Sriperumbudur is a town with great historical and spiritual importance. It is located near Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The town is widely known as the birthplace of Saint Ramanujar, a prominent Vaishnavite saint. This town attracts pilgrims and history enthusiasts throughout the year. Visit Sri Ramanujar Temple Sriperumbudur, a spiritual hub near Chennai, known for its rich history, serene vibes, and remedies for Kalasarpa Dosha.
Saint Ramanujar
Saint Ramanujar was a revered philosopher and religious reformer. The birthplace of Sri Ramanujar, who had such great glory, was Sriperumbudur, located in the Thondai Mandala, in 1017 AD. Ramanujar resides here as the main deity.
He is considered to be an incarnation of Adisesha, the divine serpent of Vishnu. His teachings emphasize devotion and equality among all people. Om Namo Narayanaya is a sacred mantra emphasized by Ramanujar.
He founded the Vishishtadvaita philosophy, a non-dual school of Vedanta. Ramanujar advocated temple worship and communal prayer as paths to salvation. He spread his message throughout South India, uniting people under the devotion of Vishnu.
What is the Story of Sriperumbudur Temple?
It is believed that Vishnu, in the form of Adikesava Perumal, answered the prayers of divine beings who were cursed by Lord Shiva.
This place, known as Sriperumbudur, was once called Bhootapuri. According to the Purana, one day, Lord Shiva was dancing in Kailash, forgetting himself. Then, without even realizing it, the clothes on his body slipped and fell. Seeing this, the Shivaganas laughed at Shiva. Realizing this, Lord Shiva cursed the Shivaganas to go to earth.
The Shivaganas, who were mentally distressed by this, approached Lord Brahma for guidance in search of salvation. Brahma advised them to worship Lord Vishnu to regain Shiva’s grace.
Following this advice, the Shivaganas prayed to Lord Vishnu with deep devotion. Pleased with their penance, Vishnu appeared as Adikesava Perumal and ordered his snake, Aadisesha, to create a holy pond. The Shivaganas were saved from their curse by taking a dip in this tank.
Hence, this place is known as Bhootha Puri. Later, it changed to Puthur and then became Sriperumbudur after Ramanuja’s incarnation. Since Adisesha created the tank, this tank is also known as Ananda Saras. The tank is said to be large and about 20 feet deep.
This temple is also special for those seeking relief from the planetary dosha Kalasarpa Dosha. According to astrology, Rahu and Ketu cause this dosha, which causes obstacles in life. Devotees believe that bathing in the Ananda Saras Pond and worshipping at the temple removes these adverse effects.
Devotees from all over the country come to this temple to seek divine blessings and spiritual peace and get rid of Kalasarpa Dosha.
Kalasarpa Dosham
Kalasarpa Dosha refers to an unfavourable planetary alignment in a person’s horoscope. This alignment involves the planets Rahu and Ketu, which are considered shadow planets.
According to the Vishnu Purana, Adisesha, who serves as the divine seat of Vishnu, has incarnated in various forms in different yugas. In the Treta Yuga, he took the form of Lakshmana, in the Dwapara Yuga, as Balarama, and in the Kali Yuga, as Sri Ramanujar.
Many temples in India offer remedies for this dosha. The Ramanujar Temple Sriperumbudur is one such place. It is believed that worshipping Ramanujar, an aspect of Adisesha, cures Kalasarpa Doshas such as Mangalya Dosha caused by Rahu, Budha Bhakti, and Ketu-induced speech disorders.
Bathing in this holy pond with the darshan of Sri Ramanujar, Sri Aadikesavan and Mother Yathirajanathavalli is considered the best remedy to remove the Kalasarpa Dosha.
The Ramanujar Temple Sriperumbudur: A Spiritual Hub
Ramanujar Temple Sriperumbudur is a sacred destination for devotees of Lord Vishnu and Saint Ramanujar. It is also called Udaiyavar Koil, reflecting the reverence for Ramanujar, who is known by many names (Udaiyavar, Ethirajar, Bashyakarar, Em Perumanar, etc).
The main god of the temple is Lord Vishnu, worshipped here as Adhikesava Perumal. Saint Ramanuja’s idol, crafted from five metals, is also enshrined in this temple. Devotees believe consuming the milk used to cleanse this idol has healing properties.
The temple is a powerful place of worship for those seeking spiritual healing. Sri Ramanuja’s Nakshatra is Thiruvadhirai. Therefore, the festivities of the Thiruveedi procession can be seen on the days when this Nakshatra is get every month.
Ramanujar Darshan
Upon entering the five-tiered Rajagopuram, you can see the big sacrifice altar, the Dhvajasthampat and the Garuda shrine. If you stand near the Dhvajasthampat and worship the Lord, climb the steps and turn north, you will find the shrine of Ramanujar. You can stand in the front hall full of sculptures and have a darshan of that wonderful and peaceful Thirumeni.
If you come out after seeing Ramanujar, you can have a darshan of the Adikesava Perumal with his face facing east. Srivatsam, Sri Devi and Bhudevi reside on the chest of the main character. You can also have darshan of the Utsavar Kesava Nandavardhana, Navaneetha Krishna and Chellapillya.
Next, you can have the darshan of Yathirajanathavalli’s Mother. The shrine of Chakrathazwar is located near the Mother’s shrine. There is also a separate shrine for Andal Nachiyar and Rama. If you exit the temple, you can see the incarnation shrine of Ramanujar opposite.
