Significance of Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple | Fusion - WeRIndia

Located in the village of Thiruvellarai in Tamil Nadu, the Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Constructed in the Dravidian architectural style, this temple is believed to have been built over 15 lakh years ago by Sibi Chakravarthy, the king of Ayodhya. Notably, it predates the famous Srirangam temple.

The Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple holds great significance as one of the 108 Divyadesams, which are Vishnu temples mentioned in the works of Tamil poet-saints known as Azhwars.

It is also the birthplace of Uyyakondar, a follower of Ramanuja, and Thirukurukai Piran Pillan, the second son of Periya Thirumalai Nambi.

To receive the blessings of Sri Pundarikaksha Perumal, devotees must climb 18 stairs, symbolizing the 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita.

Additionally, at the entrance of the gopuram, there are four more stairs representing the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.

As devotees proceed, they encounter the Bali Peetam and climb five stairs representing the Pancha Bhootas (Fire, Earth, Water, Sky, and Air) in Hinduism.

The Garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) features two entryways, Utharayana Gate and Dakshinayana Gate.

Devotees then ascend eight stairs representing the Ashta-aksharam, the eight-syllable chant ‘Om Namo Naaraayanaaya’.

Finally, they reach the twenty-four stairs, symbolizing one of the revered Gayathri Mantras.

It is believed that seeking blessings from Sri Pundarikakshan at this temple makes one eligible for liberation.

Additionally, there is a custom where childless couples visit the temple and take a holy dip in the temple tanks during the Tamil month of Karthigai to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu for fertility.

The Thiruvellarai temple stands as a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Tamil Nadu.

Its intricate architectural details and the spiritual significance attached to each element within the temple premises attract devotees from far and wide.

As they climb the stairs, representative of various scriptures and spiritual concepts, they embark on a journey of faith and devotion, seeking the divine grace of Lord Vishnu.

Image Credit: Ssriram mt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Thiruvellarai_%2813%29.jpg