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Veera Narayana Perumal Temple

The Sri Veera Narayana Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in the town of Kattumannarkoil, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is believed to be over 1300 years old and is one of the Divya Desams, or holy shrines, mentioned in the Tamil Vaishnava canon. The temple is known for its exquisite architecture and its beautiful sculptures. The main deity of the temple is Lord Veera Narayana Perumal, who is depicted standing in a majestic posture. The idol of the Lord is made of black granite and is adorned with gold and jewels. The consort of Lord Veera Narayana Perumal is Goddess Maragathavalli Thayar, who is also enshrined in the temple.

Timings

6 AM to 11-30 AM and 5 PM to 8-30 PM

Entry Fee

No Entry Fee

  1. Goddess Mahalakshmi was born to Jhirumbana Raja Maharishi as per his prayers. 
  2. When she attained the marriage age, a Swayamvaram was conducted and Lord Narayanan Himself, came in His Garuda Vahana, picked Her up, defeating the other Kings who attacked Him in the process. Since Shriman Narayanan showed valour (veeram) here, He came to be called Veera Narayana Perumal Temple.
  3. There are references to the place as "Veera Narayanan Vinnagaram" during the Chola dynasty, particularly King Paranthaka Chola I's reign (early 10th century).
  4. He's credited with establishing a village named "Veera Narayana Sathurvethi Mangalam" for scholars well-versed in the Vedas. This village eventually became Kattumannarkoil.
  5. King Parantaka Chola I, during his rule (907 to 935 AD), formed this biggest tank of Tamilnadu to improve the Irrigation facilities in and around Chidambaram (which now feeds Chennai as well), and named it as ‘Veera Narayanan Eri’, now called Veeranam Eri.
  6. ‘Veera Narayanan’ is the nickname given to him for his Valour. He also formed a village called Veera Narayana Chathurvethi Mangalam. This Village was gifted to the Scholars who were well versed in the four Vedas.
  7. This Village is now called as Kattumannarkoil which is situated in the right flank of Veeranam Tank.
  8. Parantaka Chola 1 converted this brick temple to granite construction. Sadaya Varman Sundara Pandian renovated the temple completely and installed the present deity Sri Veeranarayana Perumal in the 13th century AD.
  9. Kattumannarkoil, with the blessings of Veera Narayana Perumal of Kattumannarkoil brought back the lost “Nalayira Divya Prabandham”, Vaishnava verses back to the world.
  10. The temple holds special importance for Vaishnavism as the birthplace of Saint Nathamuni (824 AD), a key figure in reviving the tradition. 
  11. His grandson, Saint Alavandar, was also born here, further solidifying the temple's connection to Vaishnava philosophy.


Do's and Don'ts

  1. Dress modestly: Men should wear dhoti, kurta, or pants with a shirt. Women should wear sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts with a top that covers the shoulders.
  2. Maintain cleanliness: It is customary to bathe and wear clean clothes before entering the temple.
  3. Be respectful: Show respect towards the deities, priests, and other devotees.
  4. Switch off electronics: Silence your phone and avoid using cameras inside the sanctum (inner sanctum where the main deity resides). Photography might be restricted in certain areas, so be sure to check signage or ask a temple staff member.
  5. Offer prayers or offerings: You can bring flowers, fruits, or sweets to offer at the temple.
  6. Leave footwear outside: There will be designated areas near the entrance to leave your shoes.


  1. Smoke or chew tobacco: Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the temple complex.
  2. Litter: Dispose of waste bins properly.
  3. Be loud or disruptive: Maintain a peaceful demeanour while inside the temple.
  4. Touch the deities: Admire the idols from a distance.


Dress Code

For men:

A dhoti is the traditional attire for men.

A white shirt or kurta can also be worn.

Avoid wearing shorts, jeans, or any other revealing clothing.


For women:

A sari is the traditional attire for women.

A salwar kameez or a long skirt and top can also be worn.

Women are expected to cover their shoulders and knees.

How to reach

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By Air: The nearest airport to Kattumannarkoil is the Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), which is about 123 kilometres away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kattumannarkoil.


By Train: The nearest railway station is Chidambaram Railway Station, approximately 25 kilometres away from Kattumannarkoil. You can take a taxi or a local bus from the station to reach the temple.


By Road:

  1. From Chennai: Kattumannarkoil is about 260 kilometres from Chennai. You can drive or take a bus from Chennai to Chidambaram, and then take a local bus or taxi to Kattumannarkoil.
  2. From Trichy: The distance from Trichy to Kattumannarkoil is around 123 kilometres. You can drive or take a bus to Chidambaram, and then use local transport to reach Kattumannarkoil.
  3. From Chidambaram: Local buses and taxis are available from Chidambaram to Kattumannarkoil. The journey by road takes about 30-45 minutes.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

  1. Kattumannarkoil is surrounded by paddy fields that look stunning when irrigated. The road runs along the side of the Cauvery Canal from Lalpet village to Kumaratchi and is approximately 8.5 kilometres long towards Chidambaram. It would be a wonderful experience to travel with the chillness of Canal water.
  2. Veeranam Lake is a major tank attached to Chidambaram Division of South Arcot. PWD circle and the Lalpet Section of PWD is in charge of the maintenance and operation of irrigation systems of this tank. The tank provides the 35% of water requirement to the city of Chennai.
  3. Chidambaram: Chidambaram is a temple town situated about 25 km southwest of Kattumannarkoil. It is famous for the Thillai Nataraja Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  4. Srimushnam: Srimushnam is a town located about 25 km east of Kattumannarkoil. It is known for the Adisvara Temple, one of the oldest Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu.
  5. Gangaikonda Cholapuram: Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a town located about 25 km northeast of Kattumannarkoil. It was the capital of the Chola Empire during the 11th century and is famous for the Brihadeeswarar Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.