Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Shenbagaramanallur Jagannathan Perumal Temple

An ancient 14th Century AD temple similar in size to Mannar Koil 
Exquisite Sculptures similar to Krishnapuram Temple
 
Located 10kms east of Nanguneri Thothadri Nathan Divya Desam in a remote village is the 14th Century AD Jagannathan Perumal Temple in Shenbaga Rama Nallur, a temple almost similar in size to the Mannar Koil near Ambasamudram and the Nambi Divya Desam in Thiru Kurungudi with huge outer walls, built during the Chera period.

The Story
The story goes that Udaya Marthanda Varma’s descendent (Shenbaga) Rama Varma built this temple. Having visited Lord Jagannathan at Puri, he was on his way back. With flash floods striking this region, he halted here for the night at this village.


It is believed that Puri Lord Jagannathan appeared in his dreams and directed him to build a similar temple here at this place. An invisible voice the next morning showed him the exact spot for building the Garuda Sannidhi and installed the East Facing idol of Jagannathan with Sri and Bhoo Devi with Dwarapalakas at the entrance.

A separate sannidhi for Shenbagavalli Nachiyar was also built South of Jagannatha Perumal Sannidhi.

In recognition of his contribution to the temple, one finds an idol of Shenbaga Rama Varma at the entrance.

Inscriptions
There are several inscriptions inside the temple that date back to the 14th   century

Exquisite Sculpture
At the main Eastern entrance are artistic sculptures of Rathi and Manmatha, similar to the ones found at Krishnapuram temple, 13kms east of Tirunelveli (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2007/07/non-divya-desam-temple-tale.html)
 
It is believed that lot of grants were given to the temple in centuries gone by with over 130acres of land still in its possession.

Prarthana Sthalam
In the inner prakara is a Lakshmi Narayana Sannidhi. Belief is that lighting a ghee lamp on a lemon on Tuesday/Friday will fulfil one’s wishes. Thirumanjanam and Kalyana Utsavam is performed on special days at the special Mandapam erected on the Eastern side.

In the last 40years, Gopala Bhattar has been taking care of the temple all by himself without much of a salary. He has installed a bore well to improve the water facility at the temple. He has also installed new vahanas that carry the lord out on the grand processions in Thai.

Currently, two time pooja takes place at the temple every day.

The gopuram at the Eastern Entrance remains a Mottai Gopuram with the Chera King not being able to complete the Raja Gopuram.


Festivals
10day Brahmotsavam Utsavam in Thai
Chitrai Thiruvonam Utsavam
Chitrai Pournami Utsavam

Quick Facts
Moolavar         : Jagannathan East Facing Standing Posture
Thayar             : Shenbagavalli Thayar
Time                : 630am-10am and 430pm-8pm
Contact                        : Gopalan Bhattar / Srinivasan Bhattar @ 94861 34755/87543 58489

How to reach

Ananthapuri Express stops at Nanguneri. From Nanguneri, an auto to the temple will cost Rs. 150-200. Also, share auto/share van run every hour. Bus ply every hour from Nanguneri towards Moolaikaripetti. One can get down at the Shenbagaramanallur junction – 2kms away- and take a local auto to the temple (Rs.50).

6 comments:

ravichandran said...

wonderful temple .every body should visit atleast once in life time.only jegannatar temple in south Tamilnadu.

C.Subramani Bharathi said...

Yes indeed a wonderful architect in both Perumal & Shivan Kovil.....would definitely recommend to visit and get the blessing of Jagannatha Perumal.

Bhavani K said...

It is a classic ancient temple with magnificent structures.It gives such a good vibes.

Unknown said...

Last week my family visited the temple and made a phone call to gopala bhatar to clearly know about the temple timings. I came to know that the above mentioned information was true that the temple has been taken care by himself for more than 40 years in his small income. To help him I made a call to hindu religious and charitable endowment helpline 04428339999 and made a grievance for the maintenance of temple. I also kindly request everybody to make a call to the helpline number if you also feel that the temple need maintenance.

Anonymous said...

The temple is recently done with Kumbabishekham and well maintained visited today .

Anonymous said...

sir udhaya marthanda varma is not a chera king .He is the founder of tranvancore samasthanam
and its founder.