Vanamamalai Perumal Temple Story – Where Vishnu Manifested by Himself
Sri Vanamamalai Perumal Temple is a very old Hindu temple
situated at Nanguneri, in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, on the banks of
river Thamiraparani. This temple is dedicated to Bhagavan Vishnu and his
consort Sri Varamangai Thayar. It is counted among the 108 Divya Desams, the
holy Vishnu shrines that are sung by the Alwar saints in their hymns. Also this
temple is included in the group of eight Swayamvyakta Kshetras, meaning the
places where Vishnu is believed to have appeared on his own, without being
installed by any human or deva.
Sri Vanamamalai Perumal Temple Story
Many old stories are connected with this place. It is said
that Apsaras Urvasi and Tilottama, two celestial dancers, did penance here for long
time and by the grace of Bhagavan Vishnu they got liberation. Even today, in the
sanctum, they are shown near the deity, holding camaras (fans) and serving him,
as a mark of their devotion.
Another belief is about Bhudevi, the earth goddess. After the earth got polluted because of the remains of the demons Madhu and Kaitabha, she came to this place and did penance to become pure again, and Bhagavan Vishnu gave her his blessings.
Adisesa, the great serpent who serves as bed of Vishnu, also
worshipped him at this place, asking for the boon that he can serve the
Bhagavan forever. This connection with Adisesha is why the place got the name
Nanguneri, said to come from "Naganai-seri", meaning the place of the
serpent's bed.
There is also a belief regarding Lakshmi. She is said to have manifested here in her form as Thiruvaramangai, even before her divine union with Bhagavan Vishnu. Because of this, the place is also called Srivaramangai or Thiruvaramangalam, and the goddess of this temple is worshipped with much reverence as Varamangai Thayar.
Importance and Symbolism
Being one of the Swayamvyakta Kshetras gives this temple a
unique place among Vishnu shrines, because the deity here is not man-made or
consecrated through ordinary rituals, but self-manifested. This makes devotees
feel that the divine presence is very natural and direct in this place. The
stories of Urvasi, Tilottama, Bhudevi and Adisesa show that this land was
chosen by many celestial beings for penance and purification, giving the temple
a deep spiritual meaning of forgiveness, service and surrender.
A Short Note on the Temple
The temple follows Dravidian style of temple building, common to old Tamil Nadu temples, with tall gopuram, big prakarams and mandapams. It has connection with the Vanamamalai Mutt, an important religious institution of Sri Vaishnava tradition, which still guides many religious practices related to this temple. The temple is also praised in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the collection of hymns composed by the Alwar saints between 6th and 9th century, which gives this shrine a literary and historical importance apart from its religious value.
Sri Vanamamalai Perumal Temple stands as a place where many divine stories meet together – penance, purification, service and divine union. For the devotees of Sri Vaishnava tradition, a visit here is not only a pilgrimage but also a way to connect with centuries old belief and history of Bhagavan Vishnu's grace on this land.