Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple

Introduction to Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple

Trichy, located on the banks of the Cauvery River, is a renowned pilgrim center in the Southern part of Tamilnadu. Its temples attract people from all over the world. The district has many temples for Shiva, Vishnu, and village deities. Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple is an ancient Vishnu temple located in Thiruvellarai, near Trichy. The temple is referred to as a Uthamakshetram in many Sanskrit texts.

Legend of Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple

"Vellarai" means 'white rock'. Since this Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple is at a height of 100 feet, on top of a tiny white-colored mountain, it is called "Thiru Vellarai." An ardent devotee of Vishnu, Pundarikan maintained a garden here and worshipped Vishnu with Tulsi leaves. Vishnu was pleased with the worship and gave darshan to him. That's how the name Pundarikakshan came to be.

An interesting temple legend says that a white boar crossed their path when Sibi Chakravarthi was resting along with his soldiers. It hid inside a pit near an anthill when they started to chase it. A sage named Markandeya was doing penance there. King Sibi explained why he was there, and the sage appreciated that Varaha gave him darshan. The sage advised the king to dissolve the anthill with milk. The king followed his advice and did so. Soon after that, Vishnu appeared before them in the form of Pundarikaksha Perumal idol.

The sage advised Sibi Chakravarthi to build a temple at that spot for Vishnu by bringing 3700 Vaishnavites from the north. As he advised, the king started building the temple. While performing the work, one of the Vaishanavites died, and the king became concerned. Vishnu disguised himself as Pundarikakshan, a Vaishnavite, and requested Sibi to count him among the 3700 Vaishnavites.

The Architecture of Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple

Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple is older than Srirangam Ranganathar Temple. It sprawls over 6.5 acres of land surrounded by granite walls. The Pallava dynasty constructed the present temple, and the Chola, Hoysala, Vijayanagara, and Pandya dynasties made some additions later, as is evident from the inscriptions. The temple is in the Dravidian architectural style.

Devotees should ascend 18 steps to reach the Rajagopuram; they represent the 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita. The next 4 steps signify the 4 Vedas. It is followed by 5 steps that indicate the 5 elements or Pancha Bhootas. The main Rajagopuram is still incomplete. There is a large outer praharam. The temple's garden is well-maintained and contains many flowers, shrubs, and Sandalwood trees. Inside the temple compound, there are 6 Pushkaranis (temple tanks), and one Swastik well is outside the temple.

The Swastik well is known as "Marbidugu Kinaru" with four ghats (Padithurai in Tamil). Each ghat has 51 steps in the Swastik shape, built by Kamban Araiyan in 800 AD. It is a protected archeological monument.

Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple is on a small hill, and it has two entrances to the sanctum, namely Utharayana Vaasal and Dakshinayana Vaasal. Each Vaasal will be open for six months. During the Uttarayanam period (mid-January to mid-June), Utharayana Vaasal is open, and Dakshinaya Vaasal is open during the Dakshinayanam period (mid-June to mid-January). The deity is called Thai Maatha Naayagan during Uttarayanam and Maayavan during Dakshinayanam. He is also named Swethapuri Nathan, as he appeared before King Sibhi Chakravarthy in the form of Swetha Varaham (white boar).

After climbing 40 steps, pilgrims can reach the temple. Pundarikakshan Perumal, the main deity (Moolavar), is 7 feet tall and blesses his devotees in a standing posture with Shankha, Gada, Prayoga Chakra, and Abhaya. He is accompanied by Sri Devi, Bhudevi. Surya and Chandra are behind him with fans. Garuda and Shesha are to his right and left. In front of him, Sage Markendeya and Bhudevi are seen standing. The temple’s Bali Peetha is the exact spot where the idol of Pundarikaksha Perumal was unearthed. There is a separate sanctum for Thayaar Bangaya Selvi.

Festivals of Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple

Brahmotsavam and Chitra Paurnami are grandly celebrated here. Brahmotsavam is performed on the Panguni (March-April) star. The chariot festival is another important festival in Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple. On this occasion, deities stroll in a decorated chariot around the streets, chanting the Divyaprabhandham verses and music. Gajendra Moksham is another prominent festival when the deity gave salvation to an elephant.

Benefits of Worshipping Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple

Devotees pray here for progeny. As the deity redeemed Shiva, devotees worship Pundarikakshan Perumal for release from their sins.