Sri Kalamega Perumal Temple, Thirumohur

Sri Kalamega Perumal Temple is ascribed to Sri Maha Vishnu. As per the legend, it is believed that this temple is associated with the Sri Mohini Avathar of Sri Maha Vishnu. Hence, this place is also called as Mohana Puram and Mohana Kshethram.

Divya Desam

This temple is said to be praised and glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by Sri Thiru Mangai Alwar and Sri Nammalvar. Hence this is one of the 108 Divya Desam temples.

It is believed that this temple is mentioned in the ancient Tamil scriptures such as Aganaanooru, PathiRRu Pathu, Madurai Kanchi and Silappadhikaram.

Legend

There are many legends with respect to the emergence of Sri Mohini Avathar of Sri Maha Vishnu.

Nectar

When Devas and Asuras churned the cosmic ocean for getting the nectar called Amrut, after many processes Sri Dhanvanthri came up from the ocean with the pot of nectar. Soon after, Sri Mahalakshmi appeared. When the Devas were distracted with the dazzle of Sri Mahalakshmi, the asuras had usurped the nectar pot from Sri Dhanvanthri.

When Devas realized the loss of nectar, they had complained to Sri Vishnu. Sri Vishnu then took the form of a beautiful Mohini and went to the asuras. This time, the asuras had lost their head. They had handed over the nectar pot to Her.

She made both the Devas and asuras to sit in opposite rows to the two sides of Her. Then She started pouring nectar to the Devas and was giving glances at asuras. Then at the end, asuras did not get the amrut.

The place where Sri Mohini had disbursed the Amrut is said to be the place of this temple.

Bhasmasura

Once Lord Shiva gave boons to Bhasmasura. As per that, Bhasmasura could not be killed by anyone; But he could kill anyone just by putting his hand on the person’s head. Armed with this boon, he kept killing people and tortured.

Devas sought the help of Sri Vishnu. Sri Vishnu took the form of Sri Mohini and appeared before Bhasmasura. He was mesmerized with Her beauty. She made him repeat whatever She was doing. She did some dance movements and the asura also followed suit. She gradually put Her hand to Her head. Copying Her, Bhasmasura also put his hand on his hand. The boon worked out and he was diminished instantly. The place where the instance happened is believed to be this place.

Brahma’s Puja

Lord Vishnu had retrieved the Vedas stolen by the two demons Madhu and Kaidaba. Lord Brahma wanted to do penance and Puja on Sri Vishnu here. He had requested Sri Vishnu to appear as Sri Narayana and not as Sri Mohini. Hence, the Lord has taken the form of Sri Kalamega Perumal here.

History

The temple is believed to be built during the rule of Sadaya Varman Sundara Pandiyan. Later the temple was developed by the Nayaka Kings of Madurai. Additions to the premises were made by Marudhu brothers. The temple is believed to be more than 2000 years old.

Architecture

The temple is built as per Dravidian architecture. As per the inscriptions, the temple is said to be built by an architect named Kalamegam also known as Kangeyan.

The Rajagopuram is five tiered. A granite wall covers the entire temple premises.

The main entrance is called Kambathadi mandapam. The statutes of Marudhu brothers are depicted here.

From there the Garuda mandapam is reached. This mandapam has a gopuram. It contains the sculptures of Lord Rama, Seetha, Lakshmama and Hanuman. The Sculptures of Rathi and Manmadan are also depicted here.

Main Sanctum

The presiding Deity is Sri Kalamega Perumal facing east. He is also called as Sri Neelamega Perumal. He is in the standing position. His right is in abhaya hastha mudra (blessing protection) and the right hand has gadha. He is present with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. The specialty of this Shrine is that the feet of Sri Devi and Bhu Devi do not touch the feet of Sri Perumal.

Sri Kalamega Perumal is also said to be the friend and protector of the travelers. Hence He is also called as Sri Marga Bandhu.

His consort Sri Mahalakshmi exists here as Sri Thiru Kannapura Nayagi. She is also called as Sri Mogavalli and exists in a separate Shrine.

Urchava Murthy is called as Thirumogur Aabthan in Panchayutha Kolam.

Sri Anantha Sayi

There is a separate shrine for Sri Ananthasayi Vishnu. As per the legend, Sri Vishnu had given darshan in the pose of reclining on Adisesha to Sage Pulasthiyar. The Deity is also called as Thiruparkadal Nathan. Adisesha is wearing jewels.

Here Sri Devi and Bhu Devi are seen worshipping the reclining Sri Vishnu. Hence it is called as Prarthana Sayanam.

Sri Chakrathalwar

The Shrine of Sri Chakrathalwar (Sri Sudharshan) is very prominent in this temple. Sri Sudharshan appears with sixteen hands each holding different weapon. In the sanctum, 48 Deities are said to be present. Sri Sudharshan is depicted inside 6 congruent circles. The weapons in 16 hands are said to have 154 letters. These letters are said to be the syllables of Beejakshara mantras. At the backside of Sri Sudharshan, Sri Narasimha is depicted.

This temple is also called as Sri Chakrathalwar Temple due to the prominence of this sanctum.

Sthala Vruksham is vilva tree.

The temple tank is called as Ksheerabtha Pushkarini. It is outside the temple and it is huge with copious water.

Rituals

Puja rituals are done six times a day, Ushath Kalam at 07.00 A.M, Kalasanthi at 8.00 A.M, Uchikalalm at 12.00 Noon, Sayarakshai at 06.00 P.M, Irandam Kalam at 07.00 P.M and Ardha Jamam at 10.00 P.M.

Each Puja is done with alankaram, neivedyam and deepa aarti coupled with playing of nagaswaram and thavil followed with vedic chants.

Timing

Darshan timings are from 07.00 A.M to 12.00 Noon and from 4.00 P.M to 8.00 P.M. The timings may vary on festivals and special occasions.

Festivals

Brahmotsavam is conducted in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May). Sri Vaikunta Ekadashi, Sri Janmashtami and Masi Makam festivals are prominently observed here.