Tiruevvuloor

Location: Tiruvalloor near  Tiruttani, Chennai
(Tondai Naadu)
Vishnu: Veeraraghavaswamy
Taayaar: Kanakavalli (Vasumati)
Theertham:Hridtaapanaasini
Paasuram :Tirumangaialwar, Tirumazhisaialwar
Vimaanam:Vijayakoti Vimanam
Travel Base:Chennai

Description: This Divya Desam is located at Tiruvallur, a railhead on the (suburban) railroad between Chennai and Arakkonam. Nearby are the Tiruppaasoor and the Tiruvaalankaadu Shivastalams and Tirumazhisai, the birthplace of Tirumazhisai Alwar.  Not too far away is Sriperumpudoor the birthplace of Ramanuja. Tiruvallur and Tiruttani are on the highway linking Chennai and Tirupati.

Tirumangai Alwar and Ramalinga Adigalaar have sung in praise of the deity at Tiruvallur. Tiruvallur   is also referred to by a paasuram of Tirumazhisai Alwar where he addresses seven shrines featuring Vishnu in a reclining position - Tirukkudandai, Tiruvegkaa, Tiruvallur, Tiruvarangam, Tiruppernagar, Anbil and Tirupparkadal.

Deities: The Moolavar here is Veeraraghava Perumaal in a reclining posture facing east, and Taayaar here is Kanakavalli, enshrined in a separate sanctum.

Legend has it that Vishnu blessed Salihotra Munivar and revealed the Vedas to Bhrama here. The name Tiruevvull comes from Perumaal's question (in Tamil) to Salihotra Muni 'Uraidarkuria Ull Evvull'. Legend has it that Vishnu in the guise of a human, requested the rishi for food and shelter, and posed the above question to the Rishi. Upon being pointed to his hut, Vishnu spent the night there, covering himself with the bark of trees. It was only the following morning that the rishi realized that his guest was none other than Vishnu. Vishnu is believed to have vanquished the demons Madhukaidapas, and protected devotees here.

It is believed that bathing in the temple tank, and worshipping Veeraraghavaperumaal here, is a cure to many a physical ailment, and hence the deity is also known as Vaidya Veeraraghava Perumal.

The Temple: This temple is under the administration of the Ahobila Mutt. Five worship services are carried out each day here. It is considered auspicious to visit this temple on new moon days. Two annual festivals are held here.

Tirumazhisai Alwar refers to seven shrines featuring Vishnu in a reclining position - Tirukkudandai, Tiruvegkaa, Tiruvallur, Tiruvarangam, Tiruppernagar, Anbil and Tirupparkadal.