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Thursday, June 7, 2018

Chitra Radha Vallabha Perumal Temple, Kuruvithurai – The Temple

Chitra Radha Vallabha Perumal Temple, Kuruvithurai – The Temple
The Temple is facing east with 5 tiered Rajagopuram with two prakarams. The temple which has a strong granite structure has several inscriptions on the Northern and Southern walls of the prakaram dating back to 1000 years. The temple in its current form and structure is believed to have been built in the early 12th century AD during the rule of Jadavarma Vallabha Pandya. Presiding Deity is called as Chitra Radha Vallaba Perumal. He is almost a 10 ft high sandalwood idol seen in a majestic standing posture along with Sridevi and Bhoo Devi.






Mother is called as Shenbagavalli Thaayar and she is housed in a sperate shrine. Though the primary deity of the temple is actually Lord Vishnu, the temple is famous as Lord Guru’s shrine. Jupiter (Guru) shrine is situated in front of the Eastern Rajagopuram where he is seen facing west - in the direction of the main deity - Chitra Ratha Vallabha Perumal. Lord Guru is called as Yoga Guru.






In fact, Lord Guru in meditating posture and Chakkarathzhwar are seen together in a single shrine and they are said to have emerged Swayambu (on their own) at this place. The idols of 12 Alwars (sage poets who eulogized Perumal) are in a single form. Theertham associated with this Temple is Vaigai River. Vaigai River runs besides the temple adds to the beauty of the temple.