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 9^th 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 12^th Century AD inscription relating to the rule of the Pandyas refers to the Thiru Mandapam as Veera Bayankaran Thiru Mandapam.

Celebration of Festivals in 13^th 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 15^th 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 16^th 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.