The Divine Origin of Killa Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple
Around the year 1890, a group of devoted Malaysian Hindus, adhering to the belief that one should not dwell in a place devoid of a temple and that temple worship brings divine grace, initiated efforts to establish a place of worship in Malaysia. Seeking spiritual guidance, they approached the revered Acharya of Tirumala.
Understanding the challenges and scriptural regulations related to installing and worshipping a deity’s idol, the Acharya granted them permission to engage in “Pada Seva”—worshipping the divine feet of the Lord, a practice held in high esteem within the Vaishnava tradition
In Krita Yuga, Gajendra the elephant attained liberation through his devotion to the Lord’s feet.
In Treta Yuga, both Bharata and Vibhishana were blessed for their reverence to the Lord’s feet.
In Dvapara Yuga, Draupadi found divine refuge at Krishna’s feet.
In Kali Yuga, Swami Desikan composed the "Padhuka Shastram" in praise of the Lord’s sandals.
Inspired by this lineage of devotion, the Malaysian devotees continued their humble worship of the Lord’s feet. Pleased with their sincerity, the Lord manifested Himself in idol form at this very location to accept their service. As a divine test of faith, He performed a sacred play (leela) to deepen their devotion.
Again, the devotees approached the Jeeyar of Tirumala, offering their prayers and seeking blessings for idol worship. The Jeeyar Swami initially cautioned them about the karmic consequences of improper worship, to which the devotees responded:
“Even if we are to suffer in hell, let future generations benefit from this divine opportunity, as per the teachings of our Acharya Ramanuja.”
Moved by their selfless devotion, the Jeeyar gifted them a silver idol of the Lord, which had been worshipped at Tirumala. This marked the beginning of formal deity worship at the site, which has since been revered as equivalent in sanctity to Tirukostiyur.
Special worship is conducted every Purattasi Saturday—a sacred time in the Tamil calendar (sixth month, when the Sun transits Virgo). In the morning, Sri Bhakta Anjaneyar is adorned with special decorations followed by archana.
Purattasi Month is governed by the planet Budha (Mercury), whose presiding deity is Sri Maha Vishnu.
Purattasi Saturday commemorates the earthly appearance of Sri Vengadajalapathi, making it an auspicious day to worship Perumal (Vishnu).
Simultaneously, Lord Shani (Saturn) is worshipped to mitigate his malefic effects, as it is believed that during this month, his gaze softens.
According to sacred lore, Shani Eswarar could never influence Sri Vinayaka Perumal and Sri Anjaneyar, which is why worshipping Anjaneyar in Purattasi is vital for protection from Shani’s afflictions.
The spiritual value of Annadhanam during Purattasi Saturdays is highlighted through the tale of a Chola king, later known as Thirumangai Azhvaar. He wished to marry a noble woman, Kumudavalli, who required him to:
“Perform Annadhanam for a thousand people daily as a path to divine grace.”
Through his unwavering dedication, the Lord appeared to him in a divine bridal form, granting him supreme knowledge and spiritual awakening. The Lord blessed him by breaking off a part of His toe, and the water used in that ritual became the sacred Thirumazhisai.
Similarly, by offering food to devotees at this holy site—especially by the Killaayan River, which flows eastward—devotees can transcend worldly desires and attain spiritual enlightenment. This has earned the temple the title Thiruvali Thirunagari, a place where Annadhanam bestows wisdom.
The month of Margazhi holds immense significance with the observance of Vaikunta Ekadasi, glorified in the hymns of the Twelve Alvars. The Sri Ranganathar Temple in Srirangam, revered as the earthly Vaikunta, is traditionally recognized as the foremost Vaishnavite shrine in India.
Likewise, Killa Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple holds the distinction of being the first Vaishnavite Tirupati in Southeast Asia. This sacred place is where the first Tiruthalapacharam was sung, and it holds immense spiritual resonance for devotees across the region.
The temple is geographically sanctified—bounded by the Killa River on the east and the Malacca Strait on the west.
Experiencing darshan of the Lord on Vaikunta Ekadasi here is believed to bestow the same spiritual benefits as a visit to Srirangam during the festival.
From humble beginnings rooted in the spirit of devotion and sacrifice, the Killa Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple has grown into a spiritual beacon for Vaishnavas in Malaysia and beyond. Through the practices of Pada Seva, Annadhanam, and festival worship, devotees continue to receive divine blessings—nurturing future generations in the rich tradition of Sri Vaishnavism..
The temple is a stunning example of Dravidian-style architecture, featuring intricate carvings and grand designs:
Gopuram (Entrance Tower): A towering structure with detailed sculptures of Hindu deities, mythological characters, and celestial beings.
Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbhagriha): The main shrine where the deity Sri Sundararaja Perumal is enshrined.
Other Shrines: Dedicated to Mahalakshmi, Lord Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, Murugan, Ayyappan, Anjaneya, and the Navagrahas (Nine Celestial Planets).
Temple Hall: A large space used for religious and cultural events, featuring beautiful murals and traditional motifs.
The temple is constructed using granite, giving it durability and a majestic appearance. Its intricate stone carvings depict scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
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