Pasupathikovil Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple at Pasupathikovil in Thanjavur District is a sacred Vaishnava temple specially associated with Kettai Nakshatra, known in Sanskrit as Jyeshtha. Kettai is the 18th Nakshatra among the 27 Nakshatras, and devotees born under this star traditionally visit this temple for spiritual protection, removal of obstacles and relief from adverse planetary influences.

The greatest glory of this temple comes from its association with Sri Periya Nambi, the revered guru of Sri Ramanuja. According to the Sthala tradition, Periya Nambi, after losing his eyesight during the persecution of the Vaishnava community under a Chola ruler, came to this sacred place. Lord Varadaraja Perumal appeared before him, granted His divine darshan and blessed him with liberation.

The presiding deity is Sri Varadaraja Perumal, and His consort is Perundevi Thayar. The two divine shrines grace devotees separately within the temple.

The temple is therefore important not only as a Kettai Nakshatra Parihara Sthalam but also as a sacred place connected with the Sri Vaishnava Acharya tradition and the final moments of the life of Periya Nambi.

For devotees born under Kettai Nakshatra, worship at this temple is traditionally undertaken especially on their Janma Nakshatra day, and many devotees also visit on the monthly Kettai Nakshatra.

There is no single month that is compulsory for Kettai Nakshatra worship. The most important day for a Kettai-born devotee is the Janma Nakshatra day.

However, certain periods have special significance:

Margazhi – December to January

This is especially important because of the Margazhi Kettai associated with Periya Nambi's Tirunakshatra.

Purattasi – September to October

Purattasi is a particularly sacred month for Vishnu worship, with special importance given to Saturdays.

Monthly Kettai

For devotees specifically undertaking Nakshatra Pariharam, the monthly Kettai Nakshatra is more relevant than selecting a particular season.

For comfortable travel in the Thanjavur region, the relatively cooler months from October to February are generally convenient.

Periya Nambi was born in the Tamil month of Margazhi under the Kettai (Jyeshtha) Nakshatram. Because a highly exalted soul (an Acharya who guided Ramanuja himself) born under this star sacrificed his life for his faith and merged with the Supreme Lord here, the very soil of this temple vibrates with the cosmic energies of the Kettai Nakshatram. Astrologically, Kettai starrers are advised to worship their Gurus and seek ancestral blessings to overcome their life struggles. By worshipping Periya Nambi and Varadaraja Perumal at this specific energy center, Kettai natives can easily wash away their karmic blockages, doshas, and life obstacles.

For Kettai Nakshatram: Devotees born under the Kettai star must visit the temple on their star day. They offer a white cloth (Vastram) to the Lord, along with Jasmine flower garlands. Offering Adhirasam and Urad Dal Vada as Naivedyam brings massive relief from planetary afflictions.

Deepam (Lamp) Remedy: It is highly recommended to light lamps using a special herbal oil made from Marudhani (Henna), Karisalanganni (Bhringraj), and Sembaruthi (Hibiscus) leaves. Lighting this lamp specifically on a Tuesday that coincides with the Kettai star doubles the parigara benefits. (This special oil is usually available at the temple).

For Eye Ailments: People suffering from vision problems or eye diseases pray specifically to Koorathazhwan and Periya Nambi here for a miraculous recovery.

Enter the temple and first seek the blessings of Lord Varadaraja Perumal (standing posture, facing East) and Goddess Perundevi Thaayar. Most importantly, you must spend significant time meditating at the Thiruvarasu (Samadhi shrine) of Periya Nambi. Seek his blessings for wisdom and clearance of obstacles. Also, offer prayers at the newer shrines built for Lord Hanuman (Anjaneya) and Lord Chakrathazhwar to ensure protection against negative forces.

If you are planning a special Kettai Nakshatra Parihara visit, a little preparation will make the pilgrimage easier.

• Check the day's temple opening hours before starting.
• If travelling from another district, call the temple/archakar beforehand.
• If you want a special archana, abhishekam or vastram offering, confirm availability in advance.
• Carry the devotee's full name, Rasi and Nakshatra details.
• Wear clean and modest traditional clothing.
• Carry flowers and permitted offerings if necessary.
• If you are travelling with elderly devotees, plan the visit during the cooler morning hours.
• Do not assume that every offering mentioned in traditional sources will be available every day.
• Festival days can have different timings and crowd levels.
• If you specifically want Kettai Nakshatra worship, confirm the exact Nakshatra timing for that date.
• Contact the temple before travelling for a special ritual.

Margazhi Kettai Utsavam: This is the most magnificent festival of the temple, celebrating the birth star of Periya Nambi. Thousands of devotees throng the temple, and special Divya Prabandham recitations and grand feasts (Thaligai) are organized.

Monthly Thiruvonam & Kettai: Special Poojas and Thirumanjanam (sacred bath) are conducted on the Kettai star day and Thiruvonam star day every month. Every Saturday, puliyotharai (tamarind rice) is distributed as prasadam

Margazhi Kettai

The Kettai Nakshatra of Margazhi is especially important because it is connected with the Tirunakshatra of Periya Nambi. Special worship is performed in his honour.

Monthly Kettai Nakshatra

Every month, devotees born under Kettai Nakshatra can visit the temple on their Janma Nakshatra day.

Purattasi Saturdays

Purattasi Saturdays are important days of Vishnu worship and are celebrated at the temple.

Other Vaishnava Observances

Regular Vaishnava worship and temple festivals are conducted according to the temple's traditional calendar.

Devotees planning to attend a particular festival should confirm the year's exact festival date and timings with the temple.

By Road: Pasupathikovil is located on the main Thanjavur - Kumbakonam highway. It is about 13 km from Thanjavur and 2 km southwest of Ayyampettai. Buses ply every 5 minutes between Thanjavur and Kumbakonam. You can get down at the Pasupathikovil bus stop; the temple is just 500-600 meters from the stop.

By Train: Pasupathikovil has a small railway station where Trichy-Kumbakonam passenger trains stop. The temple is a half-kilometer walk from the station. The nearest major junction is Thanjavur.

By Air: Trichy International Airport is the nearest, located about 70 km away.