Historically one could have darshan of the Moolavar Lord from
the entrance of the temple
Not too long ago, there were 150
traditional families living in the agraharam and the entire region either side
of Tamaraibarani was vibrant. Those were the days when residents used to swim
across the Tamaraibarani to have darshan of Gajendra Varadar Perumal in
Athalanallur (http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2016/03/athalanallur-gajendra-varadaraja-perumal.html) and Narambu Nathar Swamy in
Thiru Pudai Maruthur (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2018/12/thiru-pudaimaruthur-narumbu-nathar.html).
During the last century, a number
of families migrated to Kerala to do business there while the rest continued to
stick to traditional farming around this temple town. Much later, in the 2nd
half of the previous century, they too moved to cities in Tamil Nadu seeking
greener pastures with the result the ancient temple town is left with just
traditional family. The agraharam has
lost its old vibrancy. Once in a while on festive occasions, the original
inhabitants visit the temple.
74 year old L Srinivasa
Venkataraman has spent almost his entire lifetime performing aradhana at the
temple. He belongs to the eighth generation of priests to take care of the handsome
Lord Venkatachalapathy who is seen providing darshan with a conch and chakra.
Historically the Moolavar
Sannidhi was atop a hill and one had to climb 12 steps to reach the Lord.
Right from the low lying agraharam
one could have darshan of the Moolavar through the holes in the Garudan Sannidhi.
Historically, the entire temple
town would be inundated with water when Tamaraibarani and Gadana rivers were
flooded with the overflowing rivers leaving the agraharam completely submerged.
This was also the reason for the town to be named as Ranga ‘Samudram’.
It has been a tradition for
devotees to bathe in the Tamaraibarani in the morning, observe fast through the
day and have darshan of the two perumal temples either side of the river.
Festivals
Garuda Sevai in Puratasi is the
only big festival at the temple. With the original inhabitants returning for
annual visits, it is likely that some of the historical utsavams will be
revived at this temple over a period of time. Also, with the increasing interest of the traditionalists who had left the town over the last century, the recent renovation exercise has seen infrastructure developments at the temple in the modern way with marble flooring in front of the moolavar sannidhi. A calf has been a recent addition at the temple.
Quick
Facts
Moolavar : Venkatachalapathy with Sri and Bhoo Devi in a standing
posture
Time :
6am-10am and 6pm-7pm
Contact : Srinivasa Venkatarama Bhattar @ 84382 69627
How to
reach
Bus every 30minutes to Idaikkal from
Ambai bus stand. One can get down at the entry point at Ranga Samudram and walk
half a km to the temple. Auto from the Ambai bus stand and back will cost Rs. 200/-.
9 comments:
One must have been extremely blessed to have lived in this place. A most vibrant Agrahaaram in Tirunelveli District. Saashtaanga Pranaams to our VENKATACHALAPATHI PERUMAL.
Iam fortunate to live in my younger days in this beautiful village. Though I moved to Chennai, I used to visit this village frequently especially to have a pleasant bath at Thamirabharani. There is also a sastha and Vinayagar temple at the bank of river Gadananadhi.I welcome everyone to this beautiful village. There is also a veda patasala run by Sringeri Matt in this place.
Our family was one of residents of Agraharam and every year we used to do pooja and abishikam without fail. We feel that we are comfortable because of the blessing of lord Venkiteswara
Very good place to worship
My father and mother both were native of
this village.
My dear mother is from this village. I fondly remember my summer holidays in this beautiful village with my grandparents. This temple and the powerful deity Lord Venkatachalapathy are worshiped in my family everyday 🙏🏼
My mother is from rengassmudram I had spent my childhood in that village bathing in the tambrabharani river taking pal payasam on the steps at the banks of the river. Nice time. Now the village agraharam is no more. Houses have dipilated Very sad. Only the perumal kovil is there.
I am living in this village and daily i used to go to the temple to get darshan of venkatachalapathy...
Good to know mama. I am also from the village and i recently visited the temple.
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