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
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Temple Architecture
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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
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Rituals & Prayers
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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.