Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple

Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Tirukannamangai, 6 km away from Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India on the Tiruvarur-Kumbakonam highway. It is one of the “Divya Desams”, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints, or Alwars and is also one of the Panchakanna (Krishnaranya) Kshetrams. Kannan refers to Krishna, the avatar of Vishnu, while Pancha means five and Kshetrams refers to holy places.

Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple has a 5-tier rajagopuram and a vast temple complex. The prime deity, Bhaktavatsalar has an imposing image. The temple tank is situated right opposite to the temple. This shrine is also referred to as Saptamrita Kshetram (seven celebrated elements of nature), referring to seven of its elements such as Vimanam, Mandapam, aaranyam, theertham, kshetram, river and town.

History and Significance

As per Hindu legend, Once Lord Chandran had an affair with Lord Guru’s wife Thara. Lord Guru cursed him. He did penance and prayed the Lord Bhathavathsala Perumal. Lord Chandran got rid out of the curse, after taking a holy bath in the Dharsana Pushkarani at Thirukkannamangai. There is a story that Lord Shiva is safe guarding the Lord “Bakthavathsala perumal” in this temple from all the four directions.

During Mahabaratha period there lived a saint called “Romasa Maharishi”. He explained the story of the king Nalan to Pandavas and made them clear the aspects of the planet Saturn. There’s a very old bee hive in Thayar sannathi. It’s being said that great rishi’s and Yogis unable to bear to leave the god transformed themselves as bee’s and are in his company forever.

History behind the Names:

(i) Godess Mahalakshmi performed penance in the “Shree Mandapan” of this temple and after having a bath in the pushkarani she gave her hand to Bhaktavatsala perumal. Hence she is called as “Abishegavalli” and this place is also called as “Lakshmi Vanam”. There’s a very old bee hive in her sannathi. It’s being said that great rishi’s and Yogis unable to bear to leave the god transformed themselves as bee’s and are in his company forever.

(ii) Our human soul is named Jeevatma and the soul of the great god as Paramathma. In every Jeevathma paramathma lays on hidden position. To explain this and to kindle the interest of every Jeevathma to enclave itself with the Paramathma, the god Bhaktavatsala perumal transforms his soul and gives in place for the Jeevathma and hence, as the god mingles his soul with those of his disciples he is known as Bhaktaraavi perumal.

(iii) As all know, Lord Krishna is always surrounded by a group of Gobikasthree, the women of Gokulam. But in this place Lord Krishna due to Mahalakshmi’s hard penance this place is named after her Kannan’s wife (i.e.) Thiru Kanna Mangai.

Festivals

10 day festival following Chitra Poornima day in April – May is the main festival of the temple. Also every year Vaikunda Ekadesi is being celebrated especially here. Devotees who stay at this place at least for a single night would attain Mukthi, and get relieved from rebirth as per the Sthala Puranam of this temple.

Info on the deity – Specific to the temple deity

The Moolavar of this kshetram is Bhaktavatsala perumal. He also known as Bhaktaraavi perumal. The Moolavar is giving his seva in standing posture with his face facing the east. Prathyaksham for Lord Varuna and Romasa Munivar.The Thayaar found in this sthalam is Abishegavalli.

Temple Pooja Daily Schedule

Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple is open in the mornings from 7.30 am to 12.30 pm and in the evenings from 5 pm to 8.30 pm.

How to reach

Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple is 5 km from Thiruvaarur on the Kumbakonam route. It lies in the Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu and is about 25 miles from Kumbakonam, 15 miles from Thirucherai .

Near By Railway Station: Thiruvaarur Railway station

Near By Airport:   Trichy, Chennai.

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