Kasthuri Aranganathar Temple
Kasthuri Aranganathar Temple is one of the ancient
temples of the region. The 1,080 years old temple belongs to the Chola period,
which was constructed by 1st Paranthaka Chola King.
The sanctum of the temple houses God Kasthuri
Aranganathar and Goddess Kamalavalli Thayar along with Anjanayar. Situated in
the middle of the city, the temple hosts celebrations of festivals like
Vaigunda Ekadasi and Puratasi Ther Thiruviza. It is located about 2 kms from
the Erode bus stand.
The Dwarapalakas who were cursed by an angry Sage
Durvasa are seen at the feet of Lord Ranganatha offering their service. Lord
Kasthuri Ranganatha is seen with his right hand on Sage Durvasa in a posture of
cooling the normally angry sage. This temple overlooks the Aarudhra Kabaleeswarar
Temple and is equally magnificient and might have been built around the same
time.
The temple has several unique features to it. The
main deity of the temple is Kasthuri Ranganathar, but he is very different from
any other Ranganatha Perumal one might have witnessed in other temples.
The legend of the temple says that Durvasa
Maharishi, well known for his short temper, once got angry with Lord Brahma and
cursed him. Brahma came here and worshipped Lord Vishnu, and got Saapa
Vimochana. So true to the legend, the Lord has one arm outstretched and palm
extended over Durvasa Maharishi as if to pacify him and the other is stretched
towards Brahma who unlike in other Ranganatha temples is not placed on a lotus
over the Lord's navel , but he is being held by the Lord over his left hand.
One can get to see Durvasa Maharishi by peeping into
the Sanctum Sanctorium. The entrance has been deliberately built that way so
that the devotees do not disturb the sage and anger him.
Another unique feature is that the Dwara Paalakas (guards)
of the Lord, who are usually found on either side of the Sannathi, are found at
the feet of the Lord worshipping him. These are said to be Devas who had been
cursed to become demons and had attained Saapa Vimochana by worshipping
Kasthuri Ranganatha and hence are found at his feet serving him.
EVR Periyar’s family has made several contributions
to this temple. His father has made the crown and feet of the Lord in
Silver (they are really huge) and his mother has laid the pavement for the
devotees to circumambulate.
The Goddess here is called Kamalavalli Thaayar. She
looks so serene and welcoming. A
wonderful temple worth visiting if you are in the vicinity.
Inscriptions
10th Century AD Inscription in Tamil records
the construction of a Nilai (Door Jamb) and mentions the name of the God as
Pallikonda Devar
On the Western Wall, an inscription relating to the
rule of Raja Kesarivarma mentions the temple of Pallikonda Perumal
Festivals
·
Chitra Pournami
·
Brahmotsavam in Puratasi
·
Garuda Sevai in Panguni, Maasi and
Thai
Quick Facts
·
Moolavar: Kasthuri Ranganatha in a
Sayana Kolam
·
Goddess: Kamalavalli Thaayar
·
Utsavar: Varadaraja Perumal
·
Time : 6 am-12 noon and 4.30 pm - 8.30
pm
·
Contact: Sriram Bhattar @ 98652 24745
/ Nagarajan @ 94439 51121
Connectivity
Auto from Erode bus stand will cost Rs. 40 / from
the Erode railway station will cost Rs. 50/-
References
