Located just behind the Ilayathangudi Kailasanathar temple, this place features Vishnu as Adi Kesava Perumal, and is replete with beautiful architecture in a range of sizes, and also the representation of Vishnu’s Dasavataram on the pillars.… Read More Adi Kesava Perumal, Ilayathangudi, Sivaganga
This Nagarathar-maintained temple is of relatively recent origin – perhaps 400-500 years – but has some very nice architecture and art, featuring Vishnu’s Dasavataram and scenes from the puranas.… Read More Sundararaja Perumal, Keelasevalpatti, Sivaganga
Located in the northern part of Veppathur, this temple is today just a gopuram, with the deities being housed in a separate one-room building. The sthala puranam here is connected to two tales from the Ramayanam. But despite its Pallava origins, what makes this nearly 2000-year old (or older) temple fascinating across layers of history and the rule of several dynasties?… Read More Govindaraja Perumal, Veppathur, Thanjavur
Considered to be over 2000 years old, this temple is located in the heart of Veppathur – once called Ghatika Sthanam and Chaturvedi Mangalam. The all-wish-fulfilling Perumal is attended to by Anjaneyar depicted as a child. Krishna gave mantropadesam to Agastyar here. But how is this temple connected to the Ramayanam, that too in a rather unusual way?… Read More Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal, Veppathur, Thanjavur
This dilapidated temple lies just off the Kallanai-Poompuhar road, and is in terrible state, badly needing attention.… Read More Rajagopalaswami, Bhagavatapuram, Thanjavur
This small temple for Vishnu as Adi Kesava Perumal, is located in Nallur, to the rear (west) of the Kalyana Sundareswarar temple in that village. Though Vishnu is present here as Adi Kesava Perumal, the temple is said to be connected with Vishnu’s Narasimha Avataram.… Read More Aadi Kesava Perumal, Nallur, Thanjavur
This village temple located near Tirumeyachur, close to the Meghanathar-Lalithambigai temple, is poorly visited, and in a sorry condition.… Read More Vastrarajara Perumal, Vastrarajapuram, Nagapattinam
This village temple located near Tirumeyachur, close to the Meghanathar-Lalithambigai temple, is poorly visited, and in a sorry condition.… Read More Varadaraja Perumal, Alathur, Nagapattinam
This village temple located near Tirumeyachur, close to the Meghanathar-Lalithambigai temple, is poorly visited, but decently maintained. The sthala puranam here is about Vishnu waiting for Lakshmi, while She was worshipping at the Tirumeyachur temple. But what important aspects of Saivism are celebrated at this Perumal temple?… Read More Veetrirundha Varadaraja Perumal, Tirukodiyalur, Tiruvarur
Small but serene temple between Tirukovilur and Tiruvaheendrapuram, where the utsava murti Perumal of Tirukovilur spends a night, during the Masi Magham Teerthavari festival of that temple.… Read More Veeraraghava Perumal, Veeraperumal Nallur, Cuddalore
Exploring with 25 concepts on Vinayakar, , covering Vinayakar lore, Origins, Iconography, the world of celestials, Vinayakar worship, and interesting stories & representations of Vinayakar in temples in Tamil Nadu… Read More Sumukha – 25 thoughts on Vinayakar
With various puranams associated with it, this Divya Desam temple in Chennai is dedicated to Vishnu as Parthasarathy – Arjuna’s charioteer in the Mahabharatam, and also features Vishnu in four other forms. The iconography of the moolavar and utsavar murtis are highly nuanced, embedding instances from the life of Krishna as told in the epic. But what interesting reasons are is behind this temple’s chariot/car running twice during the temple’s annual festival, and differing neivedyams offered to Parthasarathy Perumal and Yoga Narasimhar?… Read More Parthasarathy Perumal, Triplicane, Chennai
Perumal temple on the outskirts of Madurai, where Narasimhar’s ferocity was quelled… Read More Yoga Narasimhar, Narasingam, Madurai
At Siva’s coronation as the ruler of Madurai, the celestials in attendance found the heat and effulgence unbearable, and requested Vishnu for help. In turn, Vishnu took the form of the cowherd Gopala, and played the flute, mesmerising everyone present and cooling them down. Periyazhvar and his daughter Andal visited here, on their way from Srivilliputhur to Srirangam, for Andal’s marriage to Ranganathar there. The temple has some very unusual architectural aspects, as far as Perumal temples go. But in what infuriating way is this temple in Madurai connected to the Philadelphia Museum of Art?… Read More Madanagopala Swami, Madurai, Madurai
