The Loganatha Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu located on the Tiruvarur-Nagapatnam route in Sikkal, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple, built in the Dravidian style, is mentioned in the Nalayira 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 Loganatha Perumal, and his consort Lakshmi, known as Loganayagi.

Loganatha is said to have appeared to Brahma, as well as the sages Gautama, Uparivasu, Vashista, Bhrigu, and Madarar. The Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu maintains and administers the temple.

Story/Legend of the Loganatha Perumal Temple

According to Hindu belief, sage Gautama worshipped the deity here. According to temple mythology, sage Vasishtha is the most devoted disciple of Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu. Once upon a time, the sage was worshipping Krishna with a butter idol. Krishna took the appearance of a kid, ate the idol, and fled. Vasishtha was chasing the child who had run to this location. There were many other sages conducting penance at this location.

Krishna granted them the boon that he would be bound by the sages’ devotion and asked them to assist Vashishta in achieving his wishes. The sages asked Krishna to stay in this spot and appear to his devotees as he had done for them. Vashishta and the other sages were happy with Krishna’s point of view. This temple is considered 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 Loganatha Perumal Temple

The Loganatha Perumal Temple is thought to have been built in the late 9th century CE by the Mediaeval Cholas, with later contributions from Vijayanagara kings and Madurai Nayaks. The temple is surrounded by a granite wall, which encloses all of its shrines and bodies of water. The temple’s gateway tower is a five-tiered rajagopuram.

The architecture of Loganatha Perumal Temple

The temple features a five-tiered rajagopuram and a sprawling temple complex. The temple tank is located directly outside the temple. Loganathar, the supreme deity, has an outstanding picture in the sanctuary. The sanctum is approached from the gateway tower through a flagstaff axial to the entryway and sanctum. The sanctum is accessed via two pillared hallways known as Mukha Mandapa and Ardha Mandapa. Loganayagi and other deities’ shrines are positioned in the first and second precincts, encircling the sanctum.

Facts about Loganatha Perumal Temple

• Loganatha Perumal Temple is located in Thirukannangudi, on the Tiruvarur-Nagappattinam highway, in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu.
• In one verse, Tirumalisai Alvar praises the temple in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7th-9th century Vaishnava canon.
• The temple is classified as a Divya Desam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples mentioned in the book.
• One of the Panchakanna (Krishnaranya) Kshetrams is this temple. Kannan relates to Krishna, Vishnu’s incarnation, while pancha signifies five and Kshetrams are holy locations.
• Lord Loganatha Perumal is the major god here, and Loganayagi is his consort.
• Loganatha Perumal is said to have appeared here in front of Lord Brahma and the sages Gautama, Vashishta, and Brighu.
• It is worth noting that, while Lord Rama, another manifestation of Vishnu, remained the disciple of philosopher Vashishta, Krishna became his Guru here.
• The Magizha tree, to which the sages tethered Krishna, is supposed to be alive and well in this temple.
• It is thought that Lord Loganatha Perumal’s heavenly grace may protect individuals and give them everything they need to live a decent and comfortable existence in this world. He can fix their difficulties and satisfy their genuine wants.

Famous Festivals In Loganatha Perumal Temple

• Brahmmotsavam is the major festival celebrated in the temple.
• Diwali – Diwali is one of the most admired and auspicious festivals in the town.
• Krishna Janmashtami is widely honoured in this temple.
• 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.
• Akshaya Tritiya is another major festival celebrated in the temple when the festival deity is taken in procession in a Garuda mount around the temple.

How to reach Loganatha Perumal Temple

The Loganatha Perumal Temple is located on the Tiruvarur-Nagapatnam route in Sikkal, Tamil Nadu, India

By Air: Trichy City has an international airport that is about 150 kilometres from the temple. People can travel by road from there to the temple.

By Railway: Nagapattinam railway station is around 12 km away and is well connected by train services.

By Roadways: The temple is located near Sikkal town, on the highway between Tiruvarur and Nagappattinam, and can be reached by bus or other modes of transportation.

Also Read – Soundararaja Perumal Temple