Athalanallur Gajendra Varadharaja Perumal Temple: The Location of Gajendra Moksham Legend
This 10th century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is a beautiful mix of architecture from the Pandya, Chola and Nayaka eras. It is one of the most famous and ancient Vishnu temples that is located around Tirunelveli in South Tamil Nadu. Situated by the Thamirabharani river and surrounded by lush green paddy fields and banana plantations, this stunning Gajendra Varadharaja Peruumal temple located in the ancient village of Athalanallur is the location of the Gajendra Moksham legend. The fact that this village is called Athaani (elephant) nallur, elephants roam these forests (Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve) in huge numbers, Sage Agastya’s base of Papanasam not too far from Athalanallur and the Thamirabharani river located right behind the temple used to have a lot of crocodiles, all of these substantiate this legend.
The key highlights of this temple have to be its five-tiered rajagopuram, the massive 8 feet tall statue of Sri Adhimoola Perumal in the sanctum sanctorum with Sridevi, Bhoodevi, Sage Bhrigu and Markandeya, the temple built on a raised level like a mada temple and the beautiful pillars and excellent carvings inside the main sanctum.
The presiding deity is Aadhi Moolam and the utsavar moorthy is Gajendra Varadharaja perumal. The presiding deity is in a standing posture with four arms. At the entrance of the Ardha mandapa, the sculptures of Dwarapalas are massive and well sculpted. The sub shrine of Garuda, the flag staff and the bali peetha are found facing the main shrine.
The temple consists of a sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam, maha mandapam and an open mukha mandapam. The temple has two prakaras. The inner prakara has the shrines of Goddess Lakshmi (as Therku Nachiyar) and Goddess Bhoo Devi (as Vadakku Nachiyar). Also, the idols of ten avatars of Vishnu, Krishna with Rukmini and Satyabhama and a sub shrine of Paramapatha Nathar - a stucco idol of Vishnu in a seated posture. The outer prakara is lush green and is full of tall trees and flowering plants. The temple is full of beautiful carvings that depict Dashavatar scenes or scenes related to the Gajendra Moksham legend.
The Athalanallur Gajendra Varadharaja temple is a great pilgrimage destination that also doubles up as a scenic rustic location by the banks of the Thamirabharani river. It’s peaceful surroundings and rich paintings make for a fantastic exploration in rural Tamil Nadu.
Popular festivals:
1) Garuda Sevai on Vaikasi Uthiradam, Aani Swati, Puratasi Thiruvonam and Thai Poosam days.
2) Muthangi Sevai on Vaikunta Ekadasi
3) Chandra Prabha/ Sesha Vahana procession
4) All popular Vaishnavite festivals
Temple timings:
Morning Hours: 7 AM to 10:30 AM
Evening Hours: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM
How to reach there:
If you are traveling from Tirunelveli direction, head on the Tirunelveli – Ambasamudram road till Velanguli. At Velanguli bus stop, turn right towards Athalanallur on single lane village roads. Once you cross Velanguli village, continue heading straight till you reach a 4 way intersection. At this intersection, continue straight for a short duration before the Athalanallur Gajendra Varadharaja temple is on your left.
Where to stay:
If you are looking for a simple hotel to stay, Cheranmahadevi, Kallidaikurichi and Ambasamudram would offer you a few options.
If you wish to stay in a traditional homestay inside the Brahmin agraharams, Kallidaikurichi (about 11 kms away) would be your nearest option.
If you wish for luxurious accommodation or a place with more rooms and catering to a wide range of budgets, Tirunelveli, about 35 kms away would be your best bet.
Where to eat:
If you want basic tiffin items, tea/coffee and snacks, you can find them at Cheranmahadevi, Veeravanallur and Kallidaikurichi. For a proper sit down kind of vegetarian meals, the nearest place would be Ambasamudram, about 14 kms away.
For a much wider variety with different kinds of restaurants catering to different budgets and palettes, the city of Tirunelveli would be your best bet.
Other nearby tourist attractions:
1) Thiruppudaimarudur Naramboonathar Temple: 6th century Shiva temple located on the banks of the Thamirabharani river
2) Harikesavanallur Ariyanatha Swamy Temple: A powerful Shiva temple that is a Guru Sthalam, a Kubera Sthalam and a Maandi Sthalam
3) Karisoolnthamangalam Chakrathalwar Temple: A gorgeous Vishnu temple located next to the Thamirabharani river
4) Cheranmahadevi Ammainathar Swamy Temple: A Nava Kailayam temple dedicated to the moon god that is surrounded by lush paddy fields and the Thamirabharani river
5) Manjolai: The unknown hill station gem of India
6) Sivasailam Temple: 1000 year old temple surrounded by the lush mountains of the Western Ghats
7) Sivasailam: One of the wettest places during the North East monsoon in India
8) Nalumukku: The wettest place of India during the North East monsoon
9) Kudrevetty: The gorgeous windy station of Kalakad Mundanthurai tiger reserve
10) Manimuthar Falls: The herbal waterfall inside a tiger reserve
11) Agastyar Falls: A gorgeous waterfall on the Thamirabharani river
12) Oothu: The quaint little hill station of Tamil Nadu
13) Kakkachi: The highest point inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
14) Scenic Iron Bridge of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve: Pristine nature overloaded
15) Karaiyar Dam: Offbeat wildlife and nature holiday destination in India’s deep south
16) Cycling through the backyards of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
17) Hidden pristine waterfall inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
18) Mannarkoil Rajagopalaswamy Temple: Magnificent 10th century temple with an ashtanga vimana
19) 10th century Brahmadesam Kailasanathar Temple: Lesser known architectural marvel of south India
20) 1000 year old Papanasanathar Temple: Where you can wash all your sins away
21) Kallidaikurichi: The village of the saaral season
22) Iruttu Kadai Halwa: Icon of Tirunelveli
23) Nellaiappar Temple: A 7th century cosmic dance wonder
24) Pattamadai Pai: GI tagged beautiful handwoven mats from a tiny Tamil Nadu village
25) 10th century Valiswara Temple at Thiruvaliswaram: Hidden Chola gem in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu
26) Kallidaikurichi to Manimuthar Dam: A top scenic and rustic cycling route
27) Garuda Sevai from the agraharams of Kallidaikurichi
28) Festival of Thiruvathirai from a traditional Tamil Nadu village
29) Festival of Karthigai Deepam from a traditional Tamil Nadu village
30) Kallidaikurichi Adi Varaha Temple Chariot Festival: Grand cultural spectacle in rural Tamil Nadu
31) Kallidaikurichi Anaicut: Gorgeous picnic spot nestled in the lap of nature
