Divya Desam #5 Chola Nadu Anbil, Tamil Nadu

Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple

திருஅன்பில் · Thiruanbil

Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple at Anbil is a Chola Nadu Divya Desam with a recorded history of royal Chola patronage.

Perumal: Sundararaja Perumal
Thayar: Saundaryavalli
Posture: reclining
Theertham: Mandooka Pushkarini
Vimanam: Taraka Vimanam
District: Tiruchirappalli
State: Tamil Nadu
Region: Chola Nadu

Divya Desam significance

Anbil is glorified by Thirumazhisai Alvar, whose verse here is one of the more concise contributions to the Naalayira Divya Prabandham among the Chola Nadu Divya Desams. The temple's Perumal is also known locally as Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal, alongside the more formal Sundararaja Perumal, his consort worshipped as Sundaravalli or Saundaryavalli.

Sundara Chola's Devotion and the Copper-Plate Grants of Anbil

Temple tradition and surviving Chola-period copper-plate inscriptions from Anbil record generous royal patronage of this shrine: King Sundara Chola, a devotee of the temple, is said to have showered considerable wealth on it following his military victories, and his prime minister Anirudha Brahmarayar is traditionally believed to have come from Anbil village itself, an unusually direct link between a Chola-era administrator and a specific Divya Desam. The temple is generally dated to the late 8th century CE, built under the Medieval Cholas, with later contributions recorded from the Vijayanagara empire and the Madurai Nayaks.

Architecture

The temple follows the Dravidian architectural style typical of the Chola Nadu Divya Desams, with Sundararaja Perumal enshrined under the Taraka Vimanam.

Darshan & Pooja

Daily worship follows the customary schedule of the Chola Nadu Divya Desams.

Timings

Morning: 06:00–12:00
Evening: 16:00–20:30

Timings may change on festival days. Devotees should verify locally before travel.

Glorified By

This temple was glorified in verse (mangalasasanam) by Thirumazhisai Alvar.

Plan your visit

How to reach

Anbil is a village in Tiruchirappalli district, a short drive from Trichy town, which has the nearest railway station and airport.

Where to stay

Anbil itself has only basic facilities; Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), a short drive away, is the practical base with a fuller range of accommodation.

Best time to visit

Weekday mornings are generally quieter than weekends and festival days.

Where to go next

The nearest Divya Desam is Sri Appakudathaan Perumal Temple at Koviladi (about 3.2 km away), followed by Thiruvarangam at Srirangam (about 21 km), both are worth combining into the same trip.

Location

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This Divya Desam is one of 25 where Perumal appears in reclining posture.

Thirumazhisai Alvar sang mangalasasanam here, one of 10 Divya Desams glorified by Thirumazhisai Alvar.

1 pasurams were sung in praise of this temple across the Naalayira Divya Prabandham.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the temple timings at Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple?

The temple is typically open 06:00–12:00 and 16:00–20:30. Timings may change on festival days. Devotees should verify locally before travel.

Is there a dress code?

Most Sri Vaishnava temples expect traditional attire: dhoti/veshti for men and saree or salwar for women is customary. Dress codes vary by temple and can change, so it is worth checking locally or with the temple administration before visiting.

Is darshan free or ticketed?

Darshan arrangements and any special ticket options can change over time. Contact the temple or check official sources for current details before travelling.

How long does a visit typically take?

This varies with crowds and the day: a simple darshan can take under an hour, while festival days or peak season can mean a much longer wait. Plan for extra time if visiting during a major festival.

Which other Divya Desam can I combine with this visit?

Thiruappakkudathaan, about 3.2 km away, is the closest and is commonly combined with a visit here.