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The Legends of Vanamamalai Perumal Temple 

The Vanamamalai temple in Nanguneri has several legends that explain the temple's existence.

• The Place Where Goddess Lakshmi was Born

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu's wife, Lakshmi, is said to have been born here at Vanamamalai Perumal Temple in Nanguneri's Srivaramangai. As a result, the location was named Varangunamangai.

• Adhisheshan's Penance

According to a different narrative, Adhishesha, the celestial serpent, underwent penance at the Nanguneri temple to obtain Vishnu's blessings. Moved by his devotion, the Lord rewarded Adhiseshan by using him as a support to lie on.

• Lakshmi Ammam's Idol

 It is said that the procession idol of the Lakshmi Amman was originally in Tirupathi. The Goddess was to be offered to Sri Venkateswara in Tirupathi by the devotees. Perumal appeared in Jeer Swamingal's dream and claimed that Varamangadevi was destined for Lord Vanamamalai in Nanguneri. Hence, the Goddess was brought to the Lord.

• Vanamamalai Mutt

 This is where Saint Manavala Mamunigal established the seat of Vanamamalai Jeer, one of the Ashtathik Gajas, or the 8 pontiffs of the Vaishnava order. The Sadari, which the Lord bestows on His disciples, bears the image of Nammazhwar, also known as Sadagopan.

• Reference in the Puranams

The three puranams, Skanda Puranam, Brhamananda Puranam, and Narasimha Puranam refer to the deity in detail. Shiva gave sage Narada a description of the characteristics of Sargunamangai and Thodatri.

The foul smell of the demons Madhu and Kaidaba spread all over the earth when Lord Vishnu killed them, according to Chetru Thamarai Pushkarani. Having lost her original purity, Mother Earth came here to be cleansed and purified.

According to the Sthala Purana, the Lord stood before Bhumadevi ( Mother Earth) and declared, "You are washed clean of the pollution upon you."

Kusasana Muni's curse on the ruler of Sindhu made him wander around in the form of a dog. When he finally got here, he bathed in the Chetru Thamarai Pushkarani. The curse was broken, and the king regained his form and worshipped the Lord. Legend also says that Brahma, Bhrigu muni, Indra, and Markandeya were blessed by Lord Vishnu's vision in this shrine.

Other Interesting Facts About Vanamamalai Temple

In past centuries, this place was identified as one yojana to the south of the Tamirabarani River, two yojanas to the north of the Bay of Bengal, three yojanas to the west of the Indian Ocean and half a yojana to the east of the Mahendra Hills.

Origin of the name

The place was called Naaganai Cheri because Adisesha undertook penance here. This place was called 'Nangu' 'Eri' because the large lake surrounding the temple was divided into four canals.

Swayam Vyaktha Kshetram

This is one of the eight sacred Swayam Vyaktha Vishnu Sthalams. The others are Tirupathi, Badrinath, Saligramam, Pushkaram, Srirangam, Srimushnam, and Naimi Saranyam.

The Holy Oil

The temple is believed to have been built by Kaarya Maharaja, who was childless. He prayed to Lord Nambi in Thirukkurungudi. The Lord told him to undertake a pooja for the Lord present below the ground in Nanguneri.

Upon digging up the land, the king discovered blood pouring from the Lord's head.The Lord instructed him to perform an Oil Abishekam and pour the oil into the well located in this place. According to legend, the king had children following the Lord's orders.

The custom of storing the oil in the 25-foot well, which has been used for consecrating the presiding deity, has been followed for years. Hailed by Sage Agasthiar as 'Sarva Roha Nivarani', the oil is said to have medicinal values that help cure diseases and skin issues. The oil is considered as special as the 'laddoo given in the Tirupathi Temple.

The Interesting Legends Associated with the Temple 

The Legend of Garuda

According to the legend, Sage Kashyapa had two wives, Vinathai and Kathru, neither of whom had children. The two wives were given the choice of several children or just the two, after invoking upon the blessings of a rishi. Kathru mothered several children, including Adiseshan, the Serpent King, on whom Lord Vishnu rests. Vinathai had two sons: Arunan, the charioteer of Lord Surya, and Garudan, Lord Vishnu's celestial vehicle.

As the story goes, Garudan was annoyed that Lord Vishnu had chosen Adhiseshan as his resting place. To appease the Lord, Garudan undertook penance in Thothadri. When the Lord appeared before him, Garudan expressed disappointment at not having been granted the same status as Adiseshan.

To pacify him, the Lord took Garudan to Vaikundam and made him his celestial vehicle. That is why Garudan stands in front of the Lord to be at his disposal.

Freedom from rebirth

With a strong commitment to serving the Lord, Urvasi and Thilothama performed penance in Thothadri to be liberated from rebirth. Lord Narayana appeared before them and asked them why they were performing severe penances at such a young age. The women replied that worshipping him was their ultimate joy in life. So the Lord granted them a place right next to him. This legend is depicted in this temple.

Why is the temple named Vaanama Malai?

This temple is called "Vaanama Malai" because a Pandiyan king married the daughter of the king, who ruled here and was named "Vanavan". After that, he built this temple which came to be known as "Vaanama Malai".

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