Tirunarayanapuram
- Vedanarayana Perumel Temple
This
unique three-storied Vaishnavate shrine is only one of its kind in the down
South and figures as a rare shrine housing many adorable deities and each has an
awe-some legend of its own. Very rarely deities are
installed one over the other in the same temple; though each has its own garbha
griha etc. The famous towns of Annavaram and Draksharamam are possessing holy
temples housing the adorable images both in the first and second floors, each
one at it. It is at Mahakali temple in Ujjain, thd archamurtis are installed in
three stories. This is akin to it in all aspects. But here in the three, the
Moolavars are having the same suffix 'Varada' and they are justifying the
attribute given. It is an ancient temple built in the Dravidian architectural
model and imposing in every respect like prakara, mahadwara, gopura, garbha
griha etc. Mini-shrines are built in the three stories also. In the first ground
floor Sundaravaradaraja's icon in standing posture is installed and it is quite
pleasant to sight. He was worshipped ardently by Brahma, Rudra, Bhudevi and
Markandeya maharshi, and Puranas give eloquent testimony of their prayers
answered by the Lord. They partook his anugrah and turned beacon lights to the
posterity. In the second storey, enchanting icons of Vaikunta Varada, Yoga
Narasimha and Lakshmi Varahaswamy are installed. They are equally benevolent in
granting the boons of the adorers. In the third floor, there are many images of
lord Mahavishnu in several august names such as, Aniruddha Varada, Kalyana
Varada, Atchyuta Varada are set up and they are receiving ardent worship by the
devotees. As they are known for munificent in bestowing boons, the people's
craze for worshipping with several rituals is on the increase. It is here lie
two more shrines - one for Andal and another for Anandavalli Tayar. Studded to
the walls, as it were, with the highest God Srimannarayana s images, this temple
emancipates with a mere memory itself. Needless to say, for Vaishnavates it is
El dorado beckoning eternal attention for soulful veneration. Agamic worship is
offered and several festivals are conducted with fanfare due.
It lies 10 km off Chengalpattu of Tamilnadu, accessible by bus.
|