Tirunarayanapuram - Vedanarayana Perumal Temple

Mythological references attest to the fact that this ancient kshetra was built by Garudalwar, the divine vehicle of Sri Mahavishnu. Inscriptions bear evidence to this also. It is variously called as Adiranga and Vedapuri and each justifies its name with evidence, such as it is built on the bank of river Cauvery and its archamurti is in recumbent posture as found in Sri Rangam, Sri Rangapattana etc. So Adiranga as it is popularly called. Regarding Vedapuri, there is abundant proof in the garbhagriha itself. The Moolavar is reclining, resting His head on the four Vedas. Hence the name Vedapuri, says the priest vociferously. Strangely enough, this kshetra's archamurti is called Varadaraja perumal due to showering of boons lavishly like the kings on their fans. He is the king granter of boons - Varadaraja.

Besides, it is here Sri Ramanuja, the founder of Visishtadwaita philosophy lived long renouncing saffron clothes and draping in pure white clothes. It is a well built temple endowed magnificently by the royal dynasties. The broad mahadwara facing east has three high towers, a unique feature that lifts the souls at first sight itself and are visible for miles around due to high eminence. The courtyards and mandaps are quite imposing and are adorned with adorable deities. The imposing Hemasabha lying in the middle prakara serves many purposes, like conducting music concerts and holding of discourses. There are beautiful mandaps for Vedanayaki Natchiar and Andal in the inner prakara. According to local version, it is here Lord Mahavishnu withdrawing his fierce Narakesari form and appeared to Prahlad in santhaswarupa. Hence the presence of the image of Prahlad in the grabha griha along with Sridevi and Bhudevi seated in the traditional manner at the lotus feet of the Lord. As he placed His head on the Vedas, he is aptly called Vedanarayana Perumal. The Lord's icon superbly sculptured and exquisitely embellished with colourful garlands and glittering gold aabharanas arrests the devotees' attention as soon as the bhaktas come into its full view. Agamic prayer services are offered with great religious fervor and the annual festival celebrated with due pomp and splendour.

It lies on the Trichy-Mysore highway near Trichy, a famous town in Tamilnadu, accessible by bus.

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