Veeranarayana Perumal Temple

Veeranarayana Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Kattumannarkoil, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams revered by the Alvars and is situated near the Veeranam Lake. The temple is noted for its large complex, Dravidian architecture, and historical association with the Chola dynasty. It remains an active place of worship and pilgrimage.

Visitors can expect a large active Dravidian-style temple complex with gopurams, pillared mandapas, shrines dedicated to Veeranarayana Perumal and his consort Maragathavalli Thayar, and a temple tank. The surroundings include the town of Kattumannarkoil and proximity to Veeranam Lake. Visitors can explore the main sanctum, outer courtyards, sculpted pillars and participate in darshan and rituals during opening hours.

The temple is believed to have origins in the Chola period, around the 10th century, with the creation of Veeranam Lake attributed to Rajaditya Chola. It was later expanded by later Cholas, Pandyas and Vijayanagara rulers. The temple is traditionally associated with the Vaishnava saint Nathamuni who is said to have recovered the 4000 Divya Prabandham here.

The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, sacred Vishnu temples glorified by the Alvar saints in the Divya Prabandham. The presiding deity is worshipped as Veeranarayana Perumal and the goddess as Maragathavalli Thayar. Major festivals such as Vaikunta Ekadasi, Brahmotsavam and Panguni Uthiram are observed with religious significance for pilgrims.