It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the holy abodes of Lord Vishnu glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham.
The temple is specifically known as 'Darbhasayana' because Lord Rama is said to have rested here on a bed made of darbha grass while waiting for the ocean king.
Devotees perform 'Sethu Snanam', a ritual dip in the nearby sea followed by worship at the temple, as a form of penance.
Unlike many other Vishnu temples, the Lord here is depicted in a reclining position, but without the traditional serpent couch.
The temple contains an ancient idol of Vibhishana, the brother of Ravana, who is said to have sought refuge here.
The sacred tree associated with this temple is the Ashwatha Vriksha (Sacred Fig).
Sri Aadhi Jaganatha Perumal Temple is a significant Divya Desam temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, situated near the shores of the Bay of Bengal. It is historically linked to the Ramayana, believed to be the site where Lord Rama prayed to the ocean deity to build a bridge to Lanka. The main deity, Aadhi Jaganatha Perumal, is enshrined in a reclining posture facing east. The complex also features a shrine for Darbhasayana Rama, depicting the deity lying on a bed of darbha grass. The temple architecture follows the Dravidian style, characterized by a tall gopuram and intricate stone carvings. It serves as an important site for performing Tarpanam rituals for ancestors. The temple tank, known as Rathnakara Theertham, is located within the complex. The presiding deity is worshipped alongside his consort, Padmasani Thayar.
The view of the main entrance gopuram from the street provides the best perspective for photography.
Visit during the early morning to participate in the peaceful morning rituals before the heat intensifies.
Carry a change of clothes if you plan to perform the sea-side rituals near the temple.
Engage a local guide to better understand the specific iconography of the Darbhasayana Rama shrine.
Do not attempt to photograph the main sanctum (garbhagriha) as it is strictly prohibited inside all temples in this region.
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is mandatory; remove footwear before entering the temple complex.
