- Deity
- Vishnu on Garuda
- District
- Tiruvarur
- Distance from Tiruvarur
- About 14 km
- Nearest airport
- Tiruchirappalli
- Nearest railway hub
- Thanjavur
The legend
Sage Bhrigu is said to have been meditating in a grove of vanni trees when a Chola king, out hunting a lion, broke his concentration. The angry sage cursed the king to wear a lion's face. When the king begged forgiveness, he was told to bathe in the Vettaru river, a branch of the Kaveri also called Vriddha Kaveri, and to worship Perumal here. He did so and his human face returned.
Because of this story the temple is linked with the Mrigasirsha nakshatra, and people born under that star visit on its monthly recurrence.
Why people visit
Devotees come to pray for children, for a marriage that has been delayed, and for relief from difficult planetary periods and doshas. Others visit for help with skin ailments, family disputes or repeated misfortune. Full-moon days and Mrigasirsha star days are considered the most auspicious times to come.
- Vaikunta Ekadasi
- Gokulashtami
- Garuda Seva
- Mrigasirsha star rituals
Timings and dress
Village temples in the delta often keep limited hours, so it is wise to confirm opening times locally before you set out. Traditional, modest dress is expected: for men, a dhoti or trousers worn with a shirt or angavastram, and a saree, churidar or salwar kameez with dupatta for women.
How to reach
Enkan is about 14 km from Tiruvarur town, and buses from the Tiruvarur bus stand pass nearby. Thanjavur has good rail connections, and from there a bus or taxi covers the rest of the way. Tiruchirappalli has the nearest airport. The temple fits easily into a day spent around Tiruvarur, and we can plan it alongside the Thyagaraja temple and other delta shrines.
Also nearby
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