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Legends Beliefs
The Markandeya Purana details the history of the temple. Sage Salihotra, an ardent devotee of Vishnu, offered food and shelter to Vishnu disguised as a guest. Vishnu revealed his true form and blessed the sage. Another legend states that Vishnu appeared to marry Lakshmi, born as the daughter of King Dilipa.According to another legend, Shiva incurred Brahmahatti Dosham after killing Daksha. He was directed to the temple's sacred tank to cleanse himself. The shrine of Shiva as Theertheswarar is believed to be where Shiva purified himself.
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Deities and Sub Deities
The main deity, Veeraraghava Swamy, is in a recumbent position facing east. His right hand blesses Sage Salihotra, and his left hand preaches to Brahma. The Vimanam is called Vijayakoti Vimanam. The consort, Kanakavalli Thayar, has a shrine parallel to the sanctum.Other shrines include those for Ganesha, Alvars, Gajalakshmi Thayar, Ranganatha, and Hanuman. The temple tank, Hritayathabhanasini, is believed to have medicinal effects. The temple also has a Goshala (cow shed).
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Offerings
Devotees offer small metal sheets with specific human organs engraved on them, seeking cures for ailments. Abishekam, the sacred ablution, is done with sandalwood oil. Offerings include Puliyodharai (Tamarind Rice), Dhadhyannam (Curd Rice), Pongal, Chakkarai Pongal, Vada, Adhirasam, and Murukku.Devotees believe that worshipping Veeraraghava Perumal can cure incurable diseases. The water in the temple tank is considered more sacred than the Ganga and is believed to relieve sins.
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Architecture
The temple follows Dravidian architecture and has a five-tiered Rajagopuram. The presiding deity is in a recumbent position, and the Vimanam is called Vijayakoti Vimanam. The temple has separate shrines for Kanakavalli, Ganesha, Alvars, and Gajalakshmi Thayar.The temple tank, Hritayathabhanasini, is located to the west and is believed to have medicinal properties. The Vellikilamai Mandapam, a four-pillared black stone hall, displays the festival images of the deities every Friday.
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Festivals
The temple observes six daily rituals and three yearly festivals. The Chariot Festival and Float Festival during the Tamil month of Chittirai are the most prominent. Other festivals include Vaikunta Ekadasi, Krishna Jayanthi, Navratri, and Vijayadasami.During the Tamil month of Chittirai, Brahmotsavam, a 10-day festival, is celebrated. The festival deity is taken in procession around the temple streets in different mounts each day. The float festival is celebrated on the last day.
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Religious Practices
The temple follows the traditions of the Vadakalai sect of Vaishnavite tradition and Pancharatram agama. The temple priests perform pujas four times a day: Kalasanthi, Uchikalam, Sayarakshai, and Ardha Jamam. Each ritual includes alangaram, neivethanam, and deepa aradanai.During the last step of worship, nagaswaram and tavil are played, and religious texts are recited. Devotees prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. Weekly, monthly, and fortnightly rituals are also performed.