Vallam Madhava Perumal Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Vallam, Thanjavur District,

Tamil Nadu 613403

Mobile: 99437 32491

Moolavar

Madhava Perumal (Devarajan)

Amman

Komalavalli

Introduction

The Vallam Madhava Perumal Temple is a historical temple located about 10 km from Thanjavur on the Thanjavur–Trichy National Highway. Built during the 12th Century AD by Vikrama Chozhan, the temple is dedicated to Madhava Perumal and Yoga Narasimha. It is easily accessible, being just a 5-minute walk from the Vallam Bus Stand, with the nearest railway station in Thanjavur and the nearest airport in Trichy.

Puranic Significance

The village of Vallam was originally known as Vallaba Puri, named after Vallaba Chozhan, the ruler of the region. Over time, this name evolved into Vallam.
The temple is connected to the story of Indra, who bathed in the sacred Vajra Theertham to absolve himself of a curse by Gowthama Rishi, who was engaged in penance here. Thus, the presiding deity is also referred to as Devendran.
Historical Legacy:
- The temple, initially called Vikrama Vinnagaram, was constructed by Vikrama Chozhan, who ruled Thanjavur between 1118 and 1136 AD.
- Inscriptions in the nearby Gowri Amman and Shiva temple, located 2 km away, also reference this period.
- Contributions for the temple’s upkeep and renovations came from the Pandyas, Hoysalas, Nayaks, and Maratha kings.
The temple fell into disrepair in the last century and remained closed for 48 years until its renovation in 1996, which restored much of its lost glory.

Special Features

The Madhava Perumal and Yoga Narasimha idols are Swayambu (self-manifested).
Abhishekam is performed only four times a year during Vishnupathi Punyakalam, which occurs at 2 AM on the first day of the Tamil calendar months Vaikasi, Aavani, Karthigai, and Maasi.
The Madhava Perumal idol is unique, depicted in a sitting posture with the left leg folded and the right leg resting on the ground.
The temple currently lacks Utsava deities, which are housed under the protection of the Thanjavur Palace, though efforts are underway to reinstall them.
Lord Narasimha is believed to have vanquished Vallasuran and provided darshan to devotees here.
Additional shrines for Rama, Azhwars, Thaayar, and Andal enhance the temple’s sanctity. A slim Anjaneya idol is also notable for its elegance.
The temple, once adorned with a gopuram, lost it during the Sultan Invasion, and the current structure remains without a gopuram.

Festivals

The temple celebrates Aadi Pooram Andal Kalyanam and Puratasi Kalyana Utsavam with great enthusiasm and devotion, attracting numerous devotees during these occasions.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com