Thirumohoor Sri Kalamegaperumal Temple, Madurai

Address

Thirumohoor Shri Kalameghaperumal Temple Thirumohoor, Tamil Nadu 625107

Deity

Kalamegaperumal (Vishnu) Amman: Mohanavalli Thayar (Lakshmi)

Introduction

• Location: Near Melur, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu.
• Deity: Lord Vishnu as Neelamegha Perumal and Goddess Lakshmi as Tirukannapura Nayagi.
• Architectural Style: Dravidian.
• Significance:
  • One of the 108 Divya Desams glorified in the Divya Prabandha, composed by the Azhwar saints (6th–9th centuries AD).
  • Known as Mohanapuram and Mohanakshetram.
  • Associated with the legend of Mohini, an incarnation of Vishnu, who lured the asuras to support the celestial deities.
• Structure:
  • Five-tiered Rajagopuram (gateway tower).
  • Granite wall enclosing the shrines and three of the four temple tanks.
  • Sacred tree: Bael.
  • Holy water: Talatamarai Pushkarni (temple tank).
• History:
  • Believed to have been built by the Pandyas with later contributions from the Madurai Nayaks.

Puranic Significance

• Historical References:
  • Mentioned in Sangam literature as a prosperous region.
  • Referenced by Ptolemy (c. AD 100–170).
  • Inscription dated to AD 1259 during the reign of Sadaiya Varman Sundhara Pandiyan identifies Sri Kaala Maegam alias Kaangaeyan as the builder.
• Temple’s Role in History:
  • Served as an impregnable fort during the British era and the Carnatic Wars.
  • British general Colonel Heron looted the temple in 1755, but local Kallars reclaimed the idols and treasures.
  • Even today, the deity is portrayed in the attire of a Kallar man in memory of this event.
• Later Additions:
  • Contributions by the Marudu Brothers, whose images are enshrined in the temple.
  • Inscriptions from the Nayak period documented by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Beliefs

• Devotees Pray For:
  • Salvation of ancestors.
  • Success in personal endeavors.
• Offerings and Rituals:
  • Anointing the deity, offering Sarkarai Pongal (sweet dish), and fulfilling vows (Nerthikadan).

Special Features

• Chakrathazhwar Shrine:
  • Dedicated to the Sudarshana Chakra of Vishnu.
  • Features:
    • 154 mantras engraved on the idol.
    • 48 deities sculpted on the Moolavar (main deity).
    • Depicted with 16 arms, holding weapons, crowned with fire, and in a running posture.
• Divya Desam:
  • The 94th of the 108 Divya Desams.
  • Praised in the hymns (Mangalasasana) of the Azhwar saints.
• Unique Worship: Motsadeepa worship (lighting of sacred lamps) is a special ritual performed here.

Festivals

• Brahmotsavam: Celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May–June).
• Chakrathazhwar Thirunattaram: Observed in the Tamil month of Ani (June–July).
• Vaikunda Ekadasi: Celebrated with grandeur.
• Thirukkalyanam (Celestial Wedding): Held during Panguni (March–April).

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thirumohoor

Nearest Railway Station

Madurai

Nearest Airport

Madurai

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