The second phase of renovation will begin shortly at the ancient Azhagiya Shantha Manavala Perumal Temple in Arjuna Puram near Vathirairuppu (Watrap), a temple whose legend dates back to the Mahabharata and one that is closely associated with Ninra Narayana Perumal Divya Desam in Thiruthangal.
The handsome Azhagiya Manavalan is seen in a standing posture flanked by Sri and Bhoo Devi.
The story goes that on their way to Kerala (Malai Naatu Divya Desams), the Pandavas passed through this place. Arjuna brought relief to this drought-hit village by shooting his powerful arrow that pierced the earth, from where water gushed out.
In memory of this event, this village is referred to as Arjuna Puram and the river Arjuna Poigai. As the Pandavas stayed here, the place has come to be referred to as Dharmaranya Kshetram.
A fight arose between the three Devis - Sri Devi, Bhoo Devi and Neela Devi - as to who was the senior among them and also the favourite of the Lord. Sri Devi was guided by the Saptharishis here at Vathirairuppu to undertake penance at Thiru Thangal, 30 km from here. Pleased with her prayers, Lord Narayana appeared before her and acknowledged that she was indeed his favourite.
The place where she was guided to undertake penance is called Vyaktra Puram which in course of time became Vathirairuppu.
Inscriptions at the temple, dating back to the rule of Tenkasi Pandyas, indicate the temple having artha mandapam, maha mandapam and mukha mandapam.
There are several beautiful stone sculptures at the Vasantha Mandapam and Ekadesi Mandapam.
There is a huge ancient well to the north of the temple complex.
A 13th Century A.D. inscription on a stone near the well refers to the rule of Kulasekara Pandya and names one Nakkan Sokkan Villi as the digger of the well.
During the 15th Century A.D., this place was referred to as Sendaneri. Consecration of the temple took place in the second half of the 15th Century dating back to the rule of Venrumalayitta Vira Pandya Deva with a donation of land being made towards rituals, repairs and renovation of the temple.
Yet another inscription provides insights into the grant of a temple tank for puja at noon and for daily food offering for the Lord. Paucity of funds News about the consecration of phase I of the renovation, when the sanctum, artha mandapam and maha mandapam were renovated, was published in this supplement around the same time last year.
Phase II that will commence shortly includes rebuilding the vasantha mandapam, Ekadasi mandapam, front mandapam and Thiru Madapalli.
Plans also include building outer walls on all the four sides.
For donations contact the Trust (created for this purpose) at Vathirairuppu on 96774 19184 / 94431 41884.
How to reach: Arjuna Puram is just over 10 km from Krishnan Kovil (Kalasalingam University) off the Madurai- Tenkasi Highway. Buses ply every half hour from Krishnan Kovil/Srivilliputhur to Watrap. From there, one can reach the temple by auto (1km).
