Thalamalai Sanjeeviraya Perumal Temple – Namakkal

Address

Thalamalai, Namakkal district,

Tamil Nadu 621208

Moolavar

Sanjeeviraya Perumal

Amman

Sridevi bhudevi

Introduction

The Thalamalai Sanjeeviraya Perumal Temple is a prominent temple dedicated to Lord Perumal (a form of Lord Vishnu), located atop Thalamalai Hill in the Eastern Ghats, between the districts of Tiruchirappalli and Namakkal in Tamil Nadu. Situated at an altitude of around 3,200 feet in the Thalimalai Reserve Forest, this temple offers a serene and spiritually charged environment surrounded by a rich variety of plant life, including medicinal herbs. Reaching the temple involves a walk up the hill, adding to the sense of pilgrimage and devotion.

Puranic Significance

The Thalamalai Sanjeeviraya Perumal Temple is believed to have been constructed more than 500 years ago during the Nayakkar dynasty period.
Legend: The story of the temple’s origin is deeply rooted in a local legend involving a shepherd who noticed one of his cows going astray to the top of the hill each day. The cow was seen giving milk to a mysterious boy, which the shepherd discovered to be a divine manifestation of Lord Vishnu. After reporting this to the Nayakkar king, the king was instructed by Lord Vishnu in a dream to build a temple on the hill and perform regular worship. Since then, the hereditary Nayakkars have served as the treasurers and custodians of the temple.

Beliefs

Devotees believe that worshipping at this temple can cure ailments, promote peace, and bring prosperity. The temple has become renowned for its healing powers and spiritual significance, drawing people seeking blessings for physical and mental well-being.

Special Features

Hill’s Name and Shape: The hill is named Siragiri due to its shape, which is said to resemble the head of a person, adding a unique charm to the location.
Deity and Shrines: The presiding deity of the temple is Nallendra Perumal, a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple also houses various other shrines, including those of Venkatachalapathy, Alamelu Mangai Thayaar, Goddess Mahalaxmi, Sri Devi, Bhudevi, Lord Anjaneya, Garudazhvar, and Karupanna Swami.
Ramar Pond: A notable feature of the temple is the Ramar Pond, a spring that flows continuously, believed to possess divine significance and contributing to the temple’s sacred atmosphere.
Pradakshina Path: Devotees often perform a pradakshina (circumambulation) around the temple along a narrow path, which is believed to bring blessings for successful marriages, wealth, and childbirth. This ritual adds a personal, physical connection to the temple’s spiritual significance.

Festivals

The annual festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of Puratasi (September/October), attracting numerous devotees.
Special poojas are conducted once every three years for Edi Bhagavan (the god of thunder), making this event a rare and important occasion in the temple’s calendar.