Aragalur Karivaradharaja Perumal Temple, Salem

Address

Aragalur Karivaradharaja Perumal Temple, Salem Aragalur, Salem district Phone: +91- 4282-260248, +91-99946 31830

Diety

Karivaradharaja Perumal Amman: Kamalavalli

Introduction

The Karivaradharaja Perumal Temple is a significant religious site located in Aragalur, Salem District, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Presiding Deity:

The main deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped as Karivaradharaja Perumal.
The temple also houses the deity of the goddess Kamalavalli, the consort of Lord Vishnu.

Puranic Significance

The temple was constructed by Rajaraja Vanar Kovaraiyan of the Bana Dynasty during the 12th century.
The historical background of the temple is rooted in a legend associated with the rule of King Rajarajan. During his reign, the region was fertile, and people were prosperous. However, they grew complacent and stopped worshipping God.
To teach them a lesson, Lord Vishnu directed Varuna, the rain God, to withhold his blessings. This led to drought, famine, and poverty in the region.
Realizing their mistake and the importance of worshipping God, the people sought Lord Vishnu’s forgiveness and sought his grace. In response to their prayers, Lord Vishnu restored the fertility of the land by bringing back dark clouds and rain.
As an act of gratitude, King Rajarajan and his subjects built the temple and installed Lord Vishnu in the form of Karivaradaraja Perumal, symbolizing the Lord’s boon of bringing rain and prosperity.

Special Features

Temple Features:

The temple has a west-facing sanctum sanctorum, and it is known for its Dasavataram murals with the ninth avatar as Budha.
It features a three-tier vimana (tower) and a temple tank, though the tank’s water is not extensively used for ritualistic activities.
The temple’s vimana and pillars are adorned with the royal insignia of the Vijayanagara Empire, including symbols of the sun, moon, and a dagger.

Deities:

Lord Karivaradharaja Perumal stands in the sanctum sanctorum, while his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi accompany him.
The temple also houses a shrine for Nagadevi, who is situated near Kamalavalli.
There are two idols of Garuda, the eagle vehicle of Lord Vishnu, in sitting and standing postures.

Significance:

Vilwa, a sacred tree attributed to Lord Shiva, is considered the holy tree of the temple.
The temple provides remedies for those facing adverse effects related to snake planets (Nagadhosas).
Opposite this temple is the Kamanadheeswarar temple, where Ashta Bhairavas, the eight manifestations of Lord Shiva, bless the devotees.
Sri Anjaneya (Lord Hanuman) also graces the temple from a shrine in the corridor (Prakara).

Festivals

Vaikunda Ekadasi in Margazhi (December-January), all Saturdays in the month of Purattasi and Navarathri (September-October) are the famous festivals celebrated in this temple with much fanfare.