Pallikonda Uthira Ranganatha Perumal temple

The first of the three temples where Lord Narayana presented himself in a Sayana Kolam to block the floods intended to disrupt Brahmma's Yagna

Located just under 25kms from Vellore off the Bangalore National Highway is the over 1000years old Ranganatha Perumal temple in Pallikonda seen in a Sayana Kolam as described by Periyazhvaar - 'படுத்த பைந்நாகனைப் பள்ளிகொண்டானுக்குப் பல்லாண்டு கூறுதுமே'

The story

Lord Indra who once enraged the rishis was afflicted with Brahmma Hathi Dosham. To liberate himself from this curse he was directed by Kashyap Rishi to have a bath at the sacred tank at this Uthira Ranganatha Kshetram

Another story goes that Brahmma once indicated that he loved Goddess Lakshmi more than Saraswathi. Angered at this gesture, the latter moving away from Brahmma came down to this region.

Later, when Brahmma was performing a Yagna, he invited Saraswathi to be present and to be part of the yagna. When Saraswathi refused, Brahmma performed the yagna in the presence of Savithri. Furious at this, Saraswathi took the form of a huge surging flood in an effort to disrupt the Yagna.

Answering the prayers of Brahmma seeking help in completing the Yagna, Lord Narayana placed himself in a Sayana Kolam across the rampant floods at three places in this region.

The first place where he displayed his Sayana Kolam to prevent the floods was here at Pallikonda. The other two being, Thiru Parkadal ( Kaveripakkam) about 40kms East of Vellore and at  Yathothgari Divya Desam in Kanchipuram.

Inscriptions

There are several inscriptions inside the temple, both in the inner prakara as well as on the walls of the outer prakara dating back a 1000years to the Chozha period.

Vikrama Chozha I, the son of Kulothunga Chozha I has donated several pieces of land for the upkeep and maintenance of the temple.  The temple’s history can also be seen from ancient granite structure of the inner and outer prakara.

Later Krishna Deva Raya has contributed significantly to the temple including building the big outer walls.

Festivals

Brahmotsavam in April-May

Round the year festivals

Quick Facts

Moolavar: Uthira Ranganatha Perumal in an East facing Sayana Kolam

Thaayar   : Ranganayaki Thaayar

Time        : 8am-12noon and 4pm-8pm

Contact    : Narayana Bhattar @ 94433 09572

 

How to reach

Get down at Gudiyatham Railway Station (between Katpadi and Ambur). The temple is 4kms from the railway station. An auto from the station will cost Rs. 50.

By bus, take the Krishnagiri/Hosur/Bangalore bound bus from Vellore and get down on the Highway at Pallikondan. From here, the temple is about 1km. An auto will cost Rs. 30.