Sri Vijayaasana Perumal Temple

The Thiru Varaguna Mangai Temple, located in Natham village on the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur route in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The presiding deity of the temple is Paramapatha Nathan, also known as Vijayaasana Perumal, symbolising the Lord of success. The goddess Varaguna Valli, also referred to as Varaguna Mangai, is his consort, and the temple is often more popularly known by her name. This temple is esteemed as one of the Divya Desams, a group of Vishnu temples celebrated in the hymns of the Azhwar saints. Additionally, it is part of the Nava Tirupathi, the nine Vishnu temples situated along the Thamirabarani river. Each of these temples is dedicated to one of the Navagrahas (nine planets), and the Thiru Varagunamangai Temple is associated with Chandra, the Moon. The term ‘Vijayaasana’ translates to ‘the seat of victory,’ highlighting the temple's significance as a place of success and divine favour.

Timings

Morning : 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM & Evening : 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Entry Fee

No entry fee is charged

The temple, located in Natham, is renowned for its association with Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here as Vijayasanar. The name "Varaguna Mangai" refers to the place where the Lord granted a special vision to a Brahmin Vedic scholar. Responding to the scholar's prayers, Lord Vishnu appeared as Vijayasanar. The Lord also blessed Agni, Rishi Romasa, and Satyavan with His divine darshan. Thus, the temple holds significant spiritual importance and is celebrated for these divine encounters.

Sthala Puranam :

The temple is the second of the Nava Tirupathi sthalam’s and is dedicated to Chandran (the Moon). It is also known as Varagunamangai, a name that either refers to the goddess Varagunavalli or could be derived from King Varaguna Pandyan. This name is mentioned in one of Nammazhvar’s poems.

The Sthala Puranam recounts that Perumal appeared to a devotee named Vedavit, who was performing penance near the river Reva. Pleased with Vedavit’s devotion, the Lord advised him to continue his penance in Natham. Following this guidance, Vedavit achieved a divine vision of the Lord as present in Vaikuntam and reached Paramapadam.

Sage Romaharshana, Agni, and Satyavaan also received the Lord’s darshan here. An interesting story involves a greedy fisherman who died from a snake bite. Sage Romaharshana’s disciple saw the fisherman’s soul leaving for moksha in the form of a divine light. The sage explained that the fisherman was once a king who had been reborn as a fisherman due to past karma but was redeemed by the Lord’s grace in this sacred place.

Devotees visit the temple seeking relief from obstacles related to marriage, childbirth, and education. Nammazhvar praised the Lord in his hymns, and as the Lord himself represents the planets, there are no separate Navagraha shrines. Devotees come here for relief from Navagraha dosha.

A highlight of the temple’s festivals is the Garuda Sevai Utsavam during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June). During this event, the utsava murthi’s from all nine Nava Tirupathi temples are paraded on Garuda vahanam’s, and Nammazhvar’s pasuram’s are recited. His murti is also taken through the surrounding paddy fields, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Administration:

The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu, overseeing its daily operations, rituals, and upkeep.

Overall, the Sri Vijayaasana Perumal Temple is a prominent religious and cultural landmark, showcasing the grandeur of Dravidian architecture and reflecting the rich historical heritage of the region.

Do's and Don'ts

Pray Before Pilgrimage: Offer your prayers to your Ishta Devata before embarking on your temple visit.
Contact the Temple Information Centre: Reach out to the Temple Devasthanam information centre for details about the temple, including pooja information and other inquiries.
Reserve Travel and Accommodation: Book your travel and accommodation well in advance to ensure a smooth visit.
Dress and Cleanse: Bathe and wear clean clothes before entering the temple.
Focus on the Divine: Concentrate on the deities within the temple and engage in sincere worship.
Maintain Silence: Observe silence and recite your Ishta Mantra quietly while inside the temple.
Follow Customs and Traditions: Respect and follow the ancient customs and traditions observed in the temple.
Respect Religious Sentiments: Be mindful and respectful of the religious sentiments and practices at the temple.
Offerings: Deposit your offerings in the designated hundi (offering box) only.

Avoid Non-Worship Activities: Do not visit the temple for purposes other than worship and spiritual engagement.
No Smoking: Smoking is not permitted on temple premises.
No Alcoholic Drinks: Consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited within the temple.
No Non-Vegetarian Food: Refrain from eating non-vegetarian food within the temple precincts.
No Mediators: Avoid using mediators for quick darshan as it may inconvenience other devotees.
No Weapons: Do not carry any weapons into the temple.
No Headgear: Leave helmets, caps, turbans, and hats outside the temple premises.
No Sastanga Pranama in Sanctum Sanctorum: Do not perform Sastanga Pranama (full prostration) inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Minimise Time for Sparsa Darshanam: Keep your visit brief while performing Sparsa Darshanam (touching the deity) in the Garbhagriha (inner sanctum).
Avoid Spurious Prasadams: Do not buy prasadam’s from unauthorised street vendors.
Do Not Encourage Beggars: Avoid giving alms to beggars within the temple premises.
No Spitting or Nuisance: Refrain from spitting or causing any disturbance in the temple area.

Dress Code

For Men: Wear traditional attire like dhoti or lungi with a shirt or kurta; ensure clothing is clean and modest.

For Women: Dress in traditional attire such as sarees or salwar kameez; avoid revealing or western clothing.

How to reach

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By Air: The nearest airport to the temple is Tuticorin Airport, located approximately 22 kilometres away.

By Rail: Srivaikuntam is the closest railway station to the temple. Additionally, Tirunelveli and Tuticorin are major railway stations providing access to the temple.

By Road: Tamil Nadu Tourism Department offers a guided tour covering all nine Nava Tirupathi temples. Alternatively, devotees can reach the temple using private vehicles. Tirunelveli City is the nearest to the temple.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

Thamirabarani River: The Sri Vijayaasana Perumal Temple is situated on the banks of the Thamirabarani River. This river is a major water source in the southern part of Tamil Nadu and holds significant religious importance.
Reva River: Although not directly associated with the temple, the Reva River is mentioned in the temple's legends. It is believed that Vedavi, a devotee, was meditating near this river before he was guided to the Thiru Varaguna Mangai Temple. The Reva River is another sacred river that enhances the region’s spiritual landscape.

Cities:

Tiruchendur: Located to the southeast of the temple, Tiruchendur is renowned for its famous Murugan temple, one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan. The city is an important pilgrimage destination and serves as a gateway for visitors travelling to the Sri Vijayaasana Perumal Temple.
Tirunelveli: Situated to the west of the temple, Tirunelveli is a major city known for its rich cultural and historical significance. It is a key city in Tamil Nadu with various temples and historical landmarks. Tirunelveli acts as an important urban centre close to the temple, providing access and amenities for pilgrims and visitors.
Thoothukudi (Tuticorin): Located to the south of the temple, Thoothukudi is an important port city and industrial hub. It serves as a commercial and transportation centre in the region, with facilities and infrastructure that support the pilgrimage to the Sri Vijayaasana Perumal Temple.