In Tirucherai, Tamil Nadu, Saranatha Perumal Temple is dedicated to Saranatha Perumal (Vishnu) with consort Saranayaki. It is also known as Saranathan Temple, Thirucherai Divya Desam.
The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the Vishnu temples glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham composed by the Alvar poet saints, revered by Thirumangai Alvar. It is considered the only Divya Desam where Vishnu is depicted with five consorts together: Sara Nayagi, Sridevi, Bhudevi, Mahalakshmi, and Neela Devi. Saranathan is believed to have appeared before the river goddess Kaveri at this spot.
Tamil Nadu carries a distinct temple identity of its own: Land of towering gopurams and living Dravidian temple traditions, from the Chola masterpieces to the great Pancha Bhoota Sthalas.
Darshan hours and daily worship
| Session | Timing (as published) |
|---|---|
| Morning | 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Evening | 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM |
Evening closing time is reported inconsistently across sources (7 PM vs 8 PM); confirm locally before visiting.
Poojas and daily rituals
Six daily rituals are performed: Ushathkalam, Kalasanthi, Uchikalam, Sayarakshai, Irandamkalam and Ardha Jamam
History and architecture
Architecture
Dravidian style temple known for a distinctive blessing gesture (padma hastam, or lotus hand) and a separate shrine dedicated to the river Kaveri, unusual among Vishnu temples
History
Saranathan is believed to have appeared before the river goddess Kaveri at this spot. The temple is also associated with a legend in which Brahma appealed to Vishnu to protect the Vedas before the onset of Kali Yuga.
Planning your visit
How to reach
About 15 km southeast of Kumbakonam bus stand on the Kumbakonam to Thiruvarur road, and about 4 km from Nachiyar Kovil. Nearest railway station is Kumbakonam; nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli (Trichy).
Where this information comes from
Confidence: Medium. Festival dates and entry fee details could not be verified