Tucked away in a bylane near the Madurai Meenaksi Amman and Koodal Azhagar temples, is this fascinating temple run by Saurashtrans, dedicated to both Venkatesa Perumal and Navaneeta Krishnan. In addition to beautiful sculptures and architecture, the temple also has shrines for notable saints and others associated with it, as well as artefacts connected with Thyagaraja Swami of the Carnatic music trinity. But what is so unique about the Maatru Tirukkola Sevai that takes place during the temple’s annual festival in the Tamil month of Aadi? … Read More Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal, Madurai, Madurai
Brahma’s carelessness led to the demons Madhu & Kaitabha stealing the Vedas from him, which led to all creation coming to a sudden halt. Vishnu had to fight the demons to get back the Vedas. As penitence, Brahma performed penance here in human form, and so is depicted with only one head, instead of his usual four. But how is this temple connected to Srirangam, the Mughal invasion of the south, and the Vaishnavite saint-philosopher Pillai Lokacharyar?… Read More Veda Narayana Perumal, Kodikulam, Madurai
This Pancha Varada Kshetram, which finds mention in the Mahabharatam, is one of the temples the Pandavas visited during their period of exile, and they regained the wisdom they had lost when gambling with the Kauravas. The long list of dynasties who ruled the region, have each left their mark on the temple construction. But what is the connection between this temple and the celestial architect Takshaka, in the depiction of Vishnu on three levels at this temple? … Read More Sundara Varadaraja Perumal, Uthiramerur, Kanchipuram
Newly constructed Chola-era temple on ECR, close to Koovathur… Read More Kanakapureeswarar, Mugaiyur, Chengalpattu
An overview of the 11 Ekadasa Divya Desam temples and the related 11 Rudra peethams) in and around Tirunangur… Read More Tirunangur Ekadasa Divya Desams and Ekadasa Rudra Peethams
One of the three temples that constitute the Thanjai Mamani Koil… Read More Neelamegha Perumal, Thanjavur, Thanjavur
One of the three temples that constitute the Thanjai Mamani Koil… Read More Manikundra Perumal, Thanjavur, Thanjavur
One of the three temples that constitute the Thanjai Mamani Koil… Read More Narasimhar, Thanjavur, Thanjavur
Perumal temple located in Perambur, famously associated with Bodhendra Saraswati Swamigal and Kanchi Maha Periyavaa… Read More Varadaraja Perumal, Perambur, Tiruvarur
Dilapidated but ancient temple in the erstwhile Chola capital of Pazhaiyarai, associated with both the Ramayanam and Mahabharatam… Read More Gopinatha Perumal, Patteeswaram, Thanjavur
This Divya Desam and Pancha Ranga Kshetram (similar to Koviladi), this is also a Vaishnava Navagraha Sthalam dedicated to Suryan. Lakshmi was born as Sage Brighu’s daughter here, and married Vishnu who came to the venue on a chariot, with his bow called Sarngam. The temple itself is shaped like a chariot, and boasts of some very intricate and magnificent architecture. But why is the vigraham of Lakshmi as Komalavalli Thayar, never taken out of the temple in procession?… Read More Sarngapani, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
This Divya Desam and the Vaishnava Navagraham temple for Sani is where Tirumangaiazhvar was able to view Perumal in 5 forms, and so the Lord here is worshipped in each of those forms. The temple’s sthala puranam is the reason for the Tulasi leaves being used as the customary form of offering for Vishnu. It is also generally known that the temple prasadam is prepared without salt, but why is that so? … Read More Oppiliappan, Tirunageswaram, Thanjavur
One of the 5 Pancha Narasimha Kshetrams in the Nangur region, and the birthplace of Tirumangaiazhvar… Read More Ugra Narasimhar, Tirukurayalur, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam referred to by the epithet “Kaayaa Magizham, Uranga Puli, Theeraa Vazhakku, Ooraa Kinaru – Tirukannangudi”… Read More Loganatha Perumal, Tirukannangudi, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam that has existed across the four yugams, where Vishnu is worshipped as the resplendent and handsome Soundararaja Perumal… Read More Soundararaja Perumal, Nagapattinam, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam temple where Vyaghrapada and Patanjali reached by mistake, and Vishnu showed them His form as in Srirangam… Read More Kripa Samudra Perumal, Tiruchirupuliyur, Tiruvarur
