The Devaadi Raja Perumal temple (also known as Amaruviappan temple) is devoted to the Hindu god Vishnu. It is located in Therazhundur, a village in the Mayiladuthurai district of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple, built in the Dravidian style, is mentioned in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, an early mediaeval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th to the 9th centuries CE.

It is one of the 108 Divya Desams devoted to Vishnu, known as Amaruviappan, and his consort Lakshmi, known as Sengamalavalli Thayar. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines. The temple tank is located opposite the temple, outside the main entrance. The temple follows the Vadakalai tradition of worship.

Story/Legend of the Devaadi Raja Perumal Temple

According to the temple’s sthala purana, Uparichara Vasu, a monarch, gained boons from Brahma after years of intense penance that allowed him to fly with his chariot. While flying above this location, his chariot (known locally as Ther) dropped into the lake and splashed on the sage Agastya, who was performing penance. The chariot became stuck in the location, which became known as Theranzhundur (the spot where the chariot became immersed).

Another form, Uparichara Vasu, ruled in favour of celestial deities over the sages, and the sages cursed his chariot, which became stuck in place. A third variant claims that the king ignored her queen’s plea to descend to worship Vishnu at this location while flying in his chariot and that his chariot was held in this location due to divine powers.

According to legend, Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, drove Krishna’s cattle, an avatar of Vishnu. In the meantime, Krishna established another herd. When Brahma realised the herd belonged to Krishna, he apologised and wished Krishna to make his home here. The presiding god is Amaruviappan (the one flanked by cattle) since Krishna appeared for the livestock and resided here. According to mythology, the presiding deity in the sanctuary is surrounded by animals. This temple is considered as one of the 108 Divya Desams.

What is Divya Desams– A Divya Desam or Vaishnava Divya Desam is one of the 108 Vishnu and Lakshmi temples recorded by the Alvars, the poet-saints of the Sri Vaishnava faith. 105 of the 108 temples are in India, one is in Nepal, and the final two are thought to be in space, in Tirupparkatal and Vaikuntham. They are distributed over the Indian states of Tamil Nadu (84), Kerala (11), Andhra Pradesh (2), Gujarat (1), Uttar Pradesh (4), and Uttarakhand (3). Muktinath, Saligramam is Nepal’s sole Divya Desam. The 12 Alvars respect the Divya Desams in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, a collection of 4,000 Tamil hymns.

History of Devaadi Raja Perumal Temple

According to legends, Prahlada, an ardent follower of Vishnu, feared Narasimha, the avatar who murdered Hiranyakakashipu, Prahlada’s asura father. Prahalad was consoled when Amaruviappan appeared. Another legend holds that Kaveri, the river goddess, begged Amaruviappan to lift the curse placed on her by the sage Agastya. Vishnu was pleased by Kaveri’s devotion and arrived here to gratify her.

The Karikala Chola created the temple’s original building in the first century CE, with later extensions from the Cholas in the 11th century.

The architecture of Devaadi Raja Perumal Temple

Amaruviappan temple is located in Therazhundur, a village in the Mayiladuthurai district, 10 km from Mayiladuthurai. The temple is thought to have been built by Karikala Chola in the first century CE, with later expansions. The temple tank stands in front of the temple, and the temple is accessible from the roads through an embankment. The five-tiered rajagopuram, or gateway tower, pierces the granite encircling walls of the temple. The central shrine houses the standing image of Devadi Raja Perumal and the festival deity Amaruviappan, which is placed beneath the Garuda Vimanam. In the sanctum, there are also pictures of livestock and sages. In the second precinct, there is a separate shrine dedicated to Sengamalavalli, Amaruviappan’s bride.

Agastya, Narasimha, Rama, Vishvaksena, Hanuman, and the Alvars each have their own shrine. Amaruviappan rides Adishesha, Surya Prabhai, Indra Vimanam, a horse, and an elephant. Mounts for the goddess include the yali, swan, elephant, and lion. Govindarajar temple is one of the shrine’s sub-temples. Along with the river Kaveri, the temple is related to two water bodies: Darsa Pushkarani in front of the temple and Gajendra Pushkarani to the north.

Facts about Devaadi Raja Perumal Temple

• The Devaadi Raja Perumal temple is located in the village of Therazhundur in Tamil Nadu’s Mayiladuthurai district. This temple’s major god is Devaadi Raja Perumal, and his consort is Sengamalavalli Thayar.
• Thirumangai Alvar’s Naalayira Divya Prabhandam, a 7th-9th century Vaishnava canon, mentions the Amaruviappan temple.
• Thirumangai Alvar has extolled Sengamalavalli Thayar’s abilities. Later works by Nathamuni, Thirukachi Nambi, Ramanuja, and Manavala Mamunigal all reference the shrine.
• The temple is classified as a Divya Desam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples mentioned in the book.
• The temple is also one of the Pancha Krishnaranaya Kshetrams, or five heavenly locations for Krishna, a Vishnu avatar.
• Devaadi Raja Perumal is thought to be a depiction of “Rakshakathvam,” the celestial protection bestowed to devout Vishnu followers.
• The sanctum houses the primary god Lord Devadi Raja Perumal, while the processional deity Lord Amaruviappan is housed beneath the Garuda Vimanam and is depicted with his livestock.
• People believe that because Lord Vishnu saved the Cauvery River here, his grace may also redeem them from all their sins.
• In addition, the Lord is depicted here with his animals, demonstrating his concern for all living things. As a result, it is thought that he can also care for his followers, resolving their difficulties, removing obstacles in marriage, and providing academic brilliance.
• The Loka Matha, or global mother Goddess, is Goddess Sengamalavalli. She has the ability to give numerous blessings, which can assist her worshippers in gaining powerful, positive energies.
• It is believed that by sincerely worshipping the holy couple, all problems in life as employment, progeny, health, riches, and protection from adversaries can be resolved.

Famous Festivals In Devaadi Raja Perumal Temple

• Brahmmotsavam is the major festival celebrated in the temple.
• Sri Desikar Utsavam in Puratasi month
• Pavithra Utsavam in Iyppasi month
• Utsavam for Thirumangai Alwar and Deepa Utsavam in Karthigai month
• Thai Month – Garuda seva
• Chitra Poornima is also a significant occasion for celebration in the temple.
• Vaikuntha Ekadashi – Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrated during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January) is the major festival celebrated in the temple.

How to reach Devaadi Raja Perumal Temple

Devaadi Raja Perumal Temple is located in Therazhundur, a village in the Mayiladuthurai district of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

By Air: The nearest airport is in Trichy, which is 120 kilometres away from the shrine.

By Railway: The nearest railway station is four kilometres away, at Kuthalam Railway Station. Mayiladuthurai, about 13 kilometres away, is also well-served by railroads.

By Roadways: Mayiladuthurai, the nearest town, is about 13 kilometres distant and is well served by buses; from there, buses and other vehicles can take you to Therazhundur.

Also Read – Sri Krupa Samudhra Perumal Temple