Sethu Narayana Perumal Temple, Virudunagar

Address

Sethu Narayana Perumal Temple

Vathirairuppu (Watrap).

Virudunagar District – 626132.

Moolavar

Sethu Narayana Perumal

Amman

Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi

Introduction

The Sethu Narayana Perumal Temple is located in the Nadu Agraharam area of Vathirairuppu, in Virudhunagar district. The name ” Vathirairuppu” is believed to have evolved from “Vattraa Irupu”, as the water bodies in the village never dry up. The temple is said to have been constructed by Alagar Iyengar, a resident of Vathirairuppu, and is believed to be approximately 400 years old.

The temple houses the presiding deity Sethu Narayana Perumal, along with the shrines of Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi, and also includes sub-shrines for Chakrathazhwar, Hanuman, and Garuda Azhwar. The temple also has a temple chariot (ratha).

Only one pooja per day is conducted in accordance with the Pancharatra Agama tradition. The Aavani festival celebrated here holds special significance.

Puranic Significance 

During the time of the Mahabharata, one of the Pandavas, Arjuna, undertook a holy pilgrimage. When he reached this region, he saw the local people suffering due to a severe shortage of water. Moved by compassion, Arjuna decided to help them. He took his bow and shot an arrow into the ground. The arrow pierced the earth, and from that spot, a spring of water gushed forth. This spring gradually grew into a flowing river, which came to be known as “Arjunan River” by the local people in honor of the divine intervention.

In another legend, Goddess Mahalakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, once asked the sages where on earth she could perform penance. The sages directed her to this sacred land. Upon arriving here and beholding the beauty and sanctity of the place, Mahalakshmi’s face blossomed with joy. Because her face brightened with delight, the place came to be known as Sri Vakthrapuram (Sri – Mahalakshmi, Vakthram – face, Puram – place).

According to sacred lore, Mahalakshmi performed penance here and later proceeded to Thiruthangal, a nearby town, where she married Lord Mahavishnu. As this is the land where Goddess Mahalakshmi performed her penance, it is believed that those who worship here are blessed with wealth and prosperity, and those awaiting marriage receive divine grace for a suitable alliance.

Special Features

At this temple, the auspicious occasion of Vaikuntha Ekadashi is celebrated every year with great devotion and spiritual fervour. On this sacred day, the Vaikuntha Dwaram opened for devotees.

The celebrations begin in the early hours of the morning at 3:00 AM, with a grand Thirumanjanam and special abhishekam offered to the Moolavar and the Utsava idols of the Alwars. This is followed by elaborate aaradhanai.

Sacred hymns from the Naalayira Divya Prabandham and Andal’s Thiruppavai are chanted, filling the temple with divine vibrations. After the rituals, Setu Narayana Perumal emerges in a magnificent procession through the Vaikuntha entrance, adorned in grand decorations, and offers darshan to all the devotees.

This divine event draws large gatherings of devotees who seek the blessings of Lord Narayana for salvation, peace, and prosperity.

Century/Period

400 Years Old

Nearest Bus Station

watrap

Nearest Railway Station

Srivilliputtur

Nearest Airport

Madurai

Location on Map

lightuptemple