Here in this temple, Lord Vishnu is worshiped as Devaraja Perumal or Sri Hari, and the Tayyar is known as Sri Hari Lakshmi Tayyar.
According to the Puranas, Sri Devaraja Perumal, exists in the form of the forest itself. Here, the worship is not only limited to the Deity of Sri Devaraja Perumal but to the entire forest itself.
Many sages like Sri Narada Muni, Vyasa, Suta, Shuka, and even Balarama, the brother of Lord Sri Krishna, have shown their presence here.
Sthala Purana of Sri Devaraja Perumal Temple
According to the Puranas, Sage Saunaka, along with other sages, approached Lord Brahma to find a suitable place to perform intense penance and rituals that benefit the world. Lord Brahma created a ring from Darbha grass and instructed all sages to follow. It finally landed in the dense forest, Naimisharanya.
Finding a suitable place for penance, sages started performing intense tapas to please Lord Vishnu. Pleased by their devotion, Lord Vishnu manifested Himself as Sri Devaraja Perumal, not just as Deity but as the entire forest. That is the reason Sri Devaraja Perumal is worshiped in the form of Vanam (forest).
Architecture of Sri Devaraja Perumal Temple
Sri Devaraja Perumal Temple is a blend of the Nagara and Dravidian styles of architecture. Inside the garbha griha, the Deity of Sri Devaraja Perumala gives darshan in a standing posture and is facing east. The Deity of Sri Devaraja Perumal is made of black stone, beautifully adorned with silver ornaments.
The outside structure of the temple reflects the Dravidian style of architecture, which features small gopurams (towers) and a gold-plated Garuda Stambha, engraved with Garuda.
The interior of the temple reflects the Nagara style with a sabha mandap that is connected to the garbha griha.
Festivals Celebrated at Sri Devaraja Perumal Temple
Some of the major festivals celebrated at Sri Devaraja Perumal Temple are Sri Rama Navami, Navaratri, and Karthika Purnima. Also, the 84-kosi parikrama, devotees circumambulate the sacred forest of Naimisharanya.
Darshan Timings of Sri Devaraja Perumal Temple
The darshan timings of Sri Devaraja Perumal Temple are as follows:
Best Time to Visit Sri Devaraja Perumal Temple
October to March is the best time to visit the Sri Devaraja Perumal Temple. This is the ideal weather suitable for sightseeing and temple visits.
Nearby Places to Visit
Sri Chakra Tirtha: It is a major pilgrimage center in Uttar Pradesh. Bathing in this sacred circular tirtha gives you immense spiritual benefit.
Hanuman Garhi: This is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This temple dates to the period of the Epic Ramayana. According to history, Lord Hanuman is said to have emerged from Patala loka after rescuing Lord Sri Rama and Lord Lakshmana from rakshasa Ahiravana.
Dandhichi Temple: This revered temple is dedicated to Maharshi Dandhichi, who is an epitome of selfless sacrifice. It is located in the Mishrik region of Naimisharanya. It is the most visited place by the devotees, who are looking for spiritual solace.
Dashahswamedha Ghat: This is a sacred ghat located in Naimisharanya, Uttar Pradesh. This holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. It is the place where Lord Sri Rama performed the Ashwamedha yagna.
How to Reach Sri Devaraja Perumal Temple?
Embark on your spiritual journey to the sacred land of Naimisharanya to visit Devaraja Perumal Temple, join Tirtha Yatra’s world-famed Ayodhya yatra, and Ayodhya Kashi Yatra. All arrangements are well taken care of.
If you prefer to travel by yourself, here are a few options.
By Air: Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow, is the nearest airport. From here, you can hire taxis or take a bus to reach Naimisharanya.
By Train: Balamu Junction Railway Station and Sitapur Junction Railway Station are the nearest railway stations. From here, you can hire taxis or autos to reach the destination.
By Road: There are frequent buses that ply to Naimisharanya from various major cities like Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, and Varanasi.
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