Ethapur Lakshmi Gopalan Temple, Salem

Address

Ethapur Lakshmi Gopalan Temple, Ethapur, Salem district – 636102. Phone: +91-4282-270 210.

Diety

Lakshmi Gopalan Amman: Veda valli

Introduction

The Sridevi Bhudevi Sammedha Sri Lakshmi Gopala Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is located in Ethapur, which is situated 15 kilometers west of Attur and just over 30 kilometers east of Salem in Tamil Nadu.

Age and History:

The temple is believed to be approximately 1000 years old, carrying a rich historical and cultural heritage.

Location:

Ethapur is a small town located in Tamil Nadu, India.
The temple is situated in close proximity to the Vasishta River, which flows just south of the temple.
Ethapur was also known as “Vasishtronum,” named after Vasishta, one of the Sapta Rishis (seven great sages).

Temple Origins:

Centuries ago, a Mysore King, who was ruling the region, issued orders for the construction of a Shiva temple in the area.
During the construction of a tank for the Shiva temple, the idol of Lord Gopalan (a form of Lord Krishna) was discovered.
A minister named Sesha Iyer made the decision to build a temple for Lord Vishnu (in the form of Gopala) to the west of the location where the Shiva temple was being planned.
Not seeking the king’s permission to build the Vishnu temple, Sesha Iyer stayed in a small hut west of the temple. This place where he stayed came to be known as Sesha Saavadi.
Upon learning of these developments, the king summoned his minister and instructed him to perform the Kumbabishekam (consecration) of the Shiva temple after the Vishnu temple consecration.

Temple Features:

The temple primarily worships Lord Gopala, a form of Lord Krishna, along with Sridevi and Bhudevi, the consorts of Lord Vishnu.
There is a Sesha Vahana (a vehicle representing a serpent) inside the temple, and processions take place on this vahana during the annual temple festivals.

The Sridevi Bhudevi Sammedha Sri Lakshmi Gopala Swamy Temple is not only a place of worship but also a historical site that reflects the religious and cultural significance of the region. The temple’s unique history and the presence of deities such as Lord Gopala make it a revered place for devotees and visitors.