Regarded as the earthly representation of Tiruparkadal, the 107th Divya Desam, this Perumal temple features some unique and interesting worship practices… Read More Ksheerapthi Sayana Narayana Perumal, Tiruloki, Thanjavur
Divya Desam temple connected with the story of Arjuna’s thirst being quenched… Read More Parthasarathy Perumal, Tirunangur (Parthanpalli), Nagapattinam
Divya Desam temple connected with the quelling of Rudra’s anger after Daksha’s yagam… Read More Badrinarayana Perumal, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam temple connected with the story of churning of the ocean… Read More Varadaraja Perumal, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Two temples that are one Divya Desam, associated with the arrival of Tirumangaiazhvar… Read More Vedarajan, Tirunagari, Nagapattinam
Often referred to by its ancient name of Tirukavalmpadi, this is one of the Divya Desams located in Tirunangur, near Mayiladuthurai. Vishnu here is considered the equivalent of the Krishna at Dwarka, and is said to have come from there. The temple’s puranam is connected to an ungrateful Indra refusing the Parijatham flower to Satyabhama, despite Krishna vanquishing Narakasuran and bringing back the things he stole from Devalokam. How did this come about? … Read More Gopalakrishnan, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam temple connected with the story of how Swetaketu eventually reached Vaikuntam… Read More Vaikuntanathar, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam temple connected with the Ramayanam and the construction of the temple using gold… Read More Perarulalan, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam temple connected with the story of the churning of the ocean… Read More Pallikonda Ranganathar, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam temple connected with the story of Sage Uthangar and the Mahabharatam war… Read More Kudamadu Koothan, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam temple connected with the story of Vyaghrapada and his son Upamanyu being blessed by Vishnu… Read More Purushottama Perumal, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam connected with Swami Vedanta Desikar, and Hayagreevar, where Vishnu helped the Devas to vanquish the asuras who were helped by Siva… Read More Devanatha Perumal, Tiruvaheendrapuram, Cuddalore
Divya Desam and a prarthana sthalam for marriage, where Vishnu married every day of the year… Read More Nitya Kalyana Perumal, Tiruvidandhai, Kanchipuram
Unique Divya Desam where Vishnu is seen in sayana kolam but lying on the ground instead of on Adiseshan … Read More Sthala Sayana Perumal, Mamallapuram, Chengalpattu
Consecrated as recently as in 2007, this beautiful temple near Wallajabad on the way to Kanchipuram features a 16-foot tall murti of Vishnu as Viswaroopa Lakshmi Narasimhar. The depiction of Perumal is said to be exactly as described in the Brahma Stuti of the Lakshmi Narasimha Dhyana Slokam. What other unusual features do this temple’s architecture and iconography boast of?… Read More Vishwaroopa Lakshmi Narasimhar, Kattavakkam, Kanchipuram
Small but pretty Siva-Vishnu temple located in the heart of residential Madurai… Read More Chokkanathar, Chokkalinga Nagar, Madurai
A temple that has existed across the four yugams, where Vishnu appeared to Sanat Kumara… Read More Koodal Azhagar, Madurai, Madurai
Where the Gods and Devas met before Vishnu’s Narasimhavataram, and a temple closely associated with Ramanujar… Read More Soumya Narayana Perumal, Tiru Koshtiyur, Sivaganga
Divya Desam temple where Vishnu attended the wedding of his grandson Aniruddha… Read More Nindra Narayana Perumal, Tiruthangal, Virudhunagar
Divya Desam temple where Chakarathazhvar is given prominence… Read More Kalamegaperumal, Tirumohur, Madurai
Divya Desam temple located inside the Chidambaram Thillai Natarajar temple, this shrine is connected with the origin of the Kaveri river, and also to the Ramayanam… Read More Govindaraja Perumal, Chidambaram, Cuddalore
Divya Desam associated with Vamana Avataram, and the site of Tirumangaiazhvar’s victory over Sambandar in debate… Read More Trivikrama Perumal, Sirkazhi, Nagapattinam
800-year old Perumal temple where Vishnu is in an Athi tree… Read More Vanmutti Perumal, Kozhikuthi, Nagapattinam
