Cheranmahadevi Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple

Site Name: Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple
Site Type: Hindu temple
Location:  Cheranmahadevi, near Ambasamudram town, near Tirunelveli city, Tamil Nadu state, India
Highlights: A 12th century old architecturally beautiful temple with so many wonderful sculptures
Nearest Railway Station: Cheranmahadevi
Nearest Airport: Tirunelveli
How to reach: Well connected by road from Ambasamudram and Tirunelveli; local buses are available from Ambasamudram and Tirunelveli
Hotel: Few options in Ambasamduram ; more options in the nearby city Tirunelveli
Restaurants: Very limited option in Cheranmadevi; better options in Ambasamudram

Ambasamudram is a picturesque town located on the banks of the beautiful Tamraparni river and on the foothills of the Western Ghats. The nearest city of Ambasamudram is Tirunelveli. It is located in Tamil Nadu state in South India.The town has a lot of scenic spots and temples. Cheranmahadevi is a small village located near Ambasamudram. The village has an ancient temple, Bhaktavatsala Perumal temple. Although it is a little known temple, it is architecturally beautiful and has so many excellent sculptures. Let us explore this temple in detail.

Highlights:

  •  God – Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple
  • 12th century temple built by Pandyas (probably who were under the Cholas)
  • Vimana made up of brick
  • Temple full of beautiful relief and bas-relief images
  • Artistically brilliant and intricately decorated walls of main shrine


Temple Layout:

Bhaktavatsala Perumal temple is located in the outskirts of Cheranmahadevi amidst paddy fields. It is under the control of ASI. It can be considered as one of the best heritage sites in Tamil Nadu state. It is unfortunate that this site remains little known.

The temple complex is big and houses two structures. The smaller structure (temple) is dedicated Bala Krishnan. It is a very attractive sculpture. The bigger temple is dedicated to Bhaktavatsala Perumal. Perumal sculpture is also very attractive; he is found in the standing posture and standing tall with four arms. He is standing alone without his consorts in this temple.

The main shrine has all the sections as per the South Indian temple architectural style - moolasthan, ardha mandapa, maha mandapa and the exterior mandapa. Garuda is found to be facing the main shrine. In the exterior mandapa, the sculpture of Bhoo Devi is found. Inside the maha mandapa, apart from the big Dwarapalas, the idol of Vishwaksena is found.

The main shrine is located on an elevated platform.

The only other idol found in the temple is Yoga Narasimha temple located in the prakara.

The entire temple is full of pillars with beautiful carvings and relief images. All the images are extremely attractive. Yoga Narasimha relief image on the backside wall of the main shrine is noteable. The wall surrounding the main shrine is intricately decorated and found to be artistically brilliant. The vimana made up of brick is another highlight of the temple.

Though the temple entrance is incomplete, it is artistically attractive.

The temple was built by Pandyas and Cholas in the 12th century CE.

Happy travelling.








Comments

  1. this is indeed a beautiful temple and thanks for the information. will try to go there next time i visit the southern part of our country.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Any contact no for doing poojas

    ReplyDelete

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