Madanagopalaswamy Perambalur

Vaishnavite Temples, Perambalur District

God

Madanagopalaswamy, facing east

Goddess

Maragadavalli Thaayar, facing east

Other Deities

Aandal, Anjaneya, Thumbikkai Azhwar, Vaikundanadhar, Naagar, Vyagra Maharishi, Vishnu Durga, Vishwaksenar, 12 Azhwars, Sreedevi and Bhoodevi with Srinivasa Perumal, Alarmelmangai, Dhanvantri, Navaneeda Krishnan, Ramanujar

Madanagopalaswamy Perambalur is a large east facing temple with a 5 tiered Rajagopuram at the entrance. An Utsava Mantapam is outside the Rajagopuram. The temple has two Prakarams with Goddess and Aandal in the outer Prakaram along with other idols. The inner Prakaram is small, covered, supported by ancient stone pillars. Several flowering plants are kept beautifully inside this corridor. A very large Theppakulam is present behind, west of the temple.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No information

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Magizham (Mimusops elengi)

History

Madanagopalaswamy Perambalur is an ancient temple built by King Sundarapandian in the 9th Century. Stone inscriptions are found here on the wall of the Sanctum Sanctorum. Also found on the inner side of the outer walls are several fish and snake carvings.

Legend

Sage Vyagrapadar (Puli Paadhar – tiger footed sage) is believed to have worshiped the lord here at Madanagopalaswamy Perambalur to get his original form back. Thus this place used to be called Perumpuliyur and then got corrupted to Perumbalur. Worshiping the lord here is believed to provide Moksha (no more rebirths).

Directions

Madanagopalaswamy Perambalur is inside the town, off Bazaar Street and a little way behind the Brahmapureeswarar Temple.

Stay and Food

A couple of decent restaurants are available, one inside town near the old bus stand and one more near the new bus stand. Recommended for stay would be Thiruchirapalli.

Vaishnavite Temples

Madanagopalaswamy, Perambalur