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.