Venkata Varadaraja Temple, dedicated to
Lord Vishnu, lies in Aaymur near Thirukkuvalai, in
Nagapattinam District. It was built in the 14th century.
The presiding deity Lord Vishnu, about 7 feet high, is seen with his two consorts looking at his feet. These idols were unearthed from an anthill. A vimana is placed over the sanctum sanctorum. The Lord's two upper hands hold the holy discus and conch in the right and left hands. His right lower hand is in the Abhaya Hasta pose (pose of showering blessings by indication in hand) and the left lower hand is on his hip. Besides Ardha mandapam and Garuda mandapam, there are separate shrines for Lord Garuda and Anjaneya (Lord Hanuman). The temple is known as Srivaksha Kshetram and also as Saptamruta Kshetram.
Aaymur is 3 km from Aruntavampulam on the Thiruthuraipoondi — Nagapattinam route. Aruntavampulam can be reached via Tiruvarur, Katchanam and Ettukudi.
