Friday, November 15, 2013

Lakshmi Gopalan Temple Ethapur


Located 15kms West of Attur and just over 30kms East of Salem is a small temple for Lakshmi Gopalan in Ethapur.  Vasishta river flows just South of the temple.

Centuries ago, a Mysore King who was ruling here, directed a temple for Shiva be built here. While the tank was being constructed, the idol of Lord Gopalan was found.

The minister Seshaiyer took his own call to build a temple for Lord Vishnu West of the location where the Shiva temple was being planned. Not wanting to face the fury of the king whose permission he did not seek to build the Vishnu temple, the minister stayed in a small hut West of this place.

To this day, that place where Seshaiyer stayed is called Sesha Saavadi.

Learning about this, the king called for his minister and asked him to perform the Kumbabishekam of the Shiva temple after the Vishnu temple.

Sesha Vahana is still seen inside the temple and procession takes place on this vahana during the annual festivals.
Quick Facts

Moolavar  : Lakshmi Gopalan East Facing Standing Posture
Time          : 7am-12noon, 5pm-9pm
Contact     : Gnana Skanda Gurukal @ 04282 270210

The Utsava deity is currently kept inside the Samba Murtheeswarar temple at Ethapur.

How to reach
Chennai Egmore- Salem Express stops at Ethapur station (515am arrival). From there an auto will cost Rs. 50 to the temple (6kms North) off the Attur-Salem highway.

From Salem, one can take the Attur bound bus and get down at Puthira Goundan Palayam. And take a town bus/auto from there (10mts).

When here, also visit Ashta Bhuja Perumal at Belur, 6kms West of here.

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