Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Soundararajaperumal Temple, Thadikombu, Dindigul

Soundararajaperumal Temple, Thadikombu, Dindigul
Soundararajaperumal Temple is a temple dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu, located in Thadikombu, a village near Dindigul in the South Indian state of Tamilnadu. Constructed in Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been built by Achyuta Deva Raya during the 16th century AD. Vishnu is worshiped as Soundararaja Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Soundaravalli.



The temple is known for the Ranga Mandapam, which features rare life size sculptures. The temple has two inscriptions dating from the Nayak period. The temple has a five-tiered Rajagopuram (gateway tower) and enshrined within a granite wall. The complex contains all the shrines and water bodies associated with it.



Soundararaja Perumal is believed to have appeared for sage Mandukya. The temple observes six daily rituals and three yearly festivals. The chariot festival, celebrated during the Tamil month of Chittirai (March–April), is the most prominent festival of the temple. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.



The temple is noted for its sculpture of rare and minute workmanship. The Soundarraja Perumal Temple in Thadikombu, a beautiful village 10 km south of Dindigul, is considered to be as sacred as the Kallazhagar Temple near Madurai. 



Arulmighu Soundararaja Perumal is found in the sleeping posture in this temple and it is said this place was previously known as Thaalamaapuri. Though it is a Vaishnava temple, the sthala vriksha is the vilva tree.



Legends
Soundararaja Perumal Temple is associated with many interesting stories. ‘Mandookam’ means ‘frog’ in Sanskrit. A sage was once cursed to become a frog and became known as Sage Mandookya. He performed severe penances for Lord Vishnu in this place called Thadikombu to be cured of the curse. 



During his penance, a demon called Thalaasuran was harassing him. Responding to the prayers of the sage, Lord Vishnu in his form as Madurai Kallazhagar destroyed the demon and protected the Rishi. The sage requested Vishnu to remain here as Soundararaja.




This place was once called Thalai Vana Kshetram because of the many palm groves surrounding the Soundararajan Temple. Over time, a huge Telugu population settled down in this area and it was renamed Thaadi Kombu (the place of palm trees).



History
For brief details please refer below link;
Temple Architecture
For brief details please refer below link;
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals & Religious Practices
For brief details please refer below link;
Rituals & Prayers
For brief details please refer below link;
Contact
Sri Soundararajan Perumal Temple,
Thadikombu, Dindigul district
Phone: +91- 451-255 7232
Connectivity
Thadikombu is 9 km from Dindigul on the Vedasandur road. Bus facilities are available. Nearest Railway Station is located at Dindigul which is 10 Kms away from this temple. Nearest Airport is located at Madurai.