Soundararajaperumal Temple, Nagapattinam, Hindu temple in Nagapattinam, India
Soundararajaperumal Temple is a Hindu shrine in Nagapattinam with a five-tiered granite gateway tower and sanctuaries dedicated to Vishnu as Soundararaja Perumal and Lakshmi as Soundaravalli. The complex holds multiple shrines and displays the typical South Indian temple layout with its characteristic architectural features.
The Medieval Cholas constructed this site in the late 8th century, and the Thanjavur Nayaks later added architectural enhancements. These growth phases reflect the religious and political importance of this location across several centuries.
The site follows Thenkalai Vaishnavite traditions in which Brahmin priests conduct six daily ceremonies involving decorations, food offerings, and traditional lamp rituals. These practices shape the daily religious life here and are visible in the activities that visitors observe during their time at the temple.
The site opens for visitors in the morning from 7:30 AM and in the evening from 5:30 PM, with nearby railway stations providing convenient access. Multiple entry points make it easy to navigate the complex on foot.
The rajagopuram of this site served a dual purpose as both a religious structure and a lighthouse following a request from Dutch settlers during the Nayak period. This rare feature connects spirituality with maritime practical needs in a single building.
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