Tiruninravur Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple

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Tiruninravur (Thiruninravur) is a village located about 35 km from Chennai. It has two famous and old temples - one for Lord Shiva and another for Lord Vishnu. This article talks about the temple of Lord Vishnu - Bhaktavatsala Perumal.


Bhaktavatsala Perumal temple, originally built by the Pallava kings, is one of the 108 Divya Desam temples (the 108 most important temples of Lord Vishnu sung by Alwars). It is located at the heart of the village, next to the Shiva temple. 


As per the belief, Samudra Raja (the father of Lakshmi and the ocean king) worshiped Vishnu here. There is also a legend that states Vishnu appeared to Varuna on this site.


In the Tamil language, the word 'Tiruninravur' means the place where the Goddess Lakshmi stayed. Lord Vishnu followed the Goddess Lakshmi and remained in this town. 

As per a legend, Tirumazhisai Alwar, one of the twelve Alwars, visited this temple and left without singing about this God. After reaching Mamallapuram, he sang about this deity from there.

Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple has a beautiful tower (Rajagopuram).

The sanctum has the big icons of Vishnu, called Bhaktavatsalain the standing posture, along with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi, on either side. The utsava (processional) images of Lord Bhaktavatsala and his two consorts are also kept in the main shrine.

The flag staff, bali peetha and Garud are found facing towards the sanctum.

The temple has one corridor (prakara surrounding the main shrine) with various small shrines. 

There is a separate shrine for the Goddess named 'Ennai Petra Thayar' a beautiful Tamil word meaning 'My mother'. There are also shrines for Andal, Chakrathalwar, Adi Sesha and Mudaliyandan in the corridor. 

Near the sanctum for Bhakthavatsala Perumal, there is a small shrine for Yoga Narasimha. A pillar with the figure of Narasimha has also been made like a small shrine. 

Lord Hanuman is in a separate shrine facing the main temple outside the temple.

Happy travelling.

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