Kuruvi Thurai Chitra Ratha Vallabha Perumal

A temple dedicated to Guru  
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 12^th 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 12^th 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