Sri Veda Narayana Perumal, Nagalapuram

ஸ்ரீ வேத நாராயண பெருமாள் கோயில், நாகலாபுரம்
Many time we travel to Tirupati via Uthukottai, but very few will have a break at Nagalapuram to visit this Temple. ( I Never had  it) But recently we exclusively planned to visit this temple, combined with Surutupalli and Thiruvallur. (3 Temples 1. Sri Veda Narayana Perumal,2. Sri Palli Kondeshwara
Swami (Lord Siva), 3. Sri Veeraraghava Perumal)

Sri Veda Narayanaswami Temple is located in Nagalapuram, 70 km south-east of Tirupati. and approx 90 KM from Chennai. Via Uthukottai.

It is believed that Lord Sri Maha Vishnu, in the form of Matsya, killed the rakshasa (demon) Somakudu here, and retrieved the Vedas from the latter. The presiding deity is Sri Veda Narayana Perumal. This temple is called Mathsya Avataara Sthalam as Lord here is seen in Mathsya Avatar, which is the first and foremost avatar (incarnation) among 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu.

The sanctum sanctorium houses an image of the Matsya form of Vishnu, with Sridevi and Bhudevi on either side. A peculiar feature of the idol is that it holds the Sudarsana Chakra in prayoga (ready for release).

The temple was constructed by Sri Krishnadeva Raya, the Vijayanagara emperor, and is a fine specimen of the Vijayanagara style of architecture.

The temple spread on a very vast area has grand Gopurams and huge prakaarams. This temple is wonderfully maintained by Thirumala Thirupathi Devasthanam with beautiful gardens along the prakaarams.

The rarity of this temple is the Surya Pooja which happens annually during the temple’s Brahmotsavam on Sukla Dwadasi, Trayodasi and Chathurdasi days of Tamil month Panguni which is approximately around last week of every March.

On the above 3 days one can witness the Sun’s rays from the horizon, entering the sanctum and falling at the Lord’s Feet on the first day, Naabhi (Navel) on the second day and Forehead on the third day, during the sunset, as the Lord here is facing towards west.

All this happens not from the ceiling or any opening in the temple, but from the entrance of the temple. The deity is about 600 meters from the main Gopuram entrance and the Sun’s rays have to pass through such a distance to fall directly on the deity.

This miracle never happens again throughout the year except these 3 days.



Main Gopuram



Also it is still not understood whether it is the architectural or astronomical brilliance by our ancestors, as this has been happening for ages from now.

This event signifies Sun God’s (Surya) Seva to the Lord to warm up his chilled body, as the Lord has been under water for many years during his war against Somukasura.

 Large numbers of people throng this temple to witness this rare event.

Inside Praharam



with my relatives



Kalayar Koil ( Arulmugi Swarnakaleeshwarar )

 

Many times, the God will make us to visit to the temple (though it's not in our itinerary) I had that oppourtunity to visit this giagantic temple at Kalayar Koil.  Its not a planned visit and i never know about this temple. One of my friend Mr. Hanife from Madurai travelling to his sisters house at Thamaraki a village near Devakottail. Fortunately i was also with him. While travelling he told so many interesting things about Karaikudi, Devekottai, etc.. during the discussion, he told about Kalayar temple and while retrun from his sister house, he took me to this temple. Ah...... After seeing the front Gopuram... astonished ... huge gopuram... tall, gigantic temple gopuram, is visible even as we enter the small hamlet.

The Swarna Kaleeswarar temple was built by Muthu Vaduga Thevar who died in the patriotic war against the British at this very place, Kalaiyar Kovil. His generals were the famous Maruthu Brothers who also died then. The temple lives on in their memory. A huge sprawling campus it epitomizes, everything that South Indian Temples stand for i. e. Wisdom, Strength and Beauty. The Wisdom of the Kings who built them, The strength of the structures themselves which have stood the test of time and lastly the beauty of the carvings and intricate detail that has been brought out in the wall frescoes and pillar decorations.

The Theppa Kulam at Kalaiyarkovil is huge and full of water!

One only wishes that these symbols of our ancient glory were preserved well instead of being allowed to become dust through sheer neglect and insensitivity!
En route to Kalaiyar Kovil is Nattarasankottai where the author of the Tamil version of Ramayan, Kambar was laid to rest. The Kannathal temple is also at Nattarasankottai.