Parimala Ranganatha Swamy Vishnu Temple.Mavayaram
Parimala Ranganatha Swamy Vishnu Temple
The Parimala Ranganatha Swamy temple is part of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred Vishnu Temples). It is also one of the Pancha Rangam kshetram temples –
First Rangam – Sri Rangapatna near Mysore
Second Rangam – Sri Rangam Trichy
This is the third one.
Fourth Rangam – Sri Sarangapani at Kumbakonam and
Fifth Rangam – Sri Appakkudathan at Trichy
The temple is believed to be 1000-2000 years old and the historic name of this place is Thiru-Indhalur.
Main Deity – The main deity here is a 12 feet long idol of Shree Vishnu. Here he is in a reclining position.
Temple Architecture – The temple is built in a typical Dravidian style and one can see influences of many styles of architecture namely the Chola, Vijayanagari and Nayaka period.
The Raajgopuram (the main crowning) is a five tired structure. There are various sculptures of Lord Brahma on the walls of this temple. The main deity is carved out of green colored stone and is 12 feet tall. He is seen here with his consort Goddess Parimala Ranganayaki. She is also known locally by other names like Goddess Chandrasaapa Vimochanavalli and Goddess Pudareekavalli. The temple is built in such a way that the idol lies between river Cauvery and river Ganga.
The main Mandapams – Dhwajastambh and Garuda have the carvings of Dashavtaarams. The temple premises is also home to the famous Vaishnava Cannon – Nalayira Divya Prabandham
Temple Legend and Specialties – When the demons Madhu and kaitab stole the Vedas, Lord Vishnu incarnated himself as Matsyavatar (fish form) to recover the Vedas. After this time, he provided parimala or fragrance to Vedas to mask the fishy odor of his Matsya form. Hence the place gets the name Parimala Ranganatha.
Another legend says, Lord Chandra (Moon) had a curse that made his size grow smaller and smaller. He prayed to Lord Vishnu who cured his curse. The moon God also has a shrine here. Coincidentally Indhalur is derived from the word Indhu=moon.
It is said that the great saint Thirumangai Azhwar visited this temple. There is an interesting story that proceeds this visit. Thirumangai was late to visit the temple and found the doors shut. It is said that the saint got into an argument with the lord saying that Vishnu closed the doors on him. Jestingly, the lord prolongs his argument. Thirumangai Azhwar then composed a hymn that said ” Keep all your beauty to yourself, I am leaving you”. Here, lord Vishnu tells him to compose a song praising him. The saint asks how can one compose hymns for the one he has never seen? The lord answers – you have sung praises or other lords without seeing them, do the same for me. This is how the 10 Paasurams – famously written hymns came into existence.
Festivals and prayers – The main festivals that occur in this temple are Brahmotsav, Chitrai Festival (April-May) in which the procession of the lord is taken out, Andal Adi (July-August) and Navrathri Festival. Makar Sankrant is also greatly celebrated here.
A special importance is given to Ekadasi (11th day of the moon). There is a special fast that devotees undertake without taking even a drop of water.
During the month of Aipasi, devotees from all over come to take a bath in Cauvery.
Contact Information –
Temple Timings – 06:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 05:00 p.m. and 08:30 p.m
Address: Sri Parimala Ranganathar Temple, Tiru Indalur, Nagapattinam district.
Phone: +91- 4364-223 330
Directions: Mayiladuthurai is about 280 kilometers from Chennai.
By air – The nearest airport is the Tiruchirapalli International Airport (130km)
By Train – Nearest station is Mayiladuthurai. It is well connected to important cities in South of India. It is situated on the Chennai-Thanjavur route.
By Road – Bus services are available from all cities in Tamil Nadu. Buses are also available from Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation which is headquartered at Kumbakonam.
Location: Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, India
