Rajagopala Temple at Mannargudi near Thanjavur
Introduction: This shrine dedicated to Rajagopala, is a vast temple complex with a 1000 year old history. Referred to as Dakshina Dwaraka and as Champakaranyam, this temple is located in the town of Mannargudi, and is well connected by rail and road to Thanjavur, Kumbhakonam, Tiruvarur and other towns in the erstwhile Thanjavur district.
Deities: The sanctum of this vast temple enshrines a 7 feet high image of Vaasudeva with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhoodevi, and the festival images of Sree Vidya Rajagopala, his consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama, and an image of Santanagopalakrishna. The Sree Vidya Yantram in the sanctum is of significance here. The Goddess Senkamala Thaayar (Raktaabja Nayaki in Sanskrit) is referred to as 'Padi Thaandaa Pathini', and her image is never taken in procession outside the temple complex. Popular belief has it that cradling the image of Santanagopalakrishna in ones lap, would bless barren couple with progeny.
Regards,
Arvind Iyer.
Home Page
http://www.ibiblio.org/sripedia |
srirangasri-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To subscribe to the list |