Saturday, May 21, 2016

Karivaradharaja Perumal Temple, Aragalur, Salem

Karivaradharaja Perumal Temple, Aragalur, Salem
Karivaradharaja Perumal Temple is located at Aragalur in Salem District of Tamilnadu. This temple is dedicated to Hindu Deity Vishnu: This Temple was built by Rajaraja Vanar Kovaraiyan of Bana Dynasty during 12th century. Geographical Position of this Temple is 11.562402°N 78.789074°E.

Legends
Once, the place was under the rule of a king named Rajarajan. During his rule, the place was very fertile and people were happy. As their prosperity grew, people also grew lethargic and stopped worshipping God. To teach them a lesson, Lord Vishnu directed Varuna – rain God to stop his grace. The region became drought bringing famine and poverty. People began worshipping Vishnu and apologized for their folly.

Lord Vishnu, ever merciful, told the people that he was the authority to grace and punish people and advised them not to run mad after material wealth forgetting worship to God. He brought back dark clouds and made the land fertile and prosperous again. The king also apologized to the Lord along with his subjects. The king built the temple, installed Lord Vishnu, and named him Karivaradaraja Perumal representing his boon of bringing in dark clouds.
The Temple
Rajaraja Vanar Kovaraiyan built Karivaradharaja Perumal Kovil (Vishnu) in the 12th century that is facing west. There are nice Dasavataramurals with the 9th avatar as Budha. This temple has a Temple tank having water. Its water is not used or minimally used for the ritualistic activity. This is Parikara sthalam for the people with stars Uthiradam, Thiruvonam, Avittam & Moolam. The vimana is of 3 levels and it has Temple tank.

Both the Sri Kamadada (consort's temple pillar) and Karivaradharaja Perumal (roof) temples have the sun, moon and the dagger Royal Insignia of the Vijayanagara Empire embossed on the granite wall/pillar.

Lord Karivaradharaja graces from the Nagadevi sanctum sanctorum with his Consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi in a standing form facing west. Devotees offer Thirumanjanam to Perumal seeking rain. Mother Kamalavalli appears in front of the Perumal shrine facing east. Nagadevi graces from a shrine near Kamalavalli. The significance of the temple is that Vilwa attributed to Lord Shiva is the holy tree of the temple.

There are two Garudas (the eagle vehicle of Lord Vishnu) in sitting and standing forms. Opposite to this temple is the Kamanadheeswarar temple where Ashta Bhairavas grace the devotees. The devotees have the advantage of worshipping both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu simultaneously.

A shrine offering remedies to adverse effects of Nagadhosas – snake planets related problems. Sri Anjaneya graces from a shrine in the corridor – Prakara.
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 5.00 a.m. to 7.30 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Festivals
Vaikunda Ekadasi in Margazhi (December-January), all Saturdays in the month of Purattasi and Navarathri (September-October) are the famous festivals celebrated in this temple with much fanfare.
Prayers
Those whose marriages are delayed due to Rahu, Ketu planet effects pray here for relief and early marriage. Also those suffering from stammering pray to Lord Anjaneya in the temple. Worshipping Lord Narasimha cleanses the devotee from sins. Devotees offer Thirumanjanam and Vastras to the Lord.
Contact
Sri Karivaradaraja Perumal Temple,
Aarakazhur, Salem district
Phone: +91- 4282-260248, +91-99946 31830
Connectivity
Aragalur is located at a distance of 7 kms from Thalaivasal. It is located at a distance of 75 kms from district headquarters Salem. Mini buses are available from Thalaivasal. Nearest Railway Station is located at Attur & Salem & Nearest Airport is located at Trichy & Coimbatore.