Veeraraghava Perumal Temple, Thiruvallur

Sthala Purāṇam

The Veeraraghava Perumal Temple at Thiruvallur, anciently called Thiruvevvul (Thiru Evvul), is a Divya Desam of the Tondai Nadu group, where Vishnu is worshipped as Veeraraghava Perumal, reclining in the Bhujanga Sayana posture upon the serpent Adishesha, with his consort as Kanakavalli Thayar (Vasumati). According to the sthala puranam, drawn from the Markandeya Purana, sage Salihotra, a devoted worshipper of Vishnu, lived here practising extreme charity, grinding rice flour and giving half to the needy while keeping the rest. When a stranger arrived seeking food, the sage offered him all his provisions; the guest then stretched himself out at that very spot and revealed himself as Vishnu, blessing the selfless devotee. The place-name arises from this episode, for the Lord is said to have asked Evvul in Tamil, meaning where to rest, and so it became Thiru Evvul Oor, which later became Thiruvallur. Because the Lord is believed to cure diseases, including fever and ailments of the body, he is venerated as Vaidya Veeraraghava Swamy, the divine physician. The temple also enshrines Lakshmi Narasimha, Hanuman, the Alvars, and Ramanuja. The sacred tank is the Hritha-Thapa-Nasini, believed to relieve mental anguish and physical illness for those who bathe in it, and the sanctum tower is the Vijayakoti Vimanam, signifying victory over demons. It was sung by Thirumangai Alvar and patronised by the Pallavas, Cholas, and Nayaks.

Gallery

Tap an image to view it larger — use ‹ › to browse, ✕ to close. Images via Wikimedia Commons.

Plan your visit

📍 13.12310, 79.91200

Routes, distances, hotels and restaurants open in Google Maps with live data. Build a phased pilgrimage plan →