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 10th
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 12th 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)
nice post
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