Sri Ponvaratharaja Perumal Temple is located in Rasipuram in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu.
The temple is several hundred years old, and traditional accounts trace its origin to a period long before Rasipuram developed into a town. Since the temple was formed after the discovery of a Swayambhu idol, its spiritual history is considered older than its built structure. Some parts of the structure show signs of Vijayanagara influence, placing the construction between the 14th and 16th centuries, with later additions by local devotees.
The main deity is Sri Pon Varatharaja Perumal, seen in a standing posture facing east. The Lord is accompanied by Sri Devi and Bhoodevi Thayars. The deity has a natural golden glow on the stone surface, which gives the appearance of shining metal. Devotees believe the Lord grants blessings for prosperity, good health, family unity, and relief from financial issues.
The temple has a traditional east-facing five-tier Rajagopuram, welcoming devotees with its simple but dignified presence. The sanctum area includes the Garbhagriha, Ardha Mandapam, and Maha Mandapam, constructed mainly from granite. Separate shrines are built for Thayar, Garudazhwar, Anjaneya, and Azhwars. The temple walls and pillars reflect early Vijayanagara-style designs, with minimal ornamentation but strong, long-lasting stonework. The temple layout supports daily worship, annual festivals, and community gatherings.
According to old local accounts, the temple did not begin with royal patronage; instead, it started from the faith of ordinary villagers who discovered the divine idol under the soil. Over time, as devotion grew, small shelters became larger structures. Local chieftains contributed to early expansion, and later the temple received support from the Vijayanagara period and the Vaishnava Acharyas who maintained and systemized the rituals. The temple became an important spiritual centre for Rasipuram and the surrounding villages.
Many years ago, the region around Rasipuram consisted mostly of farmland. One morning, as a group of farmers were ploughing a fertile field near a natural water canal, their oxen suddenly stopped moving forward. The animals stood still, firmly refusing to take another step. Sensing something unusual, the farmer inspected the ground and tapped the soil with the plough. To his surprise, the land produced a deep, hollow sound which clearly indicated something solid was hidden beneath.
Curious and slightly frightened, the farmers dug the spot carefully. After removing a few layers of soil, they were astonished to discover a beautiful stone idol of Perumal. The idol appeared fresh and had a natural golden radiance, making it look as if it were carved from shining metal. The farmers felt a divine presence and immediately understood that this was not an ordinary idol found by chance. They believed that the Lord had chosen to manifest himself in this place and that the idol was Swayambhu (self-manifested).
The villagers cleaned the idol and placed it under a simple thatched shelter. From that day, daily worship began. Over the next few weeks, several divine experiences strengthened their faith. The nearby water channel continued to flow steadily even during dry months, which the villagers considered a direct blessing from the Lord. Several people shared dreams in which Perumal appeared, instructing them to build a proper shrine. Some devotees reported sudden relief from financial struggles and family problems after praying at this spot.
Encouraged by these signs, the villagers came together to construct a permanent stone temple. As the years passed, Vaishnava Acharyas visited the region and organized the rituals according to Sri Ramanuja’s Vaishnavite tradition. Their guidance established the temple’s daily puja system, festival procedures, and chanting traditions. Thus the small village shrine transformed into a full temple dedicated to Sri Pon Varatharaja Perumal, the Golden Lord who emerged from the earth.
The temple celebrates all major Vaishnavite festivals with devotion.
Vaikunta Ekadasi is the most important festival, where a large number of devotees visit the temple for special darshan.
Purattasi Saturdays are celebrated with special alankaram, prasadam distribution, and extended darshan hours.
Rama Navami and Krishna Jayanthi are observed with devotional music, special pujas, and colourful decorations.
The Annual Brahmotsavam is a major event, featuring vahana processions and a temple car (ratha) festival that attracts devotees from nearby towns. All festivals are conducted following traditional Vaishnava rituals.