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Sorkavasal
There is no sorkavasal here because Ramanujar was incarnated. On Vaikunta Ekadashi, both Aadikesava and Ramanujar will rise in the Pootakkal Mandapam. At that time, just like the sorkavasal is opened, the bell door here will be opened. Those who visit this temple on Vaikunta Ekadashi will attain the merit of going to Vaikunta. Even today, whoever dies in Sriperumbudur comes with mela tala and brings garlands consecrated to Swami, aalavandar kashayam and parivattam and puts them on the deceased’s body.
Ramanujar Temple Festivals 2025
At Sriperumbudur Sri Adhikesava Perumal and Sri Ramanujar present themselves to the devotees as Thanuganda Thirumeni. Every year in the month of Chithirai, a 10-day Brahmotsavam for Perumal and a 10-day Avatara thiruvizha for Sri Ramanujar are held in this temple with great pomp.
This year, the 1008th year of the Avatara thiruvizha of Sri Ramanujar is going to be held. The Brahmotsavam for Perumal will begin with the flag hoisting on April 13 and will continue till April 22. During this 10-day Brahmotsavam, Sri Aadikesava Perumal will appear before the devotees in Vahanam, including elephant, horse, yazhi, and Surya Prabha.
On the 7th day of the festival, a chariot procession will be held in the morning with great pomp. Sri Adhikesava Perumal will parade in a chariot through Gandhi Salai and Thirumangai Azhwar Salai and give a show to the devotees.
Next, the Avatara thiruvizha of Sri Ramanujar will be held for 10 days, starting from April 23rd to May 2nd. During the festival, he will parade in vehicles, including a golden palanquin, a horse Vahanam, a yazhi Vahanam, a simha Vahanam, a Chandra Prabha Vahanam, a Surya Prabha Vahanam, an Amsa Vahanam, and a Sesha Vahanam and give a show to the devotees.
On the 9th day of the festival, the Thirutheer festival will be held in the morning with great pomp. Thousands of devotees will participate in this and have darshan of Sami. On the 10th day of the festival, the Mangalagiri Sathumurai will be held at night. The temple administration is providing the basic facilities required for the devotees in view of the festival.
Sriperumbudur Ramanujar Temple Timings
- Morning: 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
How to Reach Ramanujar Temple Sriperumbudur
By Road
Sriperumbudur is well-connected by road and can be accessed easily from nearby towns and cities:
- From Tambaram: Located about 24 km away via Manimangalam. Regular bus facilities are available on this route.
- From Tiruvallur: Located approximately 21 km away, with buses and taxis making it a convenient journey.
- From Kanchipuram: Situated 35 km from Sriperumbudur, buses and private vehicles can be used for travel.
- From Chennai: Sriperumbudur is around 40 km from Chennai. Regular buses, taxis, and private vehicles provide a smooth journey.
The temple is very close to the Sriperumbudur Bus Stand, making it easily accessible for visitors arriving by bus.
By Air
The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, located approximately 40 km from Sriperumbudur. From the airport, visitors can hire a cab or take public transport to reach the temple.
By Rail
While Sriperumbudur does not have a railway station, visitors can use nearby railway stations like Chennai Central or Tiruvallur and then proceed by road to the temple.
Nearest Tourist Places of Ramanujar Temple
Sriperumbudur is surrounded by many places that offer cultural, historical and natural experiences. The major places near Ramanujar Temple Sriperumbudur are:
1. Rajiv Gandhi Memorial
This Rajiv Gandhi memorial marks the assassination site of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. It is designed as a tranquil park and has a pathway leading to a memorial stone inscribed with significant events from his life.
2. Vallakottai Murugan Temple
Located approximately 20 km from Sriperumbudur, this temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is famous for its 7-foot-tall deity statue, one of the tallest Murugan statues in Tamil Nadu. The Vallakottai Murugan temple is a major attraction during Thaipusam and other festivals, drawing devotees and tourists alike.
3. Queensland Amusement Park
This Queensland amusement park is located about 20 km from Sriperumbudur. It is a popular destination for families and children, offering rides, water sports, and fun activities. The park provides a day of excitement and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
FAQs about Sri Ramanujar Temple Sriperumbudur
1. Who built the Ramanujar Temple?
The Adikesava Perumal Temple in Sriperumbudur, also known as the Ramanujar Temple, was built by the Cholas. However, the Vijayanagar Kings played a significant role in its development and expansion.
2. What is the name of Sriperumbudur?
The name of Sriperumbudur is also known as Thiruperumbudur.
3. What is special in Sriperumbudur?
- Ramanujar Temple: The Adikesava Perumal Temple, also known as the Ramanujar Temple, is a prominent pilgrimage site dedicated to the saint.
- Rajiv Gandhi Memorial: The town also houses the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial, a poignant tribute to the former Prime Minister who was assassinated here in 1991.
- Vallakottai Murugan Temple: This temple boasts the tallest Murugan statue in the region, drawing devotees and tourists alike.
- Industrial Hub: Sriperumbudur has emerged as a major industrial centre, attracting numerous multinational companies and contributing significantly to the region’s economy.
4. What is Kalasarpa Dosha?
Kalasarpa Dosha is an astrological condition caused by the alignment of Rahu and Ketu. Devotees believe that worshipping at this temple and bathing in the Ananda Saras pond can mitigate its effects.
5. What are the Ramanujar Temple’s Opening Hours?
The temple is open in the morning from 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM and in the evening from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
6. What is the Best Time to Visit the Ramanujar Temple?
While the temple can be visited year-round, the Vaikunta Ekadashi festival and Saint Ramanuja’s birth anniversary are especially bright times to visit.
