Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple - Mannargudi, Kumbakonam - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Mannargudi Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple

At a distance of 36 Km from Kumbakonam, 45 Km from Thanjavur, and 96 Km from Trichy, Sri Vidhya Rajagopalaswamy Temple is a Vaishnavite shrine located in the town of Mannargudi, Tamil Nadu. Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple is dedicated to Rajagopalaswamy, an incarnation of Lord Krishna. It is one of the largest and most important Vaishnava temples in Tamil Nadu, and is known for its rich history, architecture, and festivals. The temple is called Dakshina Dwaraka along with Guruvayoor by Hindus. It is considered first among the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of Vaishnavate tradition, and among the most sacred places to visit near Trichy.

History of Mannargudi Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple

The Mannargudi Temple was initially built by Kulottunga Chola I during the 10th Century CE. Subsequent rulers of the Chola Empire, including Rajaraja Chola III and Rajendra Chola III, along with the Thanjavur Nayaks contributed to the temple's expansion. The temple features inscriptions from the Hoysala kings, various grants from the Vijayanagara period, and numerous records from the later Nayaks and Marathas of Thanjavur. The Thanjavur Nayaks designated the temple as their dynastic and principal shrine, making substantial enhancements to its structure. The present-day temple, which includes a hall with 1,000 pillars, the main gopuram, and an extensive compound wall, was constructed under the reign of King Vijayaraghava Nayak (1532-1575 CE). He also donated an armor adorned with precious stones to the main deity and built a tall tower at the temple to enable him to see the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple from the summit of Mannargudi. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Mythology of Mannargudi Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple

According to legend, once sages Gopila and Gopralaya traveled to Dwaraka to receive the blessings of Lord Krishna. However, upon their arrival, they discovered that Krishna's incarnation had already ended. Sage Narada suggested that they undertake penance at a location known as 'South Dwaraka,' which is present-day Mannargudi, where they would eventually encounter Lord Krishna. Following Narada's guidance, the sages performed rigorous penance in Mannargudi. Pleased by their devotion, Lord Krishna gave darshan to the sages in 32 different forms. This remarkable event is illustrated in the temple's paintings.

Architecture of Mannargudi Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple

Covering an expanse of 23 acres, the Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple in Mannargudi is a prime example of Dravidian architectural design. Recognized as one of the largest Vaishnavite temples in Tamil Nadu, it features 24 shrines, 7 mandapams, 9 theerthams, 16 gopurams, and 7 prakarams. The impressive Rajagopuram, soaring to a height of 192 feet, ranks as the second tallest in Tamil Nadu, showcasing remarkable architectural skill. The temple's sacred tank, Haridra Nadhi, is integral to various rituals and is considered one of the largest temple tanks in India.

Within the sanctum sanctorum resides the idol of the main deity, Sri Rajagopalaswamy, which stands at 156 inches tall and is depicted in a seated position alongside his consorts, Satyabhama and Rukmini. The Utsava murthi idol is particularly striking adorned with exquisite jewelry and vibrant flowers. Additionally, the shrine dedicated to Sengamalathayar, also known as Hemabhujavalli, is situated in the second precinct surrounding the sanctum. The temple also boasts a hall supported by a thousand pillars.

Festivals of Mannargudi Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple

The Rajagopalaswamy Temple located in Mannargudi hosts a variety of festivals, the most notable of which is the 18-day Panguni Brahmotsavam, also known as the Chariot Festival, celebrated during the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April). A bronze idol of Lord Krishna which belonged to Chola period is taken out for the procession during the chariot festival. Other significant festivals observed at the temple include Vaikunta Ekadashi in December/January, Navaratri in September/October, and the butter pot breaking ceremony, referred to locally as uri adi.

Mannargudi Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

When planning a visit to the Rajagopalaswamy Temple in Mannargudi, it is recommended to adhere to modest clothing that covers your upper arms and legs as a sign of respect. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, low-waist jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Mannargudi Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM

Mannargudi Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Mannargudi Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple

The best time to visit Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple is from October to March, while the peak season is from November to February. The 18-day Panguni Brahmotsavam, also known as the Chariot Festival, celebrated during the Tamil month of Panguni (March/April) offers a remarkable opportunity to immerse oneself in the temple's lively ambiance, drawing thousands of devotees. It is advisable to avoid visiting the temple in the peak summer months from April to June, as temperatures can rise significantly, complicating outdoor activities.

How to Reach Mannargudi Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple

Trichy Airport serves as the closest airport, located approximately 97 kilometers from Mannargudi. The Mannargudi Railway Station offers extensive train connectivity to various cities, including Chennai, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Vellore, Jodhpur, Coimbatore, Tirupati, and Hyderabad. Additionally, bus services are available to Mannargudi from all regions of Tamil Nadu, especially Chennai, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Madurai, and Trichy. To reach the Rajagopalaswamy Temple, one can hire an auto-rickshaw from anywhere within Mannargudi.