Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple, Hindu temple in Thirukannamangai, Tiruvarur district, India

Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple is a Hindu shrine featuring a five-tiered rajagopuram gateway tower surrounded by granite walls that enclose multiple shrines within its complex. The layout creates distinct spaces where different worship areas are organized around the central sanctuary.

The temple is believed to have been initiated by the Medieval Cholas in the late 9th century CE, and three Chola-period inscriptions survive in it. Later contributions came at different times from the Thanjavur Nayaks, whose pillars with Nayak architectural representation stand in the hall leading to the Kannamangai Thayar shrine. The site is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the Tamil canon of the Alvar saints of the 6th–9th centuries CE.

The village name comes from Tirukanna Mankaiyantan, a 10th-century disciple of Nathamuni born here. The temple is one of the Panchakanna (Krishnaranya) Kshetrams, and the Alvar Thirumangai sang of the deity in 14 verses, imagining himself as a woman and Bhaktavatsala as her lover. A beehive in the temple is treated as devas worshipping Vishnu, with special rituals performed for it.

The temple lies in Tirukannamangai, about 25 miles from Kumbakonam, 15 miles from Tiruvarur and 4 miles from the Tiruvarur railway station. Its main entrance faces east, with a four-pillared open hall just inside. The temple tank stands opposite the entrance, outside the main gateway.

Local tradition holds that Varuna, an important deity in Hindu mythology, and the sage Romasa once performed worship at this very spot dedicated to Vishnu. This mythological connection links the physical location with ancient spiritual narratives.