Madanagopalan Temple, Perambalur
Madanagopalan
Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu located at Perambalur Town in
Perambalur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is unique for having Sannidhi for
Pancha Pandavas. The Temple is dated to 9th Century and its legend
dates back to the Mahabharata Period. The Temple is located 1 Km south of the
old bus stand in Perambalur.
Legends
Vyakrama
Rishi was cursed to turn to a Tiger (Puli) by an angry Agastya Rishi for having
disobeyed his Guru’s orders. Pancha Pandavas came here during their year in
incognito. It was then that the Bheema killed the Tiger with his mace to
liberate the Vyakrama rishi from the curse. In memory of this episode, there is
an idol of Vyakrama Rishi inside the sanctum and a separate sannidhi for the
Pandavas, the only one of its kind in Tamilnadu. Since the rishi took the form
of a huge Tiger (Puli) and was liberated here, the name of the place was ‘Perum
Puliyur’ which in course of time became ‘Perambalur’. The Pandavas are believed
to have performed Aaradhana here at Vyakramapuram.
The
Temple
Presiding
Deity is called as Madanagopalan in Standing Posture and is East Facing. Mother
is called as Maragadavalli Thayar. There are several Vahanas here at this
temple and an ancient chariot (Chariot Festival on Panguni Uthiram). There is
an idol of Vyakrama Rishi inside the sanctum. There is a separate sannidhi for
the Pandavas, the only one of its kind in Tamilnadu.
Inscriptions
Rule of Pandyas:
On the
pillars of Maha Mandapa, a 12th Century AD inscription relating to the
rule of the Pandyas refers to the Thiru Mandapam as Veera Bayankaran Thiru
Mandapam.
Celebration of Festivals:
A 1258 AD
inscription on the South wall refers to the commencement of a festival and the
grant of a grand umbrella for the Lord on the occasion of the birthday of
Sundarapandyan Sadaiyavarman I. A 1268AD inscription on the North wall of the
Artha Mandapa relating to Sundarapandyan Sadaiyavarman I indicates the
renovation of a dilapidated land and providing 12 veli land to celebrate a
grand festival on the occasion of his birthday on Bharani Star. A
year later, in 1269AD, an inscription on the North wall of the Maha Mandapa
refers to the Pandya King providing a12 veli land on the occasion of the
birthday of his sister.
Donation of a Land:
A
15th Century AD inscription on the North West wall refers to a donation of
a land to the temple by chieftain of Thimmayappa Nayak. In the 16th Century
AD, Krishnappa Nayak donated the Nochiyam village as grant to the temple as per
an inscription on the South wall.
Temple
Opening Time
The
Temple will remain open from 6.30 am -12 noon and 5.30 pm – 8.30 pm.
Festivals
·
10 day Brahmotsavam in
Panguni
·
Krishna Jayanthi
·
Vaikunta Ekadesi
·
Special Alankara on
Puratasi Saturday
Connectivity
The
Temple is located 1 Km south of the old bus stand in Perambalur. Auto from
Perambalur New Bus Stand will cost Rs. 40. Share autos are available for every
10 minutes between new and old bus stand. Perambalur is located at about 33 Kms
from Ariyalur and 60 Kms from Trichy. Nearest Railway Station is located at
Ariyalur and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.
References
