☸️ Srimate Ramanujaya Namaha • 108DivyaDesam Divya Desam #34 of 108 (Chola Nadu)
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Varadaraja Perumal (Manikkooda Nayagan)

Thirumanikkoodam — Divya Desam #34

Divya Desam #34 • Chola Nadu (Sirkazhi (Thirunangur) Cluster)
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One of the 11 Thirunangur temples where Chandra worshipped Lord Varadaraja.

According to the Sthala Puranam and ancient Sri Vaishnava Agamas, Divya Desam #34 (Thirumanikkoodam) is revered as a sacred kshetram in Chola Nadu. The presiding deity, Lord Varadaraja Perumal (Manikkooda Nayagan), graces devotees in Ninra (Standing) posture facing East beneath the sacred Kanaka Vimanam, accompanied by Goddess Thirumamagal Nachiyar. Holy dips or prostrations near the Chandra Pushkarani are believed to bestow peace, prosperity, and Moksha. Throughout the centuries, Chola, Pandya, Pallava, and Vijayanagara rulers contributed मंडपम्स (mandapams), gopurams, and stone inscriptions preserving the daily Pancharatra / Vaikhanasa Agama worship.
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🙏 Azhwars: Thirumangai Azhwar (10 Pasurams)
• Revered Azhwars who performed Mangalasasanam: Thirumangai Azhwar
• Total Divya Prabandham Pasurams sung: 10 Pasuram(s)

In the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, Thirumangai Azhwar praised the divine beauty (Saundaryam) and accessibility (Saulabhyam) of Lord Varadaraja Perumal (Manikkooda Nayagan) and Thirumamagal Nachiyar at Thirumanikkoodam. Reciting the Pasurams of this Divya Desam inside the sanctum (Garbhagriha) is considered the highest spiritual offering during a pilgrim's Yatra.
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• Annual Brahmotsavam: Celebrated with grand Vahana processions including Garuda Sevai, Hanumantha Vahanam, Surya/Chandra Prabhai, and Rathotsavam (Temple Car festival).
• Vaikuntha Ekadasi (Margazhi): Special Paramapada Vasal / Rapathu & Pagalpathu Utsavam with recitation of Naalayira Divya Prabandham.
• Panguni Uthiram & Thayar Thirukalyana Utsavam: Celestial wedding festival of Lord Varadaraja Perumal (Manikkooda Nayagan) and Goddess Thirumamagal Nachiyar.
• Purattasi Saturdays & Monthly Thiruvonam / Ekadasi: Special Thirumanjanam (Abhishekam) and Vishwaroopa Darshan.
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• Travel Hub / Base Town: Sirkazhi (Thirunangur) Cluster (Mayiladuthurai District, Tamil Nadu)
• By Road (Bus / Car / Cab): Well connected by state highways to Mayiladuthurai and nearby pilgrimage towns in Sirkazhi (Thirunangur) Cluster. Auto-rickshaws and local taxis are readily available from the main bus stand.
• By Train (Railway Station): Nearest major railhead is in Mayiladuthurai / Sirkazhi (Thirunangur) Cluster junction, with frequent express trains connecting Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, and other major cities.
• By Air (Airport): Nearest domestic/international airport serves the Mayiladuthurai - Tamil Nadu region (approx. 1 to 2.5 hours by cab via highway).
• Pilgrim Tip: Verify temple opening hours (6:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM) before starting; afternoon closure is typically between 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM.