The Sri Vidhya Rajagopalaswamy Temple was first constructed by Kulothunga Chola I in the 10th century. The temple was later expanded by Chola Kings Rajaraja Chola III and Rajendra Chola III, and further by the Thanjavur Nayaks during the 16th century.
The temple has three inscriptions from these periods and mentions in religious texts. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines and seven of its nine bodies of water. The temple has a 192 ft rajagopuram, the temple's gateway tower.
Haridra Nadhi, the temple tank, is outside the temple complex and is considered one of the largest temple tanks in India. The place Mannargudi is termed Sri Rajathi Raja Chathurvedhi Mangalam, and the town started to grow around the temple.
Successive kings of the Chola empire and kings of Thanjavur Nayaks expanded the temple. The temple contains inscriptions of the Hoysala kings and some Vijayanagara grants, and many records of the later Nayaks and Marathas. The Thanjavur Nayaks made the temple their dynastic and primary shrine and made significant additions.
The current temple structure, hall of 1000 pillars, main gopuram, and the big compound wall around the temple were built by the king Vijayaraghava Nayak. The Nayaks were especially interested in music, which was promoted in both the temples.
| Day | Timings |
|---|---|
| Monday |
6:00 AM – 12:00 PM 4:00 PM – 9:05 PM |
| Tuesday |
6:00 AM – 12:00 PM 4:00 PM – 9:05 PM |
| Wednesday |
6:00 AM – 12:00 PM 4:00 PM – 9:05 PM |
| Thursday |
6:00 AM – 12:00 PM 4:00 PM – 9:05 PM |
| Friday |
6:00 AM – 12:00 PM 4:00 PM – 9:05 PM |
| Saturday |
6:00 AM – 12:00 PM 4:00 PM – 9:05 PM |
| Sunday |
6:00 AM – 12:00 PM 4:00 PM – 9:05 PM |
| Pooja Name | Timings |
|---|---|
| Viswaroopa Pooja (kalyana avasaram) | 06:00 AM to 06:30 AM IST |
| Thiruvanandal pooja | 08:00 AM to 08:30 AM IST |
| Kalasandhi pooja | 09:30 AM to 10:00 AM IST |
| Uchikkala Pooja | 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM IST |
| Sayaraksha Pooja (Evening) | 06:00 PM to 06:30 PM IST |
| Thiruvaradanam (Night Pooja) | 07:30 PM to 08:00 PM IST |
| Ardhajama Pooja | 08:45 PM to 09:00 PM IST |
Mannargudi is well-connected by road to major towns in Tamil Nadu. State Transport Buses and private taxis operate regularly.
Nearest railway stations: Mannargudi Railway Station and Thanjavur Railway Station. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Mannargudi.
Nearest airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Mannargudi via connecting cities.
The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall.