One of Tamil Nadu’s most well-known Vishnu temples is the Devanathaswamy Temple or Thiruvananthapuram temple. It continues to be a Divyadesam, the revered shrine that the Azhwar saints honored in their pious words. It is also referred to as the Thiruvananthapuram temple and is situated in the town of Thiruvanthipuram or Thiruvahinthipuram, close to Cuddalore. Here, both Lord Vishnu and his wife Lakshmi are worshipped as Devanathaswamy and Hemabhujavalli, respectively. As the only historically significant temple in South India with a shrine for Lord Hayagriva, the horse-faced manifestation of Vishnu, the temple is highly renowned for him. It is said that Devanathaswamy visited this temple for the benefit of Adisesha, the sage Markandeya, and Indra.
The History and Architecture of Thiruvanthipuram Temple:
According to ancestors, the Devanathaswamy Temple was built in the Dravidian architectural style by the medieval Cholas and was a favorite of the Pandya and Vijayanagar Kings. The main temple is situated alongside the Kedilam River, and a massive granite wall encloses both the temple and its water features. Although the temple faces east, its western entrance is home to the temple tower, also known as the Rajagopuram. The sanctum santorum houses Lord Devanathaswamy, while a separate shrine houses Hemabhujavalli or Senkamalavalli Thayar, who is his spouse. Lord Pallikonda Perumal, Goddess Andal, Lord Adi Kesava Perumal, and Lord Hanuman all have temples here as well. On top of a little hillside known as Oushadagiri stands the unique shrine of Lord Hayagriva.
Stories of Thiruvanthipuram Temple:
The temple is said to be relatively old and is mentioned in several ancient texts, including the Skanda Purana, the Naradiya Purana, and the Brahmanda Purana. According to mythology, certain sages once traveled to Thiruparkadal, the ocean of milk, to worship Lord Vishnu. They continued to Vaikunta, the hallowed home of Vishnu because the Lord was not there. They discovered that the Lord could only be located close to the shoreline in this area, so they set off to look for him in all the locations close to the shore. Sage Markandeya and his daughter Bhudevi were conducting penance when the sages arrived. And there, according to legend, Lord Vishnu manifested in his amazing form, complete with conch shell, chakra, and weapons.
According to ancestors, Lord Vishnu once gave his bird mount, Garuda, the assignment of bringing him fresh water from a water source known as Vraja Theertha. Without the sage’s consent, who had built the lake, Garuda entered the nether world and drew water. The sage cursed the water to become tainted since he was incensed at Garuda’s action. Adisesha, acting on Vishnu’s orders, whipped his tail on the ground to make a well as Garuda tried to calm the sage down by explaining the goal of his journey. Even now, this well water is revered and utilized for religious rituals.
Thiruvanthipuram Temple Festival:
The vehicle festival is still a significant part of the temple’s Brahmmotsavam celebration, which is held in the Chittirai month (April–May). Another significant holiday celebrated at this temple is Masi Mahotsavam. There are additional notable festivities for Aavani Pavithra Utsavavm, Sri Ramanuja Jayanthi, and Vasanth Utsavam in addition to Navarathri, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Srirama Navami, etc.
Thiruvanthipuram Temple Timing:
Temple opens from 6.00 am to 11.00 am a from 4.30 pm to 8.00pm.
Lord Hayagriva is the deity of knowledge and wisdom. In this shrine, students and individuals in search of learning, knowledge, and talents offer prayers to him. This is likewise a shrine where Lord Vishnu appeared to his followers in a beautiful avatar. People who experience challenges in their careers, families, money, health, and offspring are said to be able to pray at this temple and get heavenly benefits. To know more about different temples visit official website of liturgical temples.