Kalamega Perumal Temple, Thirumohoor – The Temple
The
temple is situated on a 2.5-acre (10,000 m2) land area, and has a 5
tier Rajagopuram. There are four prakarams (closed precincts
of a temple) inside the temple. At the main entrance is the Kambatthadi
Mandapam (the thick pole hall) with the stone carvings of Chinna (younger)
Marudhu and Periya (Elder) Marudhu who had assisted in the welfare of this
temple. There are columned pillars in the hall leading to the Garuda hall,
which also has a small gopuram. There are sculptures of Lord Kodanda Ramar,
Sita, Lakshmana, Kamadeva and Rathidevi in the Garuda mandapam of the temple.
Presiding
deity (Moolavar) is called as Kalamega Perumal and is facing east. The
sanctum houses the shrine of Kalamega and also has the images of Bhoodevi and Sridevi. The major feature is that the unlike
other temples, the Devis do not touch the feet of the presiding deity. He is in
standing posture with gadha in left hand and right hand as if blessing the
devotees. A separate shrine accommodates the image of Anantasayi Vishnu. The
Ksheerapti Nathar and Mother in the shrine are in a praying pose before the
presiding deity and this is known as Prarthana Sayanam.
The
Prathanasayana appearance of the main deity is not found anywhere in 108 Divya
Desam temples. Vimanam is Ketaki Vimanam. Utsavar is Thirumogur Aabthan. The Utsavar here is found
with pancha aayuthams. Another important feature is that Lord Adhiseshan, the
snake, is decorated with gold ornaments. The consort of the presiding deity,
Tirumohurvalli (also called Mohanavalli) is housed in a separate shrine and she
is facing east.
In
Kalamega Perumal Temple, the Sudarshana Chakra figure, the discus of Vishnu, is
famous. The front of the Sudarshana Chakra is Chakrathazhwar and the back side
is Narasimha Perumal, situated amidst 48 fairies and inside the six circles
there are 16 aayuthams with 154 letters. The letters are believed to be text
from Bhijakshara Mantra. Perumal is depicted with 16 hands and three
eyes glowing like fire. The image of Chakrathazhwar in the temple is depicted
with sixteen hands each holding different weapons. On the reverse side of the
image, Narsimha is depicted.
Chakkarathalwar
is found in Prathyaaletha posture that implies that the readiness to help
devotees at all times. This is the only temple where Sudarsana has all these
special aspects. Though there are Sudarsana shrine in other famous Vaishnava
temples as Srirangam, Kancheepuram and Srivilliputhur, this is the only shrine
where he appears with such holy letters. Behind the Chakkarathalwar is Yoga
Narasimhar known as Narasimha Sudarsanam. The shrine is very famous as the
expectations of the devotees for business development and marriage alliances
end in success. Both Sudharsana Alwar and Narasimhar are surrounded by the
flames of fire.
To the
south of Kalamega Perumal Temple there is a separate shrine for Perumal
(Vishnu). The deity presents the Sayana Thirukolam (reclining posture) with
Sridevi and Bhoodevi next to him. Theertham associated with
this temple is Kshirabtha Pushkarini. Sthala Vriksham is Vilvam. One can find inscriptions
in the temple which throw light on the construction of this temple, ponds and
about adjoining areas. It is now maintained by the Hindu Religious and
Endowment Board of Tamil Nadu Government.
