About Veeraraghava Perumal Temple
Veeraraghava Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, about 42 km northwest of Chennai. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams revered by the Alvars and is known as Vaidya Veeraraghavar for its association with healing. The temple exhibits Dravidian architecture with a large gopuram, mandapas and the Hritapanasini tank, and remains an important pilgrimage centre in the Tiruvallur district.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a large Dravidian-style temple complex with a multi-tiered eastern gopuram, pillared halls and shrines dedicated to Veeraraghava Perumal in a reclining posture and his consort Kanakavalli Thayar. The central sanctum, surrounding prakarams, sculpted pillars and the temple tank (Hridayaleeswarar Tank / Hritapanasini) form the main areas to explore. The atmosphere is that of an active pilgrimage temple with daily pujas, devotees offering prayers, and stalls for offerings around the entrance.
Key highlights
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One of the 108 Divya Desams praised by Tirumangai Alvar and other Alvars
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Presiding deity Veeraraghava Perumal seen in reclining posture facing east
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Sacred temple tank Hritapanasini (Hridayaleeswarar Tank) within the complex
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Dravidian architecture with towering gopuram, mandapas and sculpted pillars
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Revered as Vaidya Veeraraghavar Temple where devotees pray for health and healing
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Annual Brahmotsavam and other festivals attracting large numbers of pilgrims
History of Veeraraghava Perumal Temple
The temple's origins are attributed to the Pallavas with later contributions from the Cholas and Vijayanagara rulers. Inscriptions from the Chola period and later dynasties record endowments and renovations. The architecture reflects layered development over several centuries with Dravidian gopurams and mandapas added during medieval and Vijayanagara periods.
Culture & Context
The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Vaishnavism and is glorified in the hymns of the Alvars, particularly Tirumangai Alvar. It is culturally significant as the Vaidya Veeraraghavar shrine where devotees seek blessings for cure from ailments. The temple follows Vaikhanasa Agama traditions and hosts major Vaishnavite festivals including Brahmotsavam.