Paiyanoor Karunakara Perumal Temple, Chengalpattu

Address

Paiyanoor Karunakara Perumal Temple, Paiyanoor, Thiruporur Taluk, Chengalpattu District – 603 104 Mobile: +91 90922 70404

Deity

Karunakara Perumal Amman: Sridevi and Bhoodevi.

Introduction

The Karunakara Perumal Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Paiyanoor Village, within Thiruporur Taluk, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity of the temple is Karunakara Perumal (also known as Arulananda Perumal), who graces devotees alongside his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi. The temple is situated next to the Etteeswarar Temple, about 10 kilometers from Thiruporur, 30 kilometers from Chengalpattu Railway Station, and 50 kilometers from Chennai Airport.

Puranic Significance

The Karunakara Perumal Temple is believed to be over 1500 years old, with historical records indicating it was constructed by the Pallavas. Inscriptions found in the nearby Etteeswarar Temple refer to the deity as Arulananda Perumal.
The temple faces east, and key features at the entrance include the Dhwaja Sthambam (flagpole), Balipeedam (sacrificial altar), and Garudalwar (Garuda deity), all positioned in front of the sanctum.
A small stone Deepa Sthamba (lamp pillar) is placed in front of the Dhwaja Sthambam.
The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of the main sanctum and the Ardha Mandapam (ante-chamber). Surrounding the sanctum is a newly constructed Mandapam (hall).
The Ardha Mandapam is protected by Dvarapalas (guardian deities) named Jayan and Vijayan.
The presiding deity, Karunakara Perumal, is depicted in a standing posture, with his right hand in the Abhaya Hasta (gesture of fearlessness). Alongside him are his two consorts: Sridevi and Bhoodevi.
The walls of the sanctum feature idols of other deities, including Vinayaga, Durga, Lakshmi Narayana, Hayagriva, and Lakshmi Narasimha, displayed in niches.
The temple premises include a separate shrine for Anjaneya (Hanuman).
The temple is also home to a flower orchard and a Tulsi garden.
The Theertham (sacred water body) associated with this temple is Bhairavar Kulam, a pond shared between the Karunakara Perumal Temple and the nearby Etteeswarar Temple.