Lord Vishnu came here on a special chariot and provided darshan to Guru
Temple in its current form and structure was built by Jadavarma Vallabha Pandya in the 12th Century AD
Located 30kms
from Madurai and about 8kms west of Sholavandan in a beautiful remote scenic
location on the Western Ghats is the historical Chitra Ratha Vallabha Perumal
temple in Kuruvi Thurai, a temple dedicated to Guru (Jupiter).
The
Moolavar Deity Vallabha Perumal is almost a 10feet sandalwood idol seen in a
majestic standing posture along with Sri and Bhoo devi.
Guru Iruntha Thurai ( Kuruvi Thurai)
Devas’ Guru,
Brihaspathi assigned his son Kacha to secure the secret Sanjeevini mantra from
Sukracharya, the preceptor of the Asuras that would help bring the dead back to
life. While Devayani the daughter of Sukracharya fell in love with Kacha, the suspicious
asuras killed him and mixed his ashes in a glass of water and handed over to
Sukracharya. Saddened by her lover’s absence, Devayani forced her father to
bring him back. Understanding the real mission behind Kacha’s visit,
Sukracharya initiated the secret mantra to Kacha who came out of Sukracharya’s
stomach. Kacha in turn chanted the mantra and brought back Sukracharya’s life.
Having accomplished
his mission, Kacha justified to Devayani that she was his sister as he had come
out of her father’s stomach and decided to leave the Asura kingdom. Angered at Kacha
deserting her, Devayani prevented his departure to the Deva Kingdom.
Worried
at the inordinate delay, Guru Bhagwan (Jupiter) undertook penance here invoking
the blessings of Lord Narayana to save his son from the Asuras and to bring him
safe to the Deva Kingdom. Hence, this place came to be called Guru- Iruntha-Thurai
(later Kuruvi Thurai).
Pleased
with the prayers, Lord Narayana used his discus (Chakrath Azhwar) to save Kacha
from the Asuras.
The Lord’s Name
Lord came here on a special chariot and provided darshan to Guru on the
Chitra star day in the Tamil Calendar month of Chitrai. Hence the Lord here is
referred to as ‘Chitra Ratha’ Vallabha Perumal.
Prarthana Sthalam
Those who
visit this temple and offer sincere prayers to Vallabha Perumal and Guru
Bhagawan are said to be relieved from Guru Dosham and other problems in life. Thursdays
are special prarthana and parikara days at this temple.
Swayambu Idols
Guru Bhagwan
Sannidhi is in front of the Eastern five Tier Raja Gopuram where he is seen in
a west facing posture in the direction of Chitra Ratha Vallabha Perumal. Guru
Bhagawan and ChakrathAzhwar are Swayambu idols.
Inscriptions
The
temple, which has a strong granite structure, has several inscriptions in the
Northern and Southern walls of the Prakara dating back a 1000years. The temple
in its current form and structure is believed to have been built in the early
12th century AD during the rule of Jadavarma Vallabha Pandya.
NamAzhwar’s Thiruvoimozhi verse
While
this is not a Divya Desam, NamAzhwar in his Thiruvoimozhi verse sings praise referring
to both the ‘chariot and the discus’ used to demolish the asuras leaving one to
wonder if NamAzhwar had actually directed his praise at Chitra Ratha Vallabha
Perumal here at Kuruvi Thurai.
‘சித்திரத்
தேர் வளவ, திரு சக்கரத்
தாய் அருளாய்
எத்தனை
ஓர் உகமும் அவை ஆய்,
அவற்றுள் இயலும்
ஒத்த
ஒன பல் பொருள்கள்
உலப்பு இல்லன ஆய், வியவு ஆய்
வித்தகத்தாய்
நிற்றி நீ இவை, என்ன
விடமங்களே’
When here, also visit the ancient Janaka Narayana Perumal temple at
Sholavandan.
Festivals
Guru
Peyarchi is special at this temple
Chitra
Pournami
On
Vaikunta Ekadesi day, Vallabha Perumal goes on a procession in a Garuda Vahana
and makes his way back from the Kuruvi Thurai Village on a Horse Vahana
Quick Facts
Moolavar : Chitra Ratha Vallabha Perumal in a
standing posture with Sri and Bhoo Devi
Thayar : Shenbagavalli Thaayar
Temple
Time : 830am-1230pm and 330pm-530pm
Contact : Raghurama Bhattar @93445 73367
How to reach
Take Bus No.
68 from Periyar Bus Stand in Madurai to reach Kuruvi Thurai in an hour. Several
buses between Madurai and Sholavandan. From
Sholavandan Janaka Narayana Perumal temple, one can take an auto about Rs. 75-100
Auto from
Madurai Junction to Kuruvi Thurai and back will cost Rs.400-500. Chennai -
Tirunelveli Nellai Express stops at Sholavandan (4.45am). From
Sholavandan Railway station, one can reach Kuruvi Thurai within 30 minutes
1 comment:
Worst temple during the visit of guru paerchi. Over crowded,no arrangements couldn't see the god
Got ticket for 100 rupees but can't see the god.
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