, did penance here, and earned the grace of the Lord. It was the Chola king Saleesa who followed their footsteps in the present Kali Yuga, did penance here, and got divine blessings. Brahma, the God of creation too, is said to have offered worship to Vishnu at this place. Besides, two eunuchs, Kandan and Sukandan, managed to attain complete physical fitness by taking a holy bath in the temple tank Sara Pushkarani.

It is also said that Vishnu appeared on the banks of Sara Pushkarani on an auspicious Masi Maham, fully radiant and luminous. His charm earned him the name 'Azhagiyan,' while his brilliance and glowing skin made him Soundara Rajan, the king of handsomeness and charisma. The Goddess also became Soundaravalli.

The History and Architecture of Soundararaja Perumal Temple, Nagapattinam

The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 8th century CE by the medieval Cholas with contributions from the Pallavas, Nayaks, Nagas and Marathas, at various periods. The five-tiered Rajagopuram, the main tower, stands at 90 feet, while a granite compound is enclosing the temple complex with its shrines and tanks. In the sanctum, Neelamega Perumal or Soundararaja Perumal is standing at a height of more than 8 feet. At the same time, there are other deities in the temple who can be worshipped in sitting and reclining postures. The temple tank is the sacred Sara Pushkarani. The hall that the Nayaks built in this temple resembles a chariot, complete with wheels. Lord Narasimha is portrayed here majestically with 8 arms, where one of them is blessing Prahlada, the other is displaying Abhaya mudra, and all others are slaying demon Hiranyakasipu.

Temple Festivals

Brahmotsavam, Thirukalyana Utsavam, the 10-day festival of Goddess Soundaravalli, and Vaikunta Ekadasi are among the important festivals celebrated here.

Benefits of worshipping Soundararaja Perumal

People who look for relief from their ailments, especially skin diseases, come to this temple and worship the Lord here. It is a belief that his blessings can ensure cure from diseases, good health, and welfare. Many devotees cured of their illnesses thanks to the divine grace, come back to pay their tribute.