History:

& Legends: Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple is located in Thiruvellarai located in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is consider one of the most ancient temples of the state. The temple is believed to have been built by Pandavas as per the legend, when they were in exile. The presiding deity of the temple is Sri Pundarikakshan, who is believed to be a form of Lord Vishnu. This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desam temples and is said to have been constructed in the early part of 10th century by the Chola kings. The temple is believed to have been built to commemorate the victory of the Cholas in the battle of Thiruvellarai. It is one of the best temple in TamilNadu which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple located in Thiruvellarai, Tamil Nadu. 2. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divya Desams. 3. It is believed that Lord Vishnu resides as Sri Pundarikakshan in this shrine. 4. The main deity of the temple is the Utsava moorthy Sri Chakrateertha Perumal, which is a beautiful form of Lord Vishnu. 5. This temple is mentioned in Vaishnava works such as Divya Prabandham, Thirupukazh and other Tamil texts. 6. The temple has four divisions called Gopuram, Sthalam, garbhagraha and Mukha mandapam. 7. The temple is considered to be of great significance to Vaishnavites as it has the longest Lord Vishnu Vigraha. 8. There are separate shrines for Lord Anjaneya and Lord Garuda in the temple. 9. The temple has an ancient tank called Chakra Teertha Theertham and a Sanctorum for Lord Venugopalan. 10. The Main Festivals celebrated in this temple are Tamil New Year, Vaikunta Ekadashi, Thiruveetrirundam, Pavitrotsavam, Thirukalyana Utsavam and Varalakshmi Vratam. Here are some facts about the TamilNadu temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in TamilNadu

Worship Method:

The worshipping method of Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple, often referred to as "Vellarai Koil" by locals, is largely based on standard Vaishnava practices. As a standard in Hindu temples of TamilNadu, prior to the main pooja, devotees are required to bathe and change into temple friendly attire. After the pre-rituals are done, the worship of Sri Pundarikakshan (Perumal) includes offering of flowers, fruits, incense and lamps, Pooja (ritualistic worship) of Veda mantras (hymns) with each of the five elements and offering of naivedhya (sacred food). The Vellarai Koil is considered to be a very sacred and important temple in the state of TamilNadu and is known to attract numerous pilgrims and devotees on a daily basis. As a special ritual, people of the surrounding villages gather together on the day of the annual festival (Swathi) to celebrate and pay homage to the holy abode. Since the temple is located close to a miniature river, a special ceremony is performed around it every full moon day by floating delicately crafted lamps in the water. Offerings of food are also sent to the river to thank the sacred deity and keep it clean and holy. The priests of the temple also conduct special pujas (rituals) to appease the presiding deity on the day of the annual festival. This most visited temple in TamilNadu

Opening Timing:

The Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM on all days of the week. top temples in TamilNadu

How to reach:

The Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple located in Thiruvellarai village of Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu is located about 24 km away from Kumbakonam. One can reach this temple by taking public transport facility from Kumbakonam town. The nearest airport offering closest connectivity with the temple is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (107 km away). The closest railway station to the temple is from which regular trains connect to this temple is the Kumbakonam railway station. famous temples in TamilNadu