Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple, Tirukannamangai

TamilNadu, Thanjavur, Chennai

Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu located in Tirukannamangai, 6 km away from Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India on the Tiruvarur-Kumbakonam highway. It is one of the "Divya Desams", the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints, or Alwars.

Legend

As per Hindu legend, all the Devas in the celestial world gathered here to witness and participate in the divine wedding of Lord Vishnu with Mother Mahalakshmi. They wished that this darshan should be available to them for ever. They took the form of honey-bees, built nests and stayed here to realize their wish. Even today, a honey nest exists on the northern side of Mother's shrine. Also Varuna, the guardian deity of the west and sage Romasa are believed to have worshipped Vishnu at this place.

This temple is part of the famous Kumbakonam Divyadesam Yatra.

Architecture

Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple is built in Dravidian style of architecture. The temple has a 5-tier rajagopuram and a vast temple complex. The prime deity, Bhaktavatsalar has an imposing image. The temple tank is situated right opposite to the temple. This shrine is also referred to as Saptamrita Kshetram(seven celebrated elements of nature), referring to seven of its elements such as Vimanam, Mandapam, aaranyam, theertham, kshetram, river and town. The temple is very big with beautiful sculptures.

Darsan Info

The temple is open from 8.00 AM to 12.00 AM and from 5.00 PM to 8.30 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Male devotees have been advised to wear dhoti, shirt, pyjama or pant and shirt while women and girls should wear saris or churidhar or 'pavadai' with half-sari. Devotees wearing lungi, bermudas, jeans and tight-leggings would not be allowed.

Famous Festival

April /May - Chitra Poornima Brahmothsavam - Chithrai Month
December / January - Vaikunda Ekadesi

Culture

Thiruvarur is a town and municipality in Tiruvarur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Thiruvarur was one of the five traditional capitals of the Chola empire and the history of town revolves around the Thygarajaswamy temple. Historically Thiruvarur has been a centre of eminent people in religion, arts and science.