Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple- Timings, Location, History And How To Reach
Have you ever heard about a temple where the Gods are said to tie knots with several willing brides and grooms daily? Well, Nithyakalyana Perumal Temple is nestled amidst the bustling state of Tamil Nadu. It is also known as the “Eternal Marriage Temple”, it is not just like another place to worship. This temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is regarded as Nithyakalyana Perumal in the temple and his consort, Goddess Lakshmi, who is also considered as Komalavalli Thayar. It is believed that offering prayers at these prayers even blesses childless couples. However, there’s much more to this temple for devotees than just marital blessings, which we will discuss in this guide.
Timings And Location Of The Nithyakalyana Perumal Temple
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This stunning temple with intricate carvings is dedicated to the Lord Perumal. It is one of the Divya Desams, which is dedicated to the Lord Vishnu, who has worshipped the Nithyakalayana Perumal (Varaha) and his consort Lakshmi as Komalavalli Thayar. The architecture of the temple is mesmerising, with sculptures indicating various legends on the pillars. The sanctum is approached through a sixteen-pillared, sculpted hall before the temple. The temple priest performs pooja daily and on festivals as well.
- Location: Nithyakalyana Perumal temple is located in Thiruvidandai, a village in Chennai at Kanchipuram district on the Chennai-Mahabalipuram East Coast Road, 38 km (24 mi) from Chennai City.
- Timings: The temple is open from 6:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Also Read: Temples In Tamil Nadu
Best Time To Visit The Temple
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Although the Nithyakalyana Perumal Temple offers a delightful experience throughout the year due to pleasant weather, you must plan your trip between October and February. Expect crowds during these months, considered a peak season here. To witness the temple festivities, you must specifically plan between December and January. However, ensure you’re not planning between March and May, as the destination experiences scorching heat during these months with fewer crowds.
Festivals And Events
Nithyakalyana Perumal Temple witnesses daily rituals. When near this temple, never miss out on seeing the daily pujas performed regularly by the temple priests. Observe everything, like changing the silks worn by the deities and offering flowers and hymns. Apart from this, two types of festivals are also celebrated in the temple. Here are some of the rituals, festivals and activities that truly bring the temple to life:
Chittirai Brahmotsavam
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Chittirai Brahmotsavam is a festival celebrated at the Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, during the Tamil month of Chittirai. During this festival, the deities of Nithyakalyana Perumal and Komalavalli are taken in procession around the temple’s streets. It is one of the most important festivals held at the temple that attracts many tourists from all over the world.
- Month of Celebration: April to May
- Types of Activities: cultural performances, processions, and decorating the temple with lights and decorations
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Vaikunda Ekadashi
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The temple shines differently when it experiences the vibrant energy of the festivals, mainly during Vaikunda Ekadashi. The temple celebrates Vishnu’s awakening from celestial sleep during this festival, followed by special pujas, havans, and joyous chanting. The festival started early in the morning with the Suprabhata Seva, a ritual that awakens the deity with melodious hymns and offerings. One of the most anticipated moments of the festival is the ceremonial opening of the Uttara Dwaram, the northern gate of the temple. Moreover, take a moment and meditate, chant hymns, and soak yourself in the spiritual aura of this festival.
- Month of celebration: December to January
- Types of activities: devotion, music, and the aroma of sacred offerings
History Of Nithyakalyana Perumal Temple
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The Nithyakalyana Perumal temple in Tamil Nadu offers a unique experience to all devotees, and it caters to spirituality seekers, history buffs, and architecture enthusiasts alike. Here are some of the reasons why you must consider adding this temple to your itinerary:
- Historical Significance: Nithyakalyana Perumal temple in Tamil Nadu is a Divya Desam and is among the 108 holy Vishnu temples. It boasts a strong historical significance. The main reason is its estimated age and its mention in ancient Tamil literature, which make it fascinating and the best place to learn about our rich historical culture.
- Architectural Marvel: The complex of this ancient temple showcases the beautiful Dravidian architecture. This temple offers an eye-gazing treat for architectural enthusiasts as it is carved with intricate carvings on the pillars, mandapams, and towering gopurams.
- Spiritual Experience: The atmosphere of this temple is highly serene and mind-relaxing, which gives the devotees the perfect mind space to offer their prayers to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. It would be great if you could participate in this temple’s daily rituals and festivals, as it would give you an intense and enriching spiritual experience.
- Marriage And Relationship Blessings: This temple is of the utmost importance to those who seek blessings in their love lives. Devotees believe that offering prayers in this temple will bring happiness to their lives, remove any negativity and hurdles in their love lives, and promote happiness in their relationships. Even childless couples are blessed by offering prayers at this temple.
- Unique Customs: The Nithyakalyana Perumal Temple in Tamil Nadu is known for its unique customs, such as offering garlands for marriage blessings. These practices provide a peek into the local culture, beliefs, and traditions.
Related Post: Mahabalipuram Temples
How To Reach Nithyakalyana Perumal Temple
The Nithyakalyana Perumal temple is located in Tamil Nadu. Here are the ways to reach it.
By train: Karaikal railway station is the nearest temple to the Nithyakalyana Perumal temple, about 1.5 kilometers away. This station connects many places so that travellers can easily commute. From the station, you can walk or take an auto-rickshaw.
By Air: Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport, about 40 km away from the temple. This airport connects many domestic and international destinations. You can take a cab or taxi from the airport to the temple and seek Lord Vishnu’s blessings.
By Road: You can drive by yourself or take a bus from the Thiruvidhanthai, which is 6 minutes away. However, many buses or local transport are available from Chennai which will take around 1.5 hours to reach to the temple.
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The Nithyakalyana Perumal Temple boasts a unique cultural experience for every devotee. It’s a temple where history whispers through the ancient inscriptions, and the vibes of the festivities paint the grounds and the temple’s surroundings with joy, as well as the air with the hums of the quiet prayers by the devotees. So, are you ready to witness this culturally enriched destination where the eternally married Vishnu? Book your trip to Tamil Nadu, pack your bags and get ready to be chanted by the spiritual chants of the temple!
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Cover Image Credit:கி. கார்த்திகேயன் for wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Nithyakalyana Perumal Temple
Where can I find vegetarian food near the temple?
You may find vegetarian food in the surroundings of the temple, across the streets where the small vendors are serving delicious and hygienic food at nominal rates.
Is there a special puja that I should attend?
The beauty lies in worshipping any puja ceremony. However, if you are willing to attend a special puja on marriage and relationships, inquire about the same with the temple staff for exact details.
Can I offer anything to the deities?
Yes, if you wish you can offer flowers, garlands, sweets and even fruits to the deities. The stalls sell these essentials outside the temple.
What is the dress code for Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple?
For men, the dress code is Shirt & Trousers, Dhoti or Pyjamas with upper cloth. For women, the preferred dress code is a saree or half-saree with a blouse or churidar with pyjama and upper cloth.
What is the benefit of Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple?
This temple is widely believed to bestow good luck to those wishing to get married and help remove obstacles that prevent marriages.
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