Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple — Attraction in Tiruporur

Nithya Kalyana Perumal temple is a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is also an important Divya Desam, the chosen abode of the Lord that has been glorified in the Azhwar saints' verses. This temple is situated in a place called Thiruvidanthai on the East Coast Road, about 40 kilometers from Chennai city. Varaha, the wild boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is the principal Lord here, whose idol is believed to be a Suyambu, that is self-manifested, which emerged while digging the earth. The presiding deity is known as Nithya Kalayana Perumal, the Lord who marries daily and the Goddess, Komalavalli Thayar. Devotees, especially those looking for early marriage or a suitable life partner, worship in large numbers in this temple.

As per the legends, once the Dvarapalakas, the gatekeepers of the Vaikuntam abode of Lord Vishnu were cursed and were born as demon brothers Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu. By doing severe penance and receiving remarkable boons, they became mighty and began harassing all the worlds. Thanks to the boon, the elder Hiranyaksha could not be killed by any living being, but he is said to have failed to include the wild boar in the list of beings. With immense power at his command, Hiranyaksha abducted Bhoomadevi, the mother earth, and hid her at the bed of the great ocean. Lord Vishnu took the incarnation of Varaha, the wild boar, fought a fierce battle with the demon, destroyed him in the end, and rescued the Goddess from his clutches. Varaha is said to have taken Bhoomidevi on this lap and married her, here. It is also said that he married all the 360 daughters of sage Kalava, in the course of a year. Thus, the Lord, who entered into wedlock daily, came to be hailed as Nithya Kalyana Perumal.

This is a beautiful temple located right on the East Coast, on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. This was originally built by the Pallavas in the 7th century CE, and the Cholas added to the temple structure later. This temple, without a Rajagopuram, the entrance tower, is fenced by a granite wall, and its Pushkarani, the temple tank called Kalyana Theertham, is outside the compound. Lord Varaha can be worshipped as Nithya Kalyana Perumal in the sanctum sanctorum, holding Bhoomadevi on his lap. This Lord stands almost 7 feet tall and looks majestic. The tower above the main shrine is called Kalyana Vimanam. There is a separate shrine for Goddess Komalavalli. The pillared hall in the temple contains intricate carvings, while the many inscriptions found on the granite walls throw light on the temple's ancient history. Other Gods and deities like Ranganatha, Ranganayaki, and Garuda also have their shrines here.

The Lord here is well known for granting the marriage boon, and hence this temple can be said to be virtually dedicated to people looking for early marriage or a suitable life partner. Therefore, a large number of those who want to get married to the right partners or whose marriages are getting delayed come to pray and seek divine blessings here. They usually offer garlands to the principal deity, then get it back as Prasad, wear it, and circumambulate the temple, nine times. Once their wish is fulfilled and the marriage takes place successfully, they come back as couples and pay their respects to the Lord. People also pray in this temple for relief from the adverse effects of snake planets Rahu and Ketu, and evil looks, and even for marital harmony and...

A Visit to the Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple, Thiruvidandai, Chennai The Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple in Thiruvidandai, a serene village on Chennai's East Coast Road (ECR), is more than just an ancient temple; it's a vibrant tapestry of faith, hope, and devotion, particularly for those seeking blessings for marriage. My recent visit offered a glimpse into this unique spiritual experience.

On my visit, the atmosphere was a mix of serene devotion and bustling hope. While not overwhelmingly crowded on a regular weekday, there was a constant flow of devotees, many carrying garlands – a tell-tale sign of the marriage prayer ritual. I observed several young men and women, often accompanied by their parents, participating in the "Pradakshinam" (circumambulation) ritual, wearing garlands and making rounds around the outer prakara. There's a tangible sense of shared anticipation and fervent prayer in the air. The priests were helpful and unrushed, a welcome change from some other busy temples in Chennai. They patiently guided devotees through the specific rituals for marriage blessings, ensuring everyone understood the significance of each step. The system for buying garlands and archana sets was efficient, and the prasadam counter offered delicious pulisadam and thengozhal – a definite must-try! One particularly touching sight was a young couple, clearly recently married, returning to the temple with their old garlands to offer gratitude, as is the tradition after their prayers are answered. It was a beautiful testament to the enduring faith in this sacred space. Tips for a Fulfilling Visit: Timings: The temple is generally open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It's always advisable to check before you go, especially on public holidays. Marriage Prarthana: If you're visiting for marriage blessings, be prepared to purchase a set of garlands and an archana set. You'll wear the garlands, perform nine circumambulations, and then keep the garlands at home until your marriage. After marriage, it's customary to return with your spouse and offer gratitude. Dress Code: As with any Hindu temple, modest and respectful attire is recommended. Location: While a bit outside the main city, it's easily accessible via ECR and a pleasant drive. Parking is usually available. Final Thoughts: The Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple is a truly special place. Beyond its architectural grandeur and historical significance, it's the palpable sense of hope and unwavering faith that makes it so compelling. Whether you're seeking blessings for a marital union, or simply looking for a peaceful and spiritually enriching experience, this Divya Desam offers a unique and memorable visit. It's a place where ancient traditions meet heartfelt prayers, creating a truly...

Buckle up, dear readers, for I'm about to regale you with the exploits of my recent odyssey to the Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple on the East Coast Road. Now, strap in, because when I say it was a spectacle, I mean it was a cosmic carnival.

Last Saturday, I embarked on a pilgrimage to this temple, driven not just by the whispers of spiritual revelations but also the enticing prospect of divine matchmaking. As I traversed the East Coast Road, I found myself amidst a congregation of souls, a multitude from near and far, all seemingly entranced by the magnetic pull of the temple.

Now, why the Saturday rush, you ask? Well, it appears Saturdays are like the divine happy hour for Lord Vishnu, and the cosmic bartender was serving blessings on the rocks. As I stood in the queue, contemplating the metaphysics of divine schedules, I couldn't help but notice the eclectic mix of the devout—some earnestly praying for marital bliss, others perhaps just happy to get a day off.

The presiding deity, Shri Varahaswamy, bore witness to this human mosaic with a stoic grace, clutching his consort as if to say, "Yes, I'm the divine wingman you've been waiting for." Legend has it that anyone making a pitstop here and uttering vows is in for some cosmic marital magic. No wonder the temple was teeming with just-married couples, walking that delicate tightrope between gratitude and expectancy.

As I maneuvered through the crowd, dodging enthusiastic aunties with coconut-laden trays, I couldn't help but marvel at the theater of human desires playing out before the deity. It was a spiritual soap opera, with each prayer echoing in the chambers of matrimonial hope.

In conclusion, dear seekers of divine unions, the Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple isn't just a pitstop for the spiritually inclined; it's a bustling bazaar of vows, a celestial carnival of cosmic contracts. So, whether you're looking for a soulmate or just a celestial thumbs-up for your current relationship status, this temple has your cosmic back. After all, in the grand theater of life, we're all just hoping for a divine encore. Cheers to spiritual...