Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple in Madurai
Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple in Madurai
A prominent religious shrine, Thirumohoor
Kalamegaperumal Temple is one of the 108 divya desams. Dedicated to Lord
Vishnu, in this temple Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Neelamega Perumal with his
divine consort Goddess Lakshmi as Thirukannapuram Nayagi. Located only 12 km
from Madurai city, this holy shrine is visited by most of the devotees who come
for Madurai tour.
Also known as
Mohana Kshetram and Mohanapuram, this temple has been referred in many ancient
texts. Many great poets and saints have sung about this temple such as Manavala
Mamunigal, Thirumangai Azhwar and Nammazhwar, Pillai Perumal Iyengar, Kalamega
Pulavar, Thiruninravur Tirumalai and others. Thirumohur has been mentioned in
the holy Hindu scriptures, Brahmanda Purana and Matsya Purana as well. Many
devotees come here to attain salvation as it is popularly believed that those
devotees who come to offer prayers here attain a place in the heavenly
Vaikunta.
Architecture
and History of Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple, Madurai
This place has
been mentioned in the Sangam Literature. This temple is considered to more than
200 years old with references in many great Tamil epic Silappatikaram and other
great works such as Pathitrupathu and Madurai Kanchi.
Spread over an
area of 2.5 acres, this temple presents an impressive example of artistic
architecture. Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple has been constructed in the
Dravidian Style of architecture. This temple was originally built during reign
of Pandyan King Sadaiya Varman Sundara Pandiyan. 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.
The main temple
along with shrines within its complex and three of four water bodies are
surrounded by granite walls. This temple has four prakarams. The main hall has
columned pillars. It leads to the Garuda hall with a small gopuram. Garuda
mandapam has idols of Lord Kodanda Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Rathidevi and
Kamadevan. The five tiered Rajagopuram of the temple is one of its most
attractive features. The present structure of this temple with various
additions was built during the rule of Madurai Nayaks. The most attractive
feature of this shrine is the Sudarshan Chakra of the Lord with Chakrathazhwar
in front with 16 hands, each with a different weapon. Behind it, there is idol
of Lord Narasingha Perumal. This is amid 6 circles with 154 letters carved in
it along with pictures of around 48 Gods. There are separate shrines of various
other Gods and goddesses where devotees can offer their prayers.
Legend
behind Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple, Madurai
There are two
popular legends regarding Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple. According to one
legend, the demon Bhasmasura was blessed by lord Shiva who was pleased with his
prayers. He was given the boon of turning anyone to ashes if he touches his/her
head. However, after getting the blessings and the power, Bhasmasura wanted to
try it on Lord. This is when Lord Vishnu intervened in the form of a lady named
Mohini. She distracted Bhasmasura with her dance and eventually led to him to
touch his own head. Thirumohur is said to be the place where Lord Vishnu in the
form of Vishnu had put an end to the menace of demon Bhasmasura.
According to
another legend, during the churning of the ocean by Asuras and Devas, there was
fight over the ownership of the holy pot of Amrit, ambrosia. During the fight
when Asuras were overpowering devas, they sought the help of Lord Vishnu. Lord
to assist them, took the form of Mohini to entice Asuras and ultimately gave
them an empty pot. It is said that it is in Thirumohur where this event took
place.
Timings of Thirumohoor
Kalamegaperumal Temple, Madurai
Opening timings
of Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple for darshan are from 7 AM to 12 Noon. It
again opens at 4 PM to 8 PM.
This temple gains
a unique fervour during various festivals. Brahmotsavam in the month of April
or May, Vaikunta Ekadasi during December or January and Gajendra Moksham in
month of February of March along with Krishna Jayanthi, Panguni Thirukalyanam,
Diwali, Pongal, etc., are a few of the major celebration at this temple. Going
for darshan during these times will make the visit even more memorable.
Reaching
Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple, Madurai
Thirumohoor
Kalamegaperumal Temple is located in Thirumogur, which is about 11 km away from
Madurai city. Tourists can reach here via road transportation. Many buses run
between the two cities. From the bus stop, this temple is not far away.
Tourists can also hire a cab from Madurai for travelling to Thirumogur.
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