Considered the Eastern residence of Vishnu, this Divya Desam temple’s puranam is about how the presiding grew hair on His head to uphold a devotee’s word, that the hair on the garland given to the king actually belonged to the Lord! Interestingly, every amavasya day, the deity is taken outside to meet His devotee Vibheeshana. How did this come to be?… Read More Sowriraja Perumal, Tirukannapuram, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam temple where Vishnu, like Siva, wears a crescent moon on His head!… Read More Naanmadhia Perumal, Thalachangadu, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam in Nangur, considered as the venue of Vishnu and Lakshmi’s wedding… Read More Devanayaka Perumal, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Two temples that are one Divya Desam, associated with the arrival of Tirumangaiazhvar… Read More Azhagiya Singa Perumal, Tiruvali, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam temple connected with the story of Tirumangaiazhvar… Read More Srinivasa Perumal (Annan Koil), Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Located near Kumbakonam, this Divya Desam is believed to have existed in all 4 yugams, and is said to have been built by Mayan, the architect of the asuras. We may remember the story from Vamana Avataram, of Sukracharya entering Mahabali’s kamandalam as an insect to block the flow of water, and how Vamana blinded him. What happened to Sukracharya after that? And why does Garuda hold Vishnu’s conch and discus?… Read More Kolavilli Ramar, Tiruvelliyangudi, Thanjavur
Divya Desam and a Pancha Ranga Kshetram, where Tirumangaiazhvar’s singing infuriated a sage!… Read More Parimala Ranganathar, Tiru Indalur, Mayiladuthurai
The pillar is one of the oldest forms of worship, and at this Perumal temple on the outskirts of Ariyalur, it is a 12-foot tall wooden pillar that is the main deity, which is said to have miraculous powers, is regarded and worshipped as Vishnu. As if to compensate for lack of detail in the garbhagriham, the temple’s mandapam pillars display some fabulous architecture! How did this temple come to be? … Read More Kaliyuga Varadaraja Perumal, Kallankurichi, Ariyalur
Divya Desam and Pancha Ranga Kshetram where Vishnu is in Sayana kolam… Read More Appakudathan, Koviladi, Thanjavur
Brahma’s ego about his powers of creation resulted in his being born on earth, and he prayed here to be relieved of this curse. Siva, as Bhikshatanar, is believed to have worshipped at this temple, on the way from Uttamar Koil to Kandiyur. The temple also has a Mahabharatam connection, and the Pandavas are said to have worshipped at this place. But what unique iconographic representation in the sanctum leads to this being a prarthana sthalam for women seeking to get married? … Read More Sundararaja Perumal, Anbil, Tiruchirappalli
Simple but very peaceful temple for Rama, Lakshmana and Sita… Read More Kodandaramar, Oottathur, Perambalur
Divya Desam and “Mummurti kshetram” that has shrines for the Hindu Trinity of Siva, Vishnu and Brahma, with their consorts… Read More Purushottama Perumal, Uttamar Koil, Tiruchirappalli
The temple that substituted for the puja at the Srirangam Ranganathar temple during the Islamic invasion of the south in the 14th century CE… Read More Sundararaja Perumal, Palayanallur, Tiruchirappalli
The temple that substituted for the puja at the Srirangam Ranganathar temple during the Islamic invasion of the south in the 14th century CE… Read More Aadi Narayana Perumal, Gopurapatti, Tiruchirappalli
Large Divya Desam temple, built in the design of a fort, with a swastika-shaped temple tank… Read More Pundarikaksha Perumal, Tiruvellarai, Tiruchirappalli
Very ancient temple, considered the equivalent of Tirupati, and a prarthana sthalam for mental illness… Read More Prasanna Venkatachalapathy, Gunaseelam, Tiruchirappalli
Divya Desam temple where Vishnu, as Kallazhagar, came to give away his sister Meenakshi’s hand in marriage to Siva… Read More Sundararaja Perumal (Kallazhagar), Alagarkovil, Madurai
Divya Desam temple associated with Lord Vishnu’s Vamana avataram
… Read More Trivikrama Perumal, Tirukovilur, Viluppuram
Divya Desam temple and Krishan Aranya Kshetram, where a 12-foot tall Perumal is in the garbhagriham, with Sage Markandeya, Prahlada, and a cow and calf representing His sister Parvati… Read More Devadiraja Perumal, Therazhundur, Nagapattinam
Perumal temple in Kumbakonam with a separate shrine for Bramha with his consorts Gayatri and Saraswati
… Read More Veda Narayana Perumal (Brahma koil), Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
Divya Desam connected with the Ramayanam, where it is Rama in bhujanga sayanam… Read More Valvil Raman, Tiruppulaboothangudi, Thanjavur
Located close to Kumbakonam and Swamimalai, this is the temple Tirumangai Azhvar constructed, funds for which were provided by the Lord himself.
