Thondanur Parthasarathy Perumal Temple

Dwapara Yuga Idol installed by Yudhistra

Popularly referred to as ‘Veetrirundha Perumal’, Lord Parthasarathy is seen in a handsome Sitting Posture here at this temple

The Hoysala Style Chariot makes its way around the streets of Thondanur during the Brahmotsavam in Maasi

In the 11^th Century AD, an endowment of money was made by Udaya Pillai to God Veetrirundha Perumal, one of the three ancient Vishnu temples of Thondanur. From the interest received from this endowment, copper and silver vessels and other worship objects like Thaligai utensils, Tiruvadi, Kendi, Mani (bell) and Cup (Vettil) were made to the handsome Lord Parthasarathy seen in a grand sitting posture along with Sri and Bhoo Devi.

Gopalakrishnan Temple is located East of the Nambi Narayana Perumal temple in Thondanur. The moolavar idol of Lord Parthasarathy is believed to date back to the Dwapara Yuga and was installed by the Pandava King Yudhistra.

Consecrated by Ramanuja

Parthasarathy temple is one of the three ancient Vishnu temples of Thondanur that were consecrated during Ramanuja’s stay here at Thondanur before he made his way North to Melkote.

Out of the three Perumal temples of Thondanur, Lord Parthasarathy is rich in inscriptions dating back to early 11^th Century AD that gives us an indication of the name of this place, the kings ruling this place at that time, the way this Lord was referred to and the posture of this Lord. All the three Vishnu temples of Thondanur have been designated as a heritage monument and comes under the control of ASI.

Hoysala Rulers

In 1177AD, during the rule of Vira Ballaala Deva, a grant of Bhoganahalli Village along with its hamlet was made. In addition, the income from taxes on loom and houses was directed to the service of Veetrirundha Perumal. Another Hoysala ruler, Narasimha, granted villages of Bottahalli, Sirimakkanahalli and Maarurumhalli along with income from taxes – Olavaaru, Horavaaru and Hole-Sunka to Veetrirundha Perumal of Yadava Narayana Chaturvedi Mangalam.

Panguni Festival

In the 13^th Century AD, the people of Yadava Narayana Chaturvedi Mangalam gifted 20 Pons to organise festivals in Panguni here at the temple of Veetrirundha Perumal.

 

During the rule of Hoysala King, Jagadakomalla Narasimha Deva who ruled from Dorasamudra, there was construction and consecration of the temple of Veetrirundha Perumal and Goddess Lakshmi in 1157AD through a grant of Villages.

Names of the Lord

In the 11^th and 12^th Century AD, Lord Parthasarathy here at Thondanur was referred to as ‘Veetrirundha Perumal’ indicating his grand sitting posture.

In 1191AD, Hoysala Vira Ballala II made a gift to Lord Gopinathan, another name for Veetrirundha Perumal in those days. This Lord who was also referred to as ‘God Vennai Kutta’ was gifted 10Pon for supply of 2Naali of rice for food offerings. In the 13^th Century AD, this temple was referred to as the Krishna temple of Yadava Narayana Chaturvedi Mangalam. During this period, this temple was also referred to as Ainnurruva Vinnagaram.

Regular Thaligai for Lord Parthasarathy

One comes to know that there was regular early morning service of food offerings to Lord Parthasarathy through a gift made to the temple of 20Gadyaanas.  Ramanuja’s disciple gifted a village to Veetrirundha Perumal to ensure the daily food offerings to the Lord at this temple. In the 12^th Century AD, Kodai Andal Ammai gifted a share for maintaining lamp at this temple.

When at Thondanur, visit the Thonnur Kere ( the huge dam) built by Thondanur Nambi, the disciple of Ramanuja.

 

Festivals

5day Maasi Brahmotsavam including Chariot Festival

Gokulashtami

Thirumanjanam every Rohini

Quick Facts

Moolavar        : Lord Parthasarathy with Sri and Bhoo Devi

Utsavar           : Gopalakrishnan with Rukmini and Satyabhama

Time                :  830am-1 pm and 3pm-530pm

Contact           : Raghurama Bhattar @ 08236 251795 / 94493 72453

How to reach

Pandavapura is about 100kms from Bangalore on the Mandya- Srirangapatna- Mysore Highway. From Pandavapura, buses every one hour to Thondanur (Thonnur Kere) – take the Narayanapura bound bus.

Auto from Pandavapura bus stand will cost Rs. 100/-

Number of Share autos ply between Pandavapura and Thonnur – they will charge Rs. 7.  

Thiru Narayanapuram, Melkote is just around 20kms from here