Deity
Vishnu (Rajagopala)
Krishna form
श्री राजगोपालस्वामी
Rajagopalaswamy Temple
Rajagopalaswamy Temple in Mannargudi, Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu, is a Divya Desam dedicated to Vishnu as Rajagopala (Krishna). The record describes it as a grand Krishna temple known as Dakshina Dwaraka, with ancient Chola-era roots and Dravidian architectural style.
Rajagopalaswamy Temple
Rajagopalaswamy Temple
Rajagopalaswamy Temple
Rajagopalaswamy Temple
Rajagopalaswamy Temple
Temple Summary
Quick Facts
Pilgrimage Status
Divya Desam
Sri Vaishnava
Architecture
Dravidian
Chola-era (ancient)
Location
Mannargudi, Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu
India
Temple Profile
History and Significance
History
- Founded
- 1070 CE
- Founder
- Kulothunga Chola I
- Construction
- 1070 - 16th Century CE
- First built by Kulothunga Chola I in the 11th century, the temple was expanded by Hoysala rulers and Thanjavur Nayak kings. King Raghunatha Nayak took personal interest in adding grand halls and carved stone pillars. The massive complex extends over 23 acres with sixteen gopurams and seven prakarams.
Significance
- Revered as Dakshina Dwarka, this grand temple complex is one of the most prominent Vaishnava shrines in Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity, Rajagopalaswamy, is depicted as a youthful cowherd holding a whip alongside his cows. The temple complex houses the vast Haridra Nadhi tank, one of the largest temple tanks in India.
Temple Pilgrimage Summary
Pilgrim Guide
Before You Visit
Arrive early for calmer darshan
With an approximate opening time of 05:30, early hours can help you avoid peak crowds.
Keep buffer time for rituals
Even with a long open window (up to ~21:00), plan for possible pauses during pooja times and special days.
Dress and conduct
Wear modest clothing and follow temple instructions, especially near the sanctum and during festival days.
Plan local transport within Mannargudi
Factor in town traffic and parking/walking time so you can reach the entrance comfortably before your preferred darshan slot.
If doing a Divya Desam circuit
Group nearby Tamil Nadu Divya Desam visits by district to reduce travel time and fatigue.
Temple Timings
Darshan Schedule
Opening timings
06:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 04:30 PM - 09:00 PM
Festivals
Temple Calendar Highlights
Margazhi (Dec–Jan) • 1 day
Vaikuntha Ekadashi
A major Vishnu festival day widely observed at Divya Desam temples; confirm local schedule for Mannargudi rituals.
Varies • Multiple days
Brahmotsavam
A multi-day festival commonly associated with major temples; dates depend on the local calendar.
Aavani (Aug–Sep) • 1 day
Krishna Jayanthi
A Krishna-focused observance relevant to Rajagopala worship; local customs may vary.
Temple Knowledge
Contribute to Rajagopalaswamy Temple
Add local insights, rituals, timings, legends, or details other yatris should know.
Community Notes
0
GG
Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Weekday mornings usually have shorter darshan queues than weekends.
GG
Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Carry a small cloth bag for footwear token and prasad containers.
GG
Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Aarti timings can shift on festival days, so check local notice boards.
Minimum 4 characters. Be respectful and factual.
No community notes yet. Be the first one to share local knowledge.
Page QR
ज्ञ
श्री राजगोपालस्वामी
Rajagopalaswamy Temple
Additional Resources
Watch
Temple Videos
Titles and links are sourced from temple JSON profile data.