… Read More Andalakkum Aiyan, Adhanoor, Thanjavur
Basic information about the temple Moolavar: Krishnan Ambal / Thayar: x Deity: Perumal Historical name: Vriksham: Teertham: Agamam: Age (years): Timing: to & to Parikaram: Temple group: – Sung by: Temple set: Navagraham: Nakshatram: City / town: Kshetrapalapuram District: Nagapattinam Maps from (click): Current location Mayiladuthurai (5 km) Kumbakonam (34 km) Thiruvarur (44 km) Nagapattinam… Read More Krishnan, Vanathirajapuram, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam where Vishnu married Lakshmi after her penance, witnessed by Devas who now reside as bees… Read More Bhaktavatsala Perumal, Tirukanna Mangai, Tiruvarur
This Divya Desam temple and Vaishnava Navagraha Sthalam (for Sani’s son Mandi) near Kumbakonam, is connected with the Story of how Kumbakonam came into existence. The temple is also known as the pancha sara kshetram, as it covers 5 essences (or Sarams) at one go. The Kaveri river was upset at not being regarded as the holiest of rivers, and so performed penance upon Vishnu, who granted her three wishes. What unique iconographic representation is there at this temple, as a result of this event?… Read More Saranatha Perumal, Tirucherai, Thanjavur
Perumal temple near Kumbakonam associated with the story of Kaliya mardhanam… Read More Veda Nayarana Perumal (Kalinga Narthanar), Oothukadu, Thanjavur
Ancient Siva temple and Paadal Petra Sthalam located very close to Kumbakonam… Read More Jagannatha Perumal, Nathan Koil, Kumbakonam
Divya Desam Perumal temple associated with the story of Gajendra moksham… Read More Gajendra Varada Perumal, Kabisthalam, Thanjavur
Abhimana sthalam and Perumal temple on the banks of the Vellar River… Read More Bhuvaraha Perumal, Srimushnam, Cuddalore
Small but beautiful old Perumal temple near in Murappanadu… Read More Lakshmi Narayana Perumal, Murappanadu, Tirunelveli
Serene Perumal temple near the banks of the Tambraparani, in Murappanadu, Tirunelveli district… Read More Dasavathara Perumal, Murappanadu, Tirunelveli
Serene Perumal temple near the banks of the Tambraparani, in Murappanadu, Tirunelveli district… Read More Anjel Srinivasa Perumal, Murappanadu, Tirunelveli
Serene Perumal temple near the banks of the Tambraparani, in Vittalapuram, Tirunelveli district… Read More Panduranga Vittaleswarar, Vittalapuram, Tirunelveli
Perumal temple on the banks of the Tambraparani… Read More Brihan Madhavan, Kodaganallur, Tirunelveli
Perumal temple on the banks of the Tambraparani, considered equal to Tirupati.… Read More Venkatachalapathi, Mela Tiruvenkatanatha Puram, Tirunelveli
One of a set of three temples considered equivalent to Kalahasti-Keezh Tirupati-Mel Tirupati, and a prarthana sthalam for prosperity… Read More Varadaraja Perumal, Keela Tiruvenkatanatha Puram, Tirunelveli
Small but beautiful ancient Perumal temple near Kalakkad… Read More Varadaraja Perumal, Kalakkad, Tirunelveli
One of the nine Nava Tirupati temples and a Divya Desam associated with Chandran, located near Tirunelveli… Read More Vijayasanar, Natham, Thoothukudi
One of the nine Nava Tirupati temples and a Divya Desam associated with Budhan, located near Tirunelveli… Read More Kaisinivendhan Perumal, Tirupuliangudi, Tirunelveli
One of the nine Nava Tirupati temples and a Divya Desam associated with Ketu, located near Tirunelveli… Read More Srinivasa Perumal, Tholaivillimangalam, Thoothukudi
One of the nine Nava Tirupati temples and a Divya Desam associated with Ketu, located near Tirunelveli… Read More Aravindalochanar, Tholaivillimangalam, Thoothukudi
Dedicated to Sani, this temple celebrates Vishnu’s victory over Asmasuran, which He achieved while dancing on the asura – this also gives the Lord His name here. There is no Navagraham shrine here, since Vishnu Himself depicts all the planetary deities. But why is this place called Balikavanam? … Read More Mayakoothar, Perunkulam, Tirunelveli
One of the nine Nava Tirupati temples and a Divya Desam associated with Sukran, located near Tirunelveli… Read More Makara Netunkuzhai Kaadar, Thenthirupperai, Thoothukudi
One of the nine Nava Tirupati temples and a Divya Desam associated with Sevvaai, located near Tirunelveli… Read More Vaithamanidhi Perumal, Tirukolur, Thoothukudi
One of the nine Nava Tirupati temples and a Divya Desam associated with Guru, located near Tirunelveli… Read More Aadinatha Perumal, Azhvartirunagari, Thoothukudi
One of the nine Nava Tirupati temples and a Divya Desam associated with Suryan, located near Tirunelveli… Read More Vaikuntanatha Perumal, Srivaikundam, Tirunelveli
9 Navagraham Perumal temples in Tirunelveli district, said to have been worshipped by Nammazhvar… Read More Nava Tirupati
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