Among the majestic temples in Tamilnadu the Rajagopalaswamy temple is a prominent one Lord Krishna is a RAJA here , it has a massive Rajagopuram and the temple tank is called Haridra nadi so huge
HOW TO REACH:
Mannargudi is 30 kms south of Kumbakonam 35 kms east of Tanjore, 35 kms west of Tiruvarur and 50 kms west of Nagpattinam The temple is in the midst of the town and easily found, Outside the temple is the pond called Haridra nadi . It has a temple in the middle
LEGENDS AND STORIES:
The temple has a history from11 century built by King Rajaditha Chola 1018 to the Vijayanagara kings, Delhi sultanate, Tanjore Nayakas,Mahrattas,Britishers all developing the temple nd maintaining it
Pundarikaksha Perumal is supposed to have given darshan to devotees Saints Gopilllar and Gopralayar here as a cowherd
In the sanctum a small statue of Ala elai Krishna is handed over to us and bala mukundashtakam is recited this confers prosperity,children and success in life Please do not miss this seva (pic courtesy google)
The Rajagopuram was built by the nayak to se the Srirangam temple tower from Atop
There are two shrines one for Rajagopalaswamy and on the south side next to it is the sannidhi of Hemambhuja nayaki both are huge
The Krishna sannidhi is seen above,The priest is standing next to a Anjaneya vigraham
The main sanctum houses Krishna flanked by Rukmini and sathyabhama in stone, The utsava murthy is Krishna as a cowherd surrounded by cows and calves all in bronze and about 3 feet tall
Next door is the thayar sannidhi
between these two sannidhis is a shrine for Anjeneya which is managed by two brothers who are deaf mutes but their enthusiasm to help you is great. please stop by and give them some Dakshina and get Hanuman’s blessings
Excellent write up on this temple. As I have also visited the temple a couple of times, your details recollect my journey to the temple. Good service.
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