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Thiru Varagunamangai Perumal Temple

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Introduction

Thiru Varagunamangai Temple is a place of worship dedicated to Vishnu. The presiding deity here is Paramapatha Nathan or Vijayaasana Perumal, and hence this shrine is also known as Vijayaasana Perumal temple. Goddess Varaguna Valli or Varaguna Mangai is his consort, and this temple is more famous in her name. This temple is in the Natham village on the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur route in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu. This temple has been revered in the hymns of the Azhwar saints, and hence remains a Divya Desam, a Vishnu shrine regarded as particularly holy. Besides, this is a Nava Tirupathi, too, one of the 9 Vishnu temples located on the banks of the Thamiraparani river, in this belt. ‘Vijaya’ is victory, and ‘Aasana’ is the seat. Vijayaasana is thus the Lord of success. Also, every one of the 9 Nava Tirupathi temples is dedicated to one of the 9 planets, the Navagrahas. And this temple is regarded Chandra Sthalam, dedicated to planet Moon.

Temple Legends

Thiru Varagunamangai Perumal

Saint Nammazhwar, in a hymn, speaks about seeing the Lord of Vaikunta staying with divine mother Varagunamangai in his heart, and this is said to give the Goddess the name, Varaguna Mangai.

As per the legend, one Vedavi was residing in Punniya Gosham Agraharam on the banks of the Reva river. He was a pious man and an ardent devotee of Vishnu. After fulfilling his duties to his parents and Guru, he started meditating on Vishnu by chanting the Aasanathai mantra, with a view of having his Darshan. Pleased by his devotion, Vishnu came to him in the guise of a Brahmin and advised him to chant the Mantra at Varaguna Mangai. Accordingly, Vedavi chanted the Mantra at this place with faith, did intense penance on Vishnu, received his grace, and ultimately attained liberation. It is also said that as the Lord got him victory over the deadly cycle of birth and death, he came to be known as Vijayaasanar.

Lord Vishnu is also said to have appeared here for sage Romesa, who performed penance for a long time. There is also a belief that the Lord appeared before Savitri, who brought back her husband from the clutches of death through her piety, and Agni, the Fire God.

The History and Architecture of Thiru Varagunamangai Temple

This Dravidian style temple is believed to have been built by the Pandya kings and patronized by the Vijayanagar rulers. The principal deity Sri Vijayaasana Perumal also called Paramapada Nathan, is seen seated in the sanctum along with his consorts on either side, facing East. The temple that lies amidst lush green fields has a five-tier Rjagopuram, the main tower. The roof above the sanctum is called the Vijayakoti Vimannam, and the temple tank is Agni Theertham. The processional deities can also be worshipped in the temple.

Temple Festivals

The 9 Garuda Sevai Utsavam is the biggest festival, common to all the 9 temples of Nava Tirupathi. This is celebrated in the month of Vaikasi (May-June). The processional deities of all these temples are carried in Garuda Vahana, their Garuda mounts, while Nammalvar idol is also brought to the temple in a palanquin. His compositions on all these deities are recited during the festival. Nammazhwar idol is also carried to each of these 9 temples on the occasion, where he pays respects to these Lords.

Benefits of worshipping the Lord of Thiru Varagunamangai Temple

The fire God Agni is said to have received the grace of the Lord here. Hence it is believed that the holy fire in the temple burns away Adharma, the negativities, and helps people walk the path of Sathya, the truth, and righteousness. People also pray here for progeny blessing and better educational performance. The temple is also regarded as so holy that worshipping this Lord can even grant salvation.

This temple is also dedicated to Chandra, the planetary Lord Moon, and it is believed that praying to the Lord here can mitigate the malefic effects of the planet.

How to reach Thiru Varagunamangai Temple
By Air

The nearest airport Tuticorin, is about 20 kilometers from the temple.

By Rail

Srivaikuntam is the nearest Railway station, quite near the temple. Tirunelveli and Tuticorin are busy railway stations, from where people can travel to this temple.

By Road

There is a conducted tour organized by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department covering all the 9 Nava Tirupathi temples. Devotees can avail of this facility for visiting all the temples. They can also go by private vehicles to this temple.

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