Thirumalai Nayak period temple was home to a long Agraharam with Vaishnavites and Smarthas lining up on either side
Located
15kms from Mannargudi on the Thiruthuraipoondi road is the Thirumalai Nayak
period Varadaraja Perumal temple in Rayanallur. It is believed that Thirumalai
Nayak donated this village to the ‘Rayas’ who were working under the Nayaks.
Hence, the place came to be referred as ‘Raya’ Nallur. 2acres of land still
remains in the possession of the temple.
The
moolavar idol was installed during the Nayak period. There was a long agraharam
on the Western side of the temple with Vaishnavas living on one side and the
Smarthas on the other. Brahmins from Andhra used to take care of the Mutt at
the Western end of the Agraharam.
During
the last century, the temple had become dilapidated and the moolavar idol as well as the idol of Garuda was found when the temple was being renovated.
Kaisika
Puranam will be read out on Dec 2 this year with Vedic Scholars coming in from
Mannargudi and Vaduvur. Lord will be adorned with Thailakappu every full moon
day. The temple is also planning to conduct Brahmotsavam in a grand manner.
On
the last Friday of the Tamil month, Perundevi Thaayar goes on a procession.
A
special feature at the temple is the 18 Thirumanjanam that takes place on
special days every month.
Quick Facts
Moolavar:
Varadaraja Perumal in an East facing Standing Posture
Thaayar : Perundevi Thaayar
Time : 7am-11am and 4pm-8pm
Contact : Yathulan Bhattar @ 70943 57172
How to reach
Buses
ply every half hour from Mannargudi to Thiruthuraipoondi. The temple is just a
few minutes walk from Rayanallur bus stop
When here, also visit Kottur Srinivasa Perumal Koil
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