Kanniraindha Perumal, Malayadipatti
God
Renganadar (Kann Niraindha Perumal), facing east
Goddess
Kamalavalli Thaayar, facing east
Other Deities
Garuda and various sculptures and carving on the walls and ceiling.
Kanniraindha Perumal, Malayadipatti is situated on granite hillocks, south of the Malayadipatti village, also known as Thiru Valattur Malai. The temple is called Olipathivishnu Vishnugraham. The temple is rock cut and has many carvings and sculptures. The main deity is in reclining posture and is about 15 feet long. The temple contains a Mukha Mantapa, Ardha Mantapa followed by the Sanctum Sanctorum. The ceiling is adorned with carvings, stucco works and paintings almost fully. The carvings in this temple include Lord Vishnu, Lakshmi, Shiva, Narasimha, Varaha, Brahma, Dasavatara, Alwars, Vishwaksena, demons and others including animals and mythical creatures. In the Mukha Mantapa Vishnu is carved in seated position with his Consort. Another wall has Lord Vishnu carved in reclining position with Brahma seated on a Lotus. There are a couple of caves with paintings and carvings on top of the hill and a large round ball shaped rock.
Holy Water – Sudharshana Pushkarini
Holy Tree – No information
History
Kanniraindha Perumal, Malayadipatti contains no foundation inscription to confirm its origins. It is said that this temple was built after the adjoining Shiva Temple that dates back to 795-846 CE.
In a Chola inscription in the mukha-mandapa, the temple is referred to as Olipati Vishnu-Griham of Tirualattur.
Vijayanagara inscriptions refer to the temple as Kan-nirainta-perumal of Tiruvaymalai.
Legend
Sage Diwakara, who in a fit of anger tried to disrupt the yagna of King Indradyumna, was cursed to lose his powers. He is believed to have undertaken penance seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Pleased, the lord provided him darshan as Anantha Padmanabhan and gave back his yogic powers and knowledge. The temple is an Abhimana Sthalam.
Directions
Kanniraindha Perumal, Malayadipatti is about 17 kilometers north east of Keeranur on the road going to Killukottai via Visalur.
Food and Stay
None locally. Closest are Thiruchirapalli and Pudukottai.