C.N.Village Rajagopala Swami Temple

What captivates the senses more profoundly - the timeless allure of Tirunelveli, the meandering grace of the Tamraparani River, or the divine presence of Rajagopala Swami, enshrined within the temple's embrace on the riverbanks? This hidden gem, nestled away from the bustling crowds, holds within its sacred precincts one of Tirunelveli's most exquisite treasures - Sri Rajagopala Swami.

C.N. Village, a quaint hamlet in Tirunelveli Junction, cradles an ancient temple dedicated to Rajagopala Swami. The temple, resplendent both in its exterior and interior, stands distinguished without the grandeur of a towering gopura. Instead, it graces the entrance arch with exquisite stucco images of Rajagopala, accompanied by the divine consorts, Rukmini and Bhama. An immaculate and charming Agraharam adorns the temple's forecourt, remarkably preserved, making it one of the few unaffected Agraharams in the state.

As you enter the east-facing sanctum, you'll be greeted by the eternal beauty of Rajagopala Swami. He stands majestically, flanked by his beloved consorts, Rukmini and Satyabhama, cradling blossoms in their graceful arms. Rajagopala assumes the form of a compassionate shepherd, his right hand wielding a whip, while his left rests stylishly on a symbolic cattle, although the cattle itself is not depicted. This iconic representation mirrors the beloved Mannargudi Rajagopala Swami.

The sanctum also houses metal icons of Rajagopala and his two consorts, preserving their divine presence.

Inside the Maha mandapa, the esteemed icons of Periyalvar, Nammalvar, Tirumangai Alwar, Ramanuja, and Visvaksena grace the surroundings.

Garuda, positioned opposite the main sanctum, also graces the fortress wall of the temple, this time accompanied by majestic lions on either side.

The single prakara enveloping the sanctum hosts a shrine for Sudarshana, with Narsimha placed at his rear.

The temple's vimana showcases exquisite architectural craftsmanship, adorned with shallow niches, and crowned by toranas above the Koshtas. These toranas feature miniature depictions of Dakshinamurti, Yoga Narasimha, and Brahma.

Based on its architectural characteristics, this temple can be traced back to the later Pandya era, possibly dating to the 1200s or 1300s.

Happy travelling.