Sri Veeraraghava Perumal Temple

Sri Veeraraghava Perumal Temple at Thiruevvul (Thiruvallur) is a historically significant Thondai Nadu Divya Desam that gives the town of Thiruvallur its very name — "Thiru" (sacred) + "Evvul" (the ancient name of the place). The presiding deity, Sri Veeraraghava (the Heroic Raghu-Lord, referring to Rama of the Raghu dynasty), reclines in a majestic Sayana posture, embodying divine grace and royal valor. Peyazhwar, one of the three Mudhal Azhwars born in Thondai Nadu, praised this temple with deep devotion. Thirumangai Azhwar also sang about this shrine, and Bhoothathazhwar's hymns reference the Lord's reclining form with poetic beauty. The temple has ancient origins, with Pallava and Chola dynasty inscriptions attesting to royal patronage over centuries. The temple tank, the grand gopuram, and the processional deities reflect the rich temple culture of Thondai Nadu. Thiruvallur town, now a bustling district headquarters northwest of Chennai, owes its spiritual identity to this sacred shrine.