Sri Varadaraja Perumal temple Vilanagar (Original name Vizhalnagar) - a few kilo-metres away from the two Sri Vaishnava “divya desam” temple of Sri Parimala Ranganatha Temple & Annan Koil.
The Sri Vaishnava temple at Vilanagar is home to the Deity of Sri Varadaraja Perumal and his Divine Consorts : Bhu-devi and Neela-devi.
The majestic archa-murthy in the sanctum is an imposing 12-feet tall icon of Perumal whose mesmerizing figure matches the glory of the same Deity presiding in the great temple at Kanchipuram so this temple is also known as “Chinna Kanchi”.
The antiquity of this great temple is evidenced by references to it in Garuda Puraana dating back to earlier millennium.
There are separate sannidhis for Perundevi Thayar, Sri Ramar, Seetha, Bala Anjaneyar, Krishnan and Alwars
The original idols of deities (Sri Varadarajar & the devis) belonging to Chola period, obvious from the architectural style, got disfigured sometime in the past and new identical idols were sculpted during Maratha period, again obvious from the typical style and architecture.
The old idols can also be seen in the adjacent area of similar height and majesty.
A unique feature of the idols of Sri Rama & Sita is the fact that they are in “Vanavasa Kolam” i.e, forest attire, including their matted hair. This is very rare.
Temple tank is known as Surya Pushkarani.
Temple was in poor state of repair and has now been renovated, with great enthusiasm by the local population.
As per the Sthalapurana available at the temple, Garuda Purana mentions that the great saint Jayishavyar, came to this area which was full of Dharbai grass, (also called vizhal) and after taking bath in the Surya Pushkarani (tank) did penance on Lord Vishnu, who finally did reveal himself in Vishwarupam, which is why the deity Sri Varadarajar, 12 feet in height & the devis almost 8 feet in height, true Vishwarupam!!
The temple had fallen into bad times and was need of serious repair and maintenance.
Some well wishers have completed the maintenance work.
The temple and the deities have now regained their former glory!!