Sri Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple, Srirangam - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 34 km from Srirangam Railway Station, and 41 km from Trichy, Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple, also known as Sundararaja Perumal Temple is a HIndu temple situated at Anbil village in the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli in Tamilnadu. It is one of the best places to visit near Trichy, and among the must-visit tourist places in Srirangam tour .

Also known as Thiru Anbil, Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here as Sundararajan and his consort as Sundaravalli. The temple is mentioned in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the ancient Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th-9th centuries CE.

Located on the northern bank of the river Kollidam, the temple is believed to have been constructed by the Medieval Cholas of the late 8th century CE, with later contributions from Vijayanagara kings and Madurai Nayaks. Inscriptions on copper plates found in Anbil reveal the generous support provided by the Chola kings to this temple. Presently, the temple is maintained and overseen by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

According to legend, the Hindu god of creation Brahma believed that he was the most handsome individual in the world as he created all the human beings. Upon learning this, Lord Vishnu cursed Brahma to be born as an earthly being. Brahma worshiped Vishnu for deliverance from the curse. Vishnu appeared as a handsome young man in front of him. Awed by the Vishnu's personality, Brahma inquired about him. Vishnu revealed his true form and conveyed to Brahma that physical appearance is temporary and one has to be good by heart.

Constructed in the Dravidian architectural style, this temple covers an area of approximately 1.5 acres. The primary entrance of the Sundararaja Perumal Temple faces east and features a 3-tiered rajagopuram. Inside the main shrine, one can find the idol of the presiding deity Sundararaja Perumal in a reclining position on his divine serpent Adisesha. The sanctum also houses images of his consorts, Sridevi and Bhoodevi, as well as Brahma. Surrounding the sanctum are shrines dedicated to the 12 Alvars, Narasimha, Venugoplar, Lakshmi Narasimha, and Hanuman.

The temple hosts various festivals, with the Tirthavari festival in February/March and Vaikuntha Ekadashi in December/January being the most prominent celebrations.

Timings: 6 AM - 12 PM & 5 PM - 8 PM

Entry: Free