The legend has it the ruler king Krishnavarma accidentally found an idol made of blue stone while bathing in Thamirabarani River. Being pious as he was upon consulting the elders and the Pandits, he had a temple built and enshrined the deity and named him Varadaraja Perumal. Spending much of his time in prayer and meditation on Sri Rama, little did he realize that he had to face wars for which he did not prepare his army. He intensely prayed to the Lord to protect him, his subjects and his land from ensuing invasion by the enemies. Responding to the king's sincere prayer and trust he had in him, the God himself was on the battlefield in his divine form and drove the invading army helter skelter. The ruler had a divine vision and the lord appeared before him as Veeraraghava, a symbol of valor and bravery. King Krishnavarma's joy knew no bounds that led him to construct this temple for Lord Veeraraghavan to express his gratitude.
Tirunelvel, TN mapsofindia.com |
A new car (Ratham) was offered in May 2015 (chitrai brahmosthavam) to Lord Varadharaja swamy by Sri Lakshmi Vallabha trust with help from the public, The car/chariot (ratham) is 32 feet tall and 13 feet wide with as many as beautiful 350 teak wood carvings 52 chiming bells in it.
https://www.trawell.in/tamilnadu/tirunelveli/sri-varadaraja-perumal-temple
Sri_Varadharaja_Perumal_Kovilhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Varadharaja_Perumal_Kovil