Kalamega Perumal Temple, Thirumohoor, Madurai
| Date built: | – |
|---|---|
| Deity: | Vishnu, Kalamega Perumal |
| Architectural style: | Dravidian architecture |
| Major festivals | – |
| Locale: | Thirumohoor |
| District:: | Madurai |
| Address: | Kalamega Perumal Temple,Thirumohur – 625 107, Madurai North Taluk,Madurai District |
| Phone | +91 452 2423227 / 2423444 / 2422744 |
A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines and three of its four bodies of water. The temple has a five-tiered Rajagopuram, the temple’s gateway tower and a huge temple tank in front of it. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandyas, with later additions from the Madurai Nayaks. Six daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Brahmotsavam, celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (April–May), being the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Temple Opening Time
The temple remains open from 7.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Pooja Timings
- Vishwaroopam – 6.00 AM to 6.30 AM
- Kaala Shanthi Pooja – 8.00 AM to 8.30 AM
- Thirumanjanam – 11.00 AM to 12.00 PM
- Uchchi Kaala Pooja – 12.00 PM to 12.30 PM
- Sayaratchai – 6.00 PM to 6.30 PM
Architecture
Legend / Local stories
Lord Vishnu slaying of Bhasmasura:
As per Hindu legend, once a demon by name Bhasmasura did penance. Shiva granted him a boon that when he touches anyone’s head, the person would turn to ashes. Bhasmasura wanted to test the boon and wanted to touch the head of Shiva. A bewildered Shiva ran to seek the favour of Vishnu, who took the form of damsel Mohini. She lured Bhasmasura with her dance and made Bhasmasura touch his head with his hand. The demon Bhasmasura was thus defeated. The place where Mohini lured (meaning Moham) came to be known as Thirumohur.
Thirumohur:
According to another legend, there was a fight between the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) during the churning of the Ocean of Milk for Amrita (ambrosia). Asuras were able to overpower Devas and the Devas sought Vishnu’s help. Vishnu appeared as Mohini to lure the asuras and gave them empty pot. The word ‘Moham’ in Sanskrit means attraction or desire. As Vishnu took the Mohini form, this place became Thirumohanavur that later was shortened to Thirumohur.
Place for salvation:
The great Vaishnavite saint Nammalwar prayed to all Perumals in the 108 Divyadesas, but Kalamega Perumal of this temple only took the Alwar to salvation. Hence, once a devotee prays to Kalamega Perumal in this temple, his /her seat in the other world – Vaikunta – is ensued.
Other Names:
It is also known as Mohanapuram and Mohanakshetram.
Thirupaarkadal:
As the legend goes, when the devas were churning the ocean for Amruta, a drop of that Amruta is believed to have fallen into this temple tank and the lord appeared to the south of this tank. Hence it is also known as Periya Thirupaarkadal and Siriya Thirupaarkadal.
People worshipped Lord Vishnu here:
Sage Pulasthya, Brahmma, Indiran and Ajaruthar are said to have had darshan of the lord here.
Birth of Ayyapan:
Lord Shiva too got attracted towards the beauty of Mohini and as a result of this only, Lord Ayyappan was born from the third eye of Lord Shiva.
Mohana Kshetram:
In centuries gone by, this place was identified as being 1 Yojana from Thirumaliruncholai and South of the Elephant rock. The huge Ashta Giri can be seen even today. It is worth stopping on the highway (Madurai-Madras route) to see this elephant shaped rock that runs quite a distance.
Kalamega Perumal:
Lord Vishnu helped recover the Vedic Scriptures from two Asuras – Madhu and Kaidapan who had stolen it from Brahmma. It was at this place that Brahmma performed daily poojas, directed at Lord Vishnu, as a gesture to thank the Lord for fighting the Asuras and securing back the Vedic Scriptures. It is said that Brahmma wanted to see the Lord as ‘Narayana’ and not in his Mohini form. Hence, it is said that Lord Vishnu appeared before Brahmma at this place as Kalamega Perumal.
Marga Bandhu:
Kalamega Perumal is said to be a close friend of the devotees and is said to be one who provides direction and guides the devotees who come to him for Moksham. Hence, he is also referred to as ‘Maarga Bandhu’.
Thirupaarkadal Nathan:
Wanting to see the Lord churning the ocean to secure the nectar, Sage Pulasthiyar undertook penance here. Pleased with his prayers, Lord appeared before him and gave him darshan. Hence there is a separate sannidhi for the Lord as ‘Thirupaarkadal Nathan’.
Photo Gallery
How to Reach:
The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Othakadai Bus Stop, 12 Kms from Madurai, 16 Kms from Madurai Periyar Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus, 19 Kms from Azhagar Koil Kallazhagar Temple, 16 Kms from Madurai Koodal Azhagar Temple, 13 Kms from Madurai Railway Junction, 14 Kms from Meenakshi Amman Temple, 22 Kms from Thiruparankundram and 25 Kms from Madurai International Airport. Buses are available from Central and Mattuthavani bus stands. From Madurai Mattuthavani Bus stand, one can take the Melur bus and get down at Othakadai stop. From Othakadai, one can either take a mini bus / share auto to reach this Temple.
Contact Details
Kalamega Perumal Temple,
Thirumohur – 625 107,
Madurai North Taluk,
Madurai District
Phone: +91 452 2423227 / 2423444 / 2422744
Mobile: +91 98420 24866 / 98422 69683 / 98425 24325 / 95000 43011