This
Sri Ventachalapathy temple at Krishnapuram is on the way to Thiruchendur from
Tirunelveli. This place is named after Krishnappa Nayaka, one of the Vijayanagara
Nayaka Kings who constructed this Temple. This temple is famous for its
beautiful pillar sculptures. Tamil Nadu Government had made improvements in
this temple from a tourist point of view.
Moolavar : Sri Venkatachalapathy
Thayar : Sri Alarmelmangai Thayar, Sridevi and Bhudevi.
Some
of the salient features of this temple are….
The
temple faces east with a mandapam. The stucco image of Sri Venkatachalapathy is
on the top of the mandapam. The Rajagopuram is of 4 tiers. Balipeedam,
Dwajasthambam, and Garudan are in front of Rajagopuram. Dwarapalakas are at the
entrance of ardha mandapam. Moolavar is with Sri Devi and Bhudevi. Utsavars are
in front of Moolavar.
In
praharam Sri Alarmelmangai Thayar, Varamangai Thayar (Padmavathy Thayar), Viswaksenar,
Alwars, Andal and Nagars. Thayars are in separate temples like sannidhis in
sitting postures with abhaya varada hastam.
ARCHITECTURE
The
temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam maha mandapam,
Vasantha mandapam, and mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a pada
bandha adhistanam with jagathy, three patta kumudam, and pattikai. Brahmakantha
pilasters are in the Bhitti with kalasam, kudam, lotus petals mandi, palakai,
Vettu pothyal. Floral designs are in the deva koshtam. The mahara thoranas have
the bas reliefs of Maha Vishnu’s various forms like Yoga Narasimhar, Narayanar,
etc,. The prastaram consists of valapi
kapotam with nasi kudus. A one tala bricks vesara vimanam is on the bhumidesam.
Maha Vishnu’s various forms are in the tala and greeva kostams. The Vimanam is
called as Mayakooda Vimanam.
The
Rajagopuram is of 5 tiers, built stone up to prastaram. The kalkaram is on two
levels with sculptures of Maha Vishnu’s various forms. There are no images in
talas.
Both
Thayar Sannidhis are separate temples with sanctum sanctorum, Vimanam,
ardha mandapam, and open mukha mandapam.
In
Ranganatha mandapam ( Dwajasthamba Mandapam ) pillars has the beautiful sculptures of குறவன் ராஜகுமாரியைக் கடத்துதல், கொடைவள்ளல் கர்ணன், அர்ஜுனர் தவம், குறத்தி ராஜகுமாரனைக் கடத்துதல் & நடோடி நடன மங்கை.
The
mandapam before the ardha mandapam pillars has beautiful sculptures of of
Rathi, Manmathan, Warrior, Purusha mrugam fights with Beema, Annamachariayar, Agora
Veerabhadra, etc,. The ceiling beams have bas reliefs/images
of Maha Vishnu’s various temples with various postures.
Purusha Mrugam fights with Beema
Purusha Mrugam fights with Beema
Thumburu
Annamachariayar
HISTORY
AND INSCRIPTIONS
The
present temple was reconstructed during Madurai Nayakas, Krishnappa Nayaka (1564-
72 CE ) son of Viswanatha Nayaka, who was the founder of Madurai Nayakas and
this place is being called in the name of Krishnappa Nayaka. As per the
inscriptions, this place was called Krishnapuram, and Maha Vishnu is called Thiruvenkatanatha Thevar.
The
Vijayanagara King Srirangathevar Maharayar 1578 – 1586 CE inscription records
that Veerappa Nayaka, gave a gift to Thiruvenkatanathar, in the name of his father
Krishnappa Nayakar.
Veera
Sri Sathasivatheva Maharayar ( 1485 – 1563 CE ) period inscription records the
gift of Ariyakulam, Kodikkulam, Bhudhaneri, and
some Villages to this temple by Krishnappa Nayaka.
As per copper plate inscriptions, 1567 CE,
as requested by Krishnappa Nayaka, Sathasivatheva Maharayar had given some gifts
to this temple.
The
temple was with three praharas. This temple also suffered during the Muslim
invasion. As per the order of Arcot Nawabs, the stones of the destroyed
praharam were used for the construction of the Palayamkottai fort.
Ref
:
1. நெல்லை கட்டபொம்மன் மாவட்டம் கையேடு, Published by Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department.
2. As
a part to attract tourists, many works are carried out at a cost of 42.40 lakhs
on 24th July 2010, by the Tamil Nadu Government’s HR & CE
Department.
LEGENDS
It
is believed that this Venkatachalapathy temple is equivalent to Tirupati, those who cannot travel to Tirupati can offer at this temple also.
POOJAS
AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart
from regular poojas as per vaikhanasa agama, special poojas are conducted on
Vaikunta ekadasi,
TEMPLE
TIMINGS
The
temple will be kept open between 07.00 hrs to 11.30 hrs and 17.30 hrs to
20.00 hrs.
CONTACT
DETAILS
The
mobile number +91 7947431306 may be contacted for further details.
HOW
TO REACH
This
temple is 15 km from Tirunelveli Junction, 46 km from Thiruchendur, and 67 km from Tenkasi.
Nearest
railway Station is Tirunelveli.
LOCATION
OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
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OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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