Madhusoodhana Perumal Parakkai

Madhusoodhana Perumal, Parakkai

Vaishnavite Temples, Kanyakumari District

God

Madhusoodhana Perumal, facing east

Goddess

Sreedevi and Bhoodevi along with main deity, facing east

Other Deities

Garuda

Madhusoodhana Perumal Parakkai is a large and ancient east facing temple with 2 Prakarams. There is a large Temple tank directly opposite the main entrance. This is followed by a large lake in the east making this entire area and the temple surroundings look beautiful. The main deity is 5 feet tall and is with 4 hands. The Sun’s rays fall on the feet of the main deity on the 10th day of the Tamil month of Chithirai (mid April – mid May). This place is also called Pakshirajapuram, Kezharmangalam, Paravaikasur which later became Parakkai. Madhusoodhana Perumal Parakkai is renowned for its exquisite carved pillars and Murals.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Temple tank

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Madhusoodhana Perumal Parakkai is an ancient temple served by the Travancore Kings. A Pandya era stone inscription has been found here, now part of the Saptamadar – Balikkal, confirming its antiquity.

Legend

Madhusoodhana Perumal Parakkai A sculptor who was an ardent devotee of the Lord etched an image of Garuda in wood while in Kanchipuram in accordance to Shilpa Shastras. It came to life and flew Southwards arriving at Parakkai village, had a dip in the tank in front of the temple and exclaimed “Kandaen Kulam” (I saw the Tank), with joy. As he hovered around the deity and began to fly away an artisan, who was renovating a pillar at the temple, saw the bird and hurled a chisel at it. The bird fell down crying `Madhusudhana’, much to the shock and disbelief of the man. As a result its right wing suffered a wound. A stone image was later carved at the spot where he fell. This image is seen even today. It is also believed that Lord Vishnu came to be known as Madhusudhana after he slew the demons Madhu and Kaidapan.

Directions

Madhusoodhana Perumal Parakkai is 7.5 kilometers south east of Nagercoil in the road that goes to Manakudy.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest for food and stay is Nagercoil.

Vaishnavite Temples - Kanyakumari District

Tamilnadu Temples