Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple in Indalur, Mayiladuthurai

Parmila Rangan Perumal Temple:-

Parmila Rangan Perumal Temple is a Pancha Ranga Kshetram. With Adhiseshan on top, Lord Parimala Rangan can be seen in a grand sleeping posture with 4 hands, Goddess Cauvery by the side of his head, to his right and Goddess Ganga by the side of his leg.

Argument between Thiru Mangai Azhvaar and Lord Parimala Rangan:-

The story goes that Lord Parimala Rangan shut the door on ThiruMangai Azhvaar, who had come for his darshan, reasoning that he was late. Upset at this, ThiruMangai Azhvaar gets into an argument with Lord Parimala Ranganathar.

When a friend keeps a thing that we want and does not want to share with us, we typically say ‘ keep it to yourself’ in jest. Similarly, here, with the Lord not allowing Thirumangai Azhvaar an entry into the temple, the Azhvaar asked Parimala Rangan to keep all his beauty to himself and to enjoy it on his own.

ThiruMangai Azhvaar goes on to argue that the world will talk about the Lord in bad light as he shut the door on the Azhvaar. The Lord ignores this comment of the Azhvaar saying that he need not worry about it and that he will take care of any ill feelings.

Despite repeated attempts to impress the Lord to allow him an entry, Parimala Rangan maintains his silence. A dejected and frustratedThiru Mangai Azhvaar decided that he would leave the place as the Lord was stubborn at not allowing Darshan to the Azhvaar.

Thiru Mangai Azhvaar in his Paasuram(1331) says ‘Vaasi Valleer Indhalureer Vazhnthey Pomneerey….’ to mean that ‘ I am leaving, you yourself live here and enjoy life’.

Sensing that Thiru Mangai Azhvaar may leave the place without praising him enough, Lord Parimala Rangan tries to prolong the argument and asks him to sing praise of him. Thiru Mangai Azhvaar replies saying “How can I shower praise on you when you do not allow me to see you”. Lord Parimala Ranga says “ You who have sung praises of other Lords, sitting in your place, do sing praise of me too so I can listen to your sweet songs.” ThiruMangai Azhvaar finally falls for it and composes 10 Paasurams.


Indhu means moon. As perumal received Chandra (Moon) from his curse, this place is known as Indhaloor. Lord Narayana gave dharsan as Vennchudar perumal in the standing posture to the Moon god in Thalaisangaadu. But here at this place he is in Veera Sayanam posture.There he was full of light being as Vyomajyothi piran. But here he is full of fragrance (Parimalam) and hence he is called as Parimala Rangan. He has 4 hands here. River Cauvery is under his feet here. As he promised river Cauvery to increase here status, he made her as his bed at Srirangam, took her as his mother at Thirucherai and here at Thiru Indhaloor, he has taken river Cauvery above his head. Thus gave her the status of river Ganges who is on the head of Lord Shiva.
As the perumal of this place, converted the position of river Cauvery and Lord Chandra into a pious state, Thirumangaialwar calls him as a Brahmin. The vedas were created to instruct rules for human beings to lead a happy life. The Surya and Chandra revolve around the world to give prisperity (like wheels ie Chakra). Hence the vimaana of this place is called as Veda Chakra Vimaanam. Sri Rangam is known as Aadhi Arangam (first) while Thirukudanthai is Madhiya Arangam (Middle) and Thiru Indhaloor is known as Andiya Arangam (Last).

Temple History:-

Being one among the celebrated Divya Desas, the temple with its five tier Rajagopuram is built on a land area measuring 350 feet in length and 230 feet in breadth. Planet Moon got relieved of his curse here after a bath in the sacred spring. Chandra-Moon worships the face of the Lord, Sun the feet and Lord Brahmma the naval. Mother Cauvery worships Perumal on His head side while Mother Ganga His feet. Yama and Ambarishan also worship the Lord at His feet. Mother Cauvery has greater importance in this place than Mother Ganga.

Sri Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple (Thiruindhalur), Mayiladuthurai - Divya Desam 23
The history of the temple speaks the greatness of Ekadasi Vrata-fasting, that is the devotee committed to this prayer should spend the whole day only with thoughts of Lord without consuming even a drop of water. King Ambarishan was following this practice meticulously. The devotee should take food only the next day-Dwadasi the 12th day of New Moon or Full moon at an auspicious time. And that was the 100th Ekadasi-Dwadasi for king Ambarisha. People of his country and those in the palace were happy that their king will be completing a century and there were necessary arrangements for the celebrations.

But, people in the celestial world were unhappy because, Ambarishan may be elevated to their status if his 100th fasting went successfully. They did not want to lose their position for a human. They approached Sage Durvasa to undo his fasting and help retaining their positions. The sage, noted for his temperament assured the Devas to help them and came down to earth. By then, the king had finished the Ekadasi fasting. The fasting would become complete only if he took his food before the prescribed time the next day-Dwadasi. If the time ends, the fruits of the fasting also would be lost. The king did not know that the sage had come with an evil plan.

Sri Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple (Thiruindhalur), Mayiladuthurai - Divya Desam 23
The king was about to take his food when Sage Durvasa entered his palace. The king was doubly glad to have a guest in Sage Durvasa and requested him to accept his hospitality-dining with him. The sage cunningly told him that he accepted his invitation and would be back to be with him for the lunch after a bath in the river. His plan was to fail the king. The time was fast nearing.

The king was afraid of the curse of the sage if he ate without him. He consulted the pandits in his court. The chief pandit said that if he simply consumes of few drops of water, he would complete the fasting in order. King did this and was waiting for the sage to have the full food.

Knowing this through his powers, Durvasa created a ghost to kill the king. When the ghost began chasing him, Ambarisha sought asylum at Lord’s feet. Perumal looked at the ghost angrily. The ghost began to retreat and disappeared. Realizing the devotion of the king and the power of his fasting, sage Durvasa sought the pardon of the Lord. The sage was pardoned.

When asked by the Lord of his wish after completing 100 Ekadasi fastings, king Ambarisha begged the Lord that He should stay at this place and bless the devotees. Pleased with the king’s request, Lord Vishnu-Perumal is blessing His devotees from this temple as Parimala Ranganathar.

Sri Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple (Thiruindhalur), Mayiladuthurai - Divya Desam 23
Another story goes that Chandran (Moon God) fell in love with his preceptor Brihaspati’s wife Tara and eloped with her, in the absence of his Guru. When Brihaspati found his wife missing, he sought the help of Brahmma who asked Tara to return to her husband.

Later, when Tara’s pregnancy came to light, a furious Brihaspati cursed Chandra to deformity saying that the biggest sin of life is to caste one’s eyes on another’s spouse and that Chandran would have to undergo the full severity of the curse for having cast his eyes wrongfully on another's wife.

Another story goes that Dakshan was so taken in by Chandran’s handsome features that he decided to make him the suitor for his 27daughters. However, Chandran was interested only in one of the daughters, Rohini and mockingly ignored the others.

Dakshan found that