Rayanallur Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple

Thirumalai Nayak period temple was home to a long Agraharam with Vaishnavites and Smarthas lining up on either side

Located 15kms from Mannargudi on the Thiruthuraipoondi road is the Thirumalai Nayak period Varadaraja Perumal temple in Rayanallur. It is believed that Thirumalai Nayak donated this village to the ‘Rayas’ who were working under the Nayaks. Hence, the place came to be referred as ‘Raya’ Nallur. 2acres of land still remains in the possession of the temple.

The moolavar idol was installed during the Nayak period. There was a long agraharam on the Western side of the temple with Vaishnavas living on one side and the Smarthas on the other. Brahmins from Andhra used to take care of the Mutt at the Western end of the Agraharam.

During the last century, the temple had become dilapidated with the Moolavar Idol being submerged below the earth. The moolavar idol as well as the idol of Garuda was located from below the earth when the temple was being renovated.