Thalaimalai Sanjeevi Perumal Temple, Trichy

Address

Thalaimalai Sanjeevi Perumal Temple, Thalaimalai, Neeliyampatti, Trichy District – 621208 Phone: +91 98436 58044 / 97905 74284 / 99436 59130

Deity

Thalamalai Sanjeevi Perumal Amman: Bhudevi, Sri devi

Introduction

• Location: The Thalamalai Perumal Temple, also known as Thalamalai Sanjeevi Perumal Temple or Nallendra Perumal Temple, is situated atop a unique rock formation on the peak of Thalaimalai Hill. This ancient and revered Vaishnava temple is more than 1500 years old and serves as a prominent landmark in the region.
• Accessibility: Located north of the Cauvery River, south of Kolli Hills, west of Kolakudi – Pavithram Main Road, and east of the Thiruchi – Namakkal Main Road, the temple attracts numerous devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Puranic Significance

• Thala Malai: The term “Thala” means head, and the region derives its name from Siragiri, a hill resembling the head of a person. Locals believe it resembles the face of Lord Vishnu.
• Ramar Sunai: According to the Ramayana, while returning to Ayodhya with Sita after rescuing her from Ravana, Lord Rama rested at this location. A spring named Ramar Sunai was created here, which perpetually flows with water that emits a pleasant turmeric fragrance.
• Sanjeevi Hills: During the Yuddha Kanda of the Ramayana, Indrajit, Ravana’s son, used deadly weapons against Rama and Lakshmana, rendering them unconscious. To revive them, Jambavan sent Hanuman to fetch the Sanjeevi, a potent life-restoring herb. Unable to find it, Hanuman brought back the entire mountain of Dronagiri, which contained various medicinal plants. The top portion of this mountain fell at this site, giving rise to the name Thalaimalai. It is believed that the Sanjeevi herb is abundant here, providing protection against venomous creatures for pilgrims.
• Nayakar Era: The temple was constructed during the reign of the Nayakars. A shepherd’s cow, while grazing, would provide milk to a boy on the hill. Upon discovering this, the shepherd informed the Nayakar, who had a divine dream in which Lord Vishnu instructed him to build a temple on the hill. Since then, the Nayakar family has served as the temple’s treasurers.

Beliefs

• Pradakshinams: Devotees traditionally walk around the narrow path surrounding the temple to perform pradakshinams (circumambulation), believing it brings blessings of a successful marriage, wealth, and childbirth. However, this practice has been banned due to safety concerns.
• Divine Intercession: It is believed that worshiping at this temple helps in alleviating karmic burdens and brings about healing and prosperity.

Special Features

• Yama’s Worship: According to legend, Yama, the Hindu God of Death, prayed to Indira Deva for relief from negative influences during the transition of Sani Deva. Following Indira’s advice, Yama bathed in the Kannimar mountain spring (Sunai) and prayed to Nallendra Perumal, thus freeing himself from his troubles.
• Thunder God Worship: Special poojas for Idi Bhagavan (the Thunder God) are conducted every three years during Puratasi. A unique phenomenon occurs during these poojas, where cracks appear on the temple walls and are miraculously healed, viewed as a divine wonder.

Festivals

• Annual Festival: The temple celebrates an annual festival in the Tamil month of Puratasi (September/October), alongside triannual poojas for Idi Bhagavan.
• Daily Poojas: Regular daily poojas and lighting of lamps occur every Saturday, with additional celebrations during Chithirai, Avani (Krishna Jayanthi, Navarathri, and Vijayadasami), Margazhi, and Thai Pongal.
• Special Events: On the 18th day of the month of Adi, a significant ritual occurs during midday pooja, where the Dhandam (a long stick) of Karuppannasami stands erect, and Garuda circles in the sky, eliciting joyous exclamations of Lord Govinda from the devotees.

Century/Period/Age

1500 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Neeliyampatti

Nearest Railway Station

Namakkal Station

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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