Varadaraja Perumal Temple

The Varadharaja Perumal Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is located in Pasupathi Koil, Papanasam Taluk, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu. The main deity is Varadharaja Perumal, and the goddess is Perundevi Thayar. This temple is associated with the Kettai Nakshatra star and is known as the Kettai Star Temple. Periya Nambi achieved salvation here.

Timings

7am-9am and 5pm-8pm.

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Kulothunga Chola, a Chola king, demanded that his people sign a document declaring Lord Shiva as the greatest deity. A Vaishnavite devotee refused and suggested the king ask Ramanuja to sign instead. The king then summoned Ramanuja.

KoorathAzhvaan, a disciple of Ramanuja, worried about the king's anger and his teacher's safety, disguised himself as Ramanuja and went to the king's court with his teacher, Periya Nambi. As expected, KoorathAzhwan refused to sign. The king, realising the disguise, ordered his eyes to be plucked out. KoorathAzhvaan removed his own eyes using his nails to avoid the king's men touching him. The king's men also plucked out the eyes of the elderly Periya Nambi.

Periya Nambi, who was 105 years old, struggled to reach Srirangam. Lord Varadaraja Perumal appeared to him at Pasupathi Koil and granted him Moksha (salvation).

Later, Ramanuja is believed to have come to Pasupathi Koil and built the temple and shrine for Periya Nambi.

Do's and Don'ts

Dress Modestly: Wear traditional or modest clothing, covering shoulders and knees.
Maintain Cleanliness: Remove footwear and wash hands and feet before entering.
Be Respectful: Speak softly, observe silence, and follow customs.
Follow Rituals: Participate sincerely in rituals and prayers.
Respect Timings: Visit during prescribed hours for darshan and pooja.
Use Designated Areas: Place donations in the hundi and follow photography rules.
Listen to Instructions: Follow directions from temple authorities and priests.

Avoid Disruptive Behaviour: No loud conversations or inappropriate conduct.
Respect Sanctity: No non-vegetarian food, alcohol, or tobacco products.
Limit Photography: No photography or mobile use where prohibited.
No Littering: Use designated dustbins for waste.
Prohibited Items: No weapons or large bags inside the temple.
Respect Deity: Do not touch the deity or offerings without permission.

Dress Code

Men:

Traditional Attire: Dhoti (veshti) with or without a shirt.
Modest Clothing: Long pants if traditional attire is not worn.
Upper Garments: Avoid wearing t-shirts with offensive graphics. Wearing a traditional angavastram (shoulder cloth) is preferred.

Women:

Traditional Attire: Saree or half-saree.
Modest Clothing: Salwar kameez or long skirts with a modest top.
Covering: Shoulders and knees must be covered.

How to reach

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By Air: Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (Trichy). Approximately 60 km.Taxis and buses are available from the airport to Pasupathi Koil.
By Train: Nearest Railway Station: Thanjavur Railway Station. Approximately 20 km. Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and local buses are available from the railway station to Pasupathi Koil.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

Kaveri River: One of the major rivers in Tamil Nadu, flowing close to Thanjavur and providing water for agriculture and other purposes.
Vennar River: A distributary of the Kaveri River, flowing through the Thanjavur district and contributing to the region’s irrigation system.

Cities:

Thanjavur: Approximately 20 km from Pasupathi Koil, Thanjavur is known for its rich cultural heritage, including the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Kumbakonam: Around 30 km away, Kumbakonam is famous for its temples, including the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple and the Sarangapani Temple.
Tiruchirappalli (Trichy): About 60 km from the temple, Trichy is known for the Rockfort Temple and the Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam.
Nagapattinam: Approximately 80 km away, this coastal city is known for its temples and churches, including the famous Nagore Dargah.