Saturday, May 28, 2016

Lakshmi Gopalan Temple, Ethapur, Salem

Lakshmi Gopalan Temple, Ethapur, Salem
Sridevi Bhudevi Sammedha Sri Lakshmi Gopala Swamy Temple is dedicated to Hindu god Lord Krishna. It is located 15kms West of Attur and just over 30kms East of Salem. It is a small temple for Lakshmi Gopalan in located in Ethapur.  Vasishta River flows just south of this temple. Ethapur also referred as "Vasishtronum" named by Vashista one of the Sapta Rishis (seven great Rishis).

History
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 Sesha Iyer took his own call to build a temple for Lord Vishnu to the 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 Sesha Iyer 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. 
Temple
It is a small temple for Lakshmi Gopalan in located in Ethapur.  Vasishta River flows just south of this temple.

The Utsava deity is currently kept inside the Samba Murtheeswarar temple at Ethapur. Moolavar is Lakshmi Gopalan facing east in Standing posture.
Temple Opening Time
The Temple is open from 7am – 12 noon and 5pm – 9pm.
Athirudhra Yagnyam
Sarvotthamuka Athirudhra Yagnyam was conducted in Yethapur in the year 1938 with the patronage of Sri Alagiri Iyer family. This place is still known today as Yaga Salai in Yethapur Agraharam.

Contact    
Sridevi Bhudevi Sammedha Sri Lakshmi Gopala Swamy Temple
Ethapur, Salem District
Phone: 04282 270210
Connectivity
Ethapur is located on the Salem – Chennai Road, at a distance of 37 km, near Athur, road branches of at Puthiragounden Palayam. The temple is 1 km far from this place. Chennai Egmore- Salem Express stops at Ethapur station (5.15am 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). Bus facilities are available from Salem and Athur. Nearest Railway Station is located at Ethapur & Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.

References