Govinda Raja Perumal Temple - Thanjavur

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Site Name: Govinda Raja Perumal Temple
Site Type: Hindu temple 
Location:  Near Ayyan Kulam, Tanjore city, Tamil Nadu state, India
Highlights: Built by the Maratha King; Gigantic idols of Perumal and his consorts
Nearest Railway Station: Tanjore
Nearest Airport: Trichy
How to reach: Well connected by road and rail
Hotel: A lot of options across the entire Tanjore city
Restaurants: A lot of options across the entire Tanjore city

Those who know about Thanjavur (Tanjore) city in South India know mainly about the great Brahadeeswarar Temple built by Raja Raja Chola around 1000 years back. However, there are many rare and interesting sites found across the entire city. Let us explore about a little known  temple named Govinda Raja Perumal temple in this article.

The West Main Street, which is called a Mela Masi Veethi in Tamil language, is a well known locality for the citizens of Thanjavur. The huge temple tank named Ayyan Kulam is a popular landmark in that street. After passing the tank through a lane leading from Mela Masi Veethi, near the Nal Kal Mandapam, Govinda Raja Perumal temple is located. Nearby, the popular Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal temple is found.

Temple Layout: 

The small temple enshrines Ranganath (Vishnu in the reclining posture) along with Sri Devi in the sanctum sanctorum. The movable (utsav) idols are Govinda Raja Perumal, Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. The temple is named after the utsav murti.

There is one prakara around the main shrine. Garud is found facing the main shrine. There is also a small carving of Ganesha found in this temple.

Happy travelling.
Location: Maharnonbu Chavadi, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613001, India

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