Konerirajapuram Varadaraja Perumal

Appar in his Devaram refers to the presence of an Agraharam here

It is a different tale for two ancient chozha period temples in Konerirajapuram on the Northern banks of Keerthiman River. While Varadaraja Perumal temple has a new look with the Samprokshanam that took place last week after a gap of 16years (the previous one was in 1998), the huge Uma Maheshwarar temple that is well known for the biggest Nataraja Idol is still waiting for approval from HR & CE well over a year after plans were firmed up for renovation.

A vibrant Agraharam

Thiru Navukarasar (Appar) in his Devaram verse refers to the presence of the Agraharam here. In the last century, there were over 200families in the Nadu Agraharam opposite the Perumal temple with row of houses on both sides. A pleasing note is that a vibrant Agraharam continues to exist here with white pulli kolams seen every morning along the agraharam.

The story goes that having constructed the Uma Maheshwarar temple, the Chozha kings brought in hundreds of Brahmins from across different regions for the daily recital of Vedas and the celebration of festivals through the year. It is believed that the Varadaraja Perumal temple was constructed during this period with the Brahmins taking care of the maintenance of the temple and the performance of the daily poojas staying in the agraharam.

Majestic King like Utsava Deity

The Utsava idol, which is believed to date back over a 1000years to the Chozha period, has the majesty of a king (named as Koneri Raja Perumal) and immediately draws a devotee’s attention.

The Rama Sannidhi was a later period addition with the Rama and Sita idols believed to be around 200years old. 12day Rama Navami Utsavam is celebrated in a grand manner here at the temple with Sita Kalyanam performed on the 10^th day. On this day, Rama and Sita go out on a procession around the four streets of Konerirajapuram. Hanuman Utsavam will be celebrated on the 12^th and final day.

Moolavar Varadaraja Perumal now adorns a Gold Kavacham. The madapalli wears a new look and the two ancient vahanas too have seen a new coat of paint.

Vahanas

There are two ancient vahanas here at the temple. Garuda Vahana procession of Varadaraja Perumal takes place in Puratasi, while Rama goes on the Hanumantha Vahana procession. 

Sampath Bhattar, the hereditary priest has been here at the temple for the last 40years with his forefathers having performed pooja for Lord Varadarajan over the last 400years.

Festivals

12 day Rama Navami Utsavam Rama- Sita Kalyanam on the last day

5day Jeshtabhishekam in Aadi

Vishnu Sahasranama Parayanam on Puratasi Saturdays

30day Margazhi Utsavam ending with Andal Kalyanam

Every Ekadasi, Lord Varadarajan goes on a procession.

Quick Facts

Moolavar: Varadaraja Perumal in an East Facing Standing Posture

Thaayar  : Mahalakshmi Thaayar

Utsavar   : Koneri Raja Perumal

Time        : 630am-1130am and 5pm-830pm

Contact   : Sampath Bhattar @ 98432 09527 / 0435 2449517

  

How to reach

Konerirajapuram is 21kms East of Kumbakonam in the Kuthalam Taluk of the Nagapattinam District. From Kumbakonam, direct bus (A22) every hour to the temple. One can take the Karaikal bound bus (frequency every 15minutes), get down at S. Pudur. The temple is 3kms South of S. Pudur.

From Aduthurai railway station (express trains stop there) on the Kumbakonam-Mayavaram route, one can reach the temple via Thiru Neelakudi and S. Pudur (13kms)