Vepanjeri means a sacred place. Vem, Pancha, Hari means,( Vem-Sins, Pancha-Five, Hari-that removes), a sacred place that removes five sins. And in course of time Vem pancha hari became Vepanjeri.
The temple was built about 750 years ago in Andhra state by Kulothunga Chola III. The reputation of the temple began to decline due to successive invasions. Due to failure of monsoon, agriculture and cattle rearing suffered which was the main occupation of the people of this place. Many migrated due to famine seeking their livelihood elsewhere. Many were confused as they could not find a reason for the downfalls in their lives. They gathered in a place and discussed the issue.
A voice spoke to them from above. “If you begin your nithya poojas (daily poojas) as before with abishek, I will shower my grace on the village again. Your generations will become happier. Your cattle will be healthy and grow in numbers. Famine will disappear. I will clean you from your sins and protect you.”
The temple was renovated then and all poojas began as per agama rules and festivals as Brahmotsavam followed. They are being meticulously followed till date.
The presiding deity is Shri Lakshmi Narayana. His Consort, Shri Lakshmi Amma on his left controls effective dispensation of grace and divine providence. Lakshmi is looking intently towards the face of Shri Lakshmi Narayana, as she is the instrument and efficacy through which blessings and prosperity are awarded. More and more devotees narrate the experience of the fulfillment of their wishes justifying the name Kalpavruksha and Vepanjeri steadily emerged as sub-center for pilgrimage.
The ‘Dasavathara theertha kulam’ spring is very sweet and helps the devotee to wash off his/her sins.
The Dasavathara (ten incarnations of Lord Narayana) statues installed around the theertha tank are very beautiful while Lord Krishna adores the centre of the tank in His celebrated Kalinganardana form.
There is also a statue near the temple, 21 feet tall, sculpted in a single stone depicted with the 10 incarnations of Lord Narayana speaking volumes of Tamil temple architecture. The beauty of the statue is such that none can ever afford avoiding the view.
The Ashtalakshmi temple is on the southern side of the temple. Devotees gather in huge numbers to join the Rahukala poojas performed here on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The crowd is surging to take part in the one lakh lamp worship (Lakshadeepa pooja) in the temple. At the premises are also the Saptha Kanyas (seven virgins) idols under a neem tree which are said to be the living goddesses. Villagers have a strong belief that the kanyas come alive in the night and walk around the holy pond and take a dip in it. Most of the women tie bangles at this place and make a wish. Also at the premises are Muneeshwara temple and the local goddess Gangamma.
A banyan tree known by “Sapavimochana Vruksham” is believed to liberate wandering (unliberated) souls.
A place reserved as “Nakshatra Vanam” or the “Celestial Garden” is a must see and know for every one visiting Vepanjeri. The trees representing 9 planets and 27 stars are present here, arranged in a way depicting the constellation. According to Hindu scriptures, worshipping the trees representing one’s birth stars on a specific day in the week will help them with a smooth life.
Those facing problems in marriage talks, seeking child boon, burdened with debts, education, job opportunities, physically weak and ailing, those facing loss in business pray to Lord for solutions and perform regular and prescribed poojas. After realizing their prayers, devotees perform Tirumanjanam (abishek) to Lord.
Lord Krishna appears in the centre of the theertha tank dancing on the head of snake Kalinga. Near the temple is the 21 feet tall Dasavathara statue, sculpted in a single stone, the aesthetic beauty of which would not allow the devotee to move. The temple is an outstanding evidence of Tamil temple architecture.
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