Lord Varadaraja Perumal granted darshan to Peria Nambi, Guru of Sri Ramanuja and salvation to him in this temple.
Nirrti
Sri Varadarajaperumal Temple, Pasupathikovil, Ayyampettai–614 201,
Papanasam Taluk, Thanjavur district.
Phone: +91 97903 42581, 94436 50920
The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Margazhi Kettai in December–January and Purattasi Saturdays in September-October are celebrated in the temple.
Sri Ramanuja, his Guru Peria Nambigal and disciple Koorathzhwar were staying in Srirangam. A Chola king jealous of the growing popularity of Sri Ramanuja, sent his men to capture Sri Ramanuja. As they could not identify Ramanuja, the disciple Koorathazhwar, posing as his Guru in white clothes offered himself to be arrested. Peria Nambigal and his daughter Tiruthzhai accompanied Koorathzhwar.
The Chola king demanded them to give in writing that his religion was greater than theirs. They refused. The king ordered his men to take off their eyes. Koorathzhwar punched his eyes himself. The king's men blinded Peria Nambigal's eyes. Tiruthuzhai brought them to this temple. Peria Nambi was 105 years old then. Perumal granted darshan to them and gave salvation to Nambigal. The Lord is praised as Varadaraja Perumal – Boon Giver God. Mother Perundevi Thayar graces with Lord. It is in this temple, Lord Varadaraja Perumal granted darshan and salvation to Sri Ramanuja's Guru Peria Nambigal.
Those born in Kettai star are advised to worship in this temple as often as they could or at least on their birth star day. It is noteworthy that Peria Nambigal was born in this star. His birth star day is celebrated in the temple. The nakshatra natives pray to the Guru for betterment in life. They offer white vastras, offer jasmine garlands and light ghee lamps in his shrine. For nivedhana, they offer Vada and adhirasam, popular dishes of Tamilnadu. For lighting lamps, they also use special oil prepared with three herbals which is available in the temple itself. People suffering from impaired vision, pray to Koorathazhwar.
