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Sri Bhoomi Neela Samedha Aadhimoola Gajendra Varadha Perumal Temple, Athalanallur, Thirunelveli, Tamil Nadu

This Temple is also known as Gajendra Varadaraja Perumal Temple. It is located 12 Kms away from Ambasamudhram and close to Veeravanallur on the Banks of River Thamirabarani. Athazhanallur in those days was called as Athani Nallur. Since Sage Agasthiyar was instrumental in the Gajendra Moksham, the Idol of Sage Agasthiyar is seen here and Prayed. King Veera Pandiyadeva Pandiyan and King Kulasekara Pandiyan were fond of this Temple. There is a multi pillared Mandapam before the Rajagopuram. This Gopuram has coloured Idols of Maha Vishnu who is seen carried by Sri Garudalwar along with Sri Devi, Bhoo Devi, Garudalwar and Anjaneya Swami. The Temple has a majestic and colourful five tiered East facing Rajagopuram. Beyond the Rajagopuram is a Neivedhya Peedam or Bali Peedam and a Dwajasthambam or a Kodi Maram which is seen piercing the rooftop of the multi pillared Mandapam and heading skywards. The Temple has another eyecatching Gopuram in which Sri Ramnganathar is seen in a reclining posture along with His Consorts Sri Devia nd Bhoo Devi. Sri Brahmma too is seen appearing from His Naabhikamalam. On either side of this Gopuram is a coloured Idol of Sri Garudalwar and Sri Anjaneya Swamy.

The Temple has huge wooden doors towards the Moolasthanam and the top of this Wooden Door has two Dwara Baalakas Images etched on it. To the right is a South facing Alwars Sub Shrine which includes the Idol of Sri Ramanujar and Sri Manavaala Maamunigal. The top of this Sub Shrine looks splendid depicting the coloured Idols of Gajendra Moksham. Heading towards the Moolasthanam is a Garudalwar Sannadhi which is West facing and looking towards the Moolasthanam. This Sub Shrine has a coloured Idol of Sri Gajendra Varadha Perumal with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. All three of them are East facing and in a standing posture. Devotees may have to climb 5 to 6 steps to reach the Garudalwar Sannadhi and Pray. In the Moolasthana Mandapam there is a Sri Chakkarathalwar Sannadhi which is North facing and to the rear of Him is Sri Yoga Narasimhar who is South facing. There is also a West facing Sub Shrine for Sri Anjaneya Swamy who is seen in a standing posture with clasped hands.

There are two Dwara Baalaka Idols who seem to tilt their head. Close to the left Dwara Baalaka Idol is an East facing Sub Shrine of Sri Andal Nachiyar. She gains more prominence in this Temple there is no Thaayar Sannadhi here and hence She is construed as the Thaayar here. Close to the right Dwara Baalaka Idol is a South facing Idol of Sri Viswaksenar. The inner peripheral of the Temple has the Dasavathara Idols and Sri Venugopalan's Idol along with Bama and Rukmani. All these Idols are North facing. The Temple's Vaahanams are also stacked in a close by place. Likewise there is an East facing Sub Shrine of Sri Paramapathanatha Swamy which is East facing in the inner peripheral. There is also a Therkku Nachiyar Sannadhi which is East facing. The Presiding Deity is Aadhi Moolam and the Urchavamoorthy is Gajendra Varadharaja Perumal. The Presiding Deity has four arms and is in a standing posture with His two Consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. Sages Brihu and Markandeyar are also seen here. It is worth mentioning here that all the Idols in the Moolasthanam including those of Sri Gajendra Vardha Perumal, Sri Devi, Bhoo Devi, Brihu Maharishi and Markendeya Maharishi are made of stucco Idols only and are preserved very carefully. The Doors of the Moolasthanam are Silver plated and the Dasavathara Images are seen embossed on it.

Beyond the Rajagopuram is a Vilva Maram on the left flank and beneath this Vilva Maram are a number of Naaga Devatha Idols. To the rear of the Moolasthanam there is another gate leading to the Thamirabarani River Devotees may have to climb down 10 to 12 steps initially after which there is a multi pillared Theerthavari Mandapam to the left. To reach the River Devotees may have to climb down 5 to 6 steps yet again. The scenic beauty of this river side view shows a hill which is shaped like an Elephant or Gajamugam. This obliquely means that Gajendra Moksham had taken place here in ancient times. Close to this West facing entrance is a Narasimhar Sannadhi. The West facing Gopuram of this Sub Shrine has a stucco Idol of Sri Narasimhar at its top. Within this Sub Shrine there is a North facing Sthamba Narasimhar which is much adorned and Prayed. This Sthambha Narasimhar is always found smeared with Sandal paste making Him look all the more eye appealing. The Sthala Viruksham of the Temple is a Nelli Maram or Amla Tree while the Pushkarani is considered as River Thamirabarani. The Temple has a Madapalli and a huge Annadhana Koodam close to this is a small four pillared Mandpam in which small functions could be conducted with ease. There is a Temple Garden or Nandavanam. In the street facing the Temple there is a medium sized Kalyana Mandapam which belongs to the Temple. Vaikunda Ekadesi, all Purattasi Saturdays and Garuda Sevai are celebrated in a grand manner. This Temple draws a huge number of Devotees who come here with a broken marriage proposal, Child boon and disharmony in family life. It is believed that such Devotees are Blessed by Him and they could lead a peaceful life thereafter.

Contact Details: Raman Bhattar 99659 20369, 04634 287195, 04634 287295, 84894 00137, 93608 13021, 82480 56286 and 99411 28535

Temple Timing: 7 AM to 10.30 AM and 5 PM to 7.30 PM

Distance from Kallidaikurichi to Athalanallur is 9 Kms

Distance from Ambasamudram to Athalanallur is 12 Kms

Distance from Tenkasi to Athalanallur is 43 Kms

Distance from Madurai to Athalanallur is 202 Kms

Distance from Trichy to Athalanallur is 339 Kms

Distance from Thirunelveli to Athalanallur is 41 Kms

Distance from Thoothukudi to Athalanallur is 86 Kms

Distance from Thiruchendur to Athalanallur is 92 Kms

Distance from Nagercoil to Athalanallur is 92 Kms

Distance from Suchindram to Athalanallur is 92 Kms