Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Thirubhuvanai – The Temple

Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Thirubhuvanai – The Temple

The Temple is constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is a storehouse of Chola architecture and believed to have been built by Parantaka I. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines. The temple has a flat Rajagopuram, the temple's gateway tower. The temple is facing east with an entrance arch. Palipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Garudalvar are immediately after the entrance arch.

The sanctum sanctorum consists of a sanctum, antarala and an open mukha mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Thothadri Perumal and is facing east. Utsavar is Varadharaja Perumal. The sanctum houses the image of Varadaraja Perumal in standing posture 5 ft. (1.5 m) is made of granite sporting four arms. Two of his arms hold the conch and Chakra, while the other two sport Abayamudra and Kadahasta. The images of Sridevi and Bhudevi are located on either of his side.

The Ardha mandapam is guarded by two Dwarapalas on either side. The temple was constructed like a Mada temple with steps to climb. The Athistanam of the sanctum is little broad so that we can circumambulate around the sanctum to see the reliefs on the sanctum wall. The sanctum vimana is of three tiers with stucco deity’s images. The vimana of the temple is spherical.

The four sides of the Vimana house the image of Devakoshtas in all four directions. There are small but interesting panels around the sanctum depicting scenes from Ramayana and Bhagavata. Mother is called as Varamangai Thayar and is facing east. Mother Shrine is situated in the south-eastern corner of the prakara.

There is a separate shrine of Andal in the second precinct, which also houses the festival image. There is a mirror hall in the temple adjacent to the sanctum. There are shrines for Chakkarathalwar, Ramanujar, Anjaneyar, Narasimha and Alwars in the Temple premises.

The sculptures and carvings here are beautiful and intricate with details that are still visible after centuries. Of particular mention are the miniature sculptures from the lives of Rama and Krishna which exhibit the greatness of the Artisans of the bygone era. There are a number of Chola inscriptions in this temple throwing light on the political, social and cultural life of the village. This Temple is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.