Tiruvaikunta Vinnagaram - Vaikuntanathan Temple

Padma Purana embodies a good deal on account of this great' kshetra in the chapter on Palasavana Mahatyam. Its mythology is quite fascinating that Lord Maheswar too joined the King and queen in doing penance for the darsan of Lord Mahavishnu. It begins with Swetaketu, an Ikshvaku king, who in order to go to Vaikuntam direct did penance along with this Maharani. Though they went to Vaikuntam after tapas, they could neither see Vaikuntanatha-Sri Mahavishnu nor could they get anything to quench their keen hunger and thirst. Disappointed they started to come back to 13huloka, when they met Narada, who in response advised that their desire would be fulfilled, if they were to do penance again at Gajaranyam propitiating lord Siva, popular as Iravatheswar, but they expressed their ardent desire of seeing Vaikuntanatha. He volunteered to join them in dirgha tapas. So the three began performing penance, when satisfied, the lord appeared and at the humble supplication of Lord Siva, he is abiding in Sayanasana with His three consorts Lakshmidevi, Bhudevi and Niladevi. The Lord eulogising the glory of annadana advised the king to feed Vaishnavas and hungry people for eternal mukti. The realised king started feeding on a grand scale.

The Iord's icon in lying posture with His spouses afford a pleasant sight. Aganuc puja is offered and festivals are celebrated with great devotional fervour. Anantha Sathya Varthaka Vimana adorns the garbha griha. The temple tank is called lakshmi Pushkarini. Another one goes by the name of Viraja Pushkarini in token of the river Viraja flowing in Vaikunta. And yet another one is called Udanka Pushkarini. Tirumangai Alwar offered Mangalasasanam to the Lord. It is one of the hoary and holy 108 Divya Desams.

It lies near Sirkali, the famous temple town of Tamilnadu accessible by four wheelers.

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