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