Saturday, July 22, 2017

Madanagopalan Temple, Perambalur

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