Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Perambalur Madanagopalan Temple


The only one of its kind Sannidhi for Pancha Pandavas
Located 1km south of the old bus stand in Perambalur is the 9th Century AD Madanagopalan temple, whose legend dates back to the Mahabaratha.
The Story
Vyakrama Rishi was cursed to turn to a Tiger (Puli) by an angry Agastya Rishi for having disobeyed his Guru’s orders. Pancha Pandavas came here during their year in incognito. It was then that the Bheema killed the Tiger with his mace to liberate the Vyakrama rishi from the curse.

In memory of this episode, there is an idol of Vyakrama Rishi inside the sanctum and a separate sannidhi for the Pandavas, the only one of its kind in Tamil Nadu. Since the rishi took the form of a huge Tiger (Puli) and was liberated here, the name of the place was ‘Perum Puliyur’ which in course of time became ‘Perambalur’. The Pandavas are believed to have performed Aradhana here at Vyakramapuram.

1000year old Inscriptions
On the pillars of Maha Mandapa, a 12th Century AD inscription relating to the rule of the Pandyas refers to the Thiru Mandapam as Veera Bayankaran Thiru Mandapam.
Celebration of Festivals in 13th Century AD
A 1258AD inscription on the South wall refers to the commencement of a festival and the grant of a grand umbrella for the Lord on the occasion of the birthday of Sundarapandyan Sadayavarma I. A 1268AD inscription on the North wall of the Artha Mandapa relating to Sundarapandyan Sadayavarma I indicates the renovation of a dilapidated land and providing 12veli land to celebrate a grand festival on the occasion of his birthday on Bharani Star.  A year later, in 1269AD, an inscription on the North wall of the Maha Mandapa refers to the Pandya King providing a12veli land on the occasion of the birthday of his sister.

Donations to the temple by the Nayaks
A 15th Century AD inscription on the North West wall refers to a donation of a land to the temple by chieftain of Thimmayappa Nayak. In the 16th Century AD, Krishnappa Nayak donated the Nochiyam village as grant to the temple as per an inscription on the South wall.

Festivals
10day Brahmotsvam in Panguni
Krishna Jayanthi
Vaikunta Ekadesi
Special Alankara on Puratasi Saturdays

There are several Vahanas here at this temple and an ancient chariot (Chariot Festival on Panguni Uthiram).

Quick Facts
Moolavar          : Madanagopalan East Facing Standing Posture
Thayar              : Maragadavalli Thayar
Time                 : 630am-12noon and 530pm-830pm
Contact             : Pattabhiraman Bhattar@ 97906 31103

How to reach
Perambalur is about 275kms from Madras on the Trichy NH. By train, one can get Ariyalur Railway station and take a bus to Perambalur (25kms). From Trichy, Perambalur is 55kms.

Auto from Perambalur New Bus Stand will cost Rs. 40. Share autos every 10minutes between new and old bus stand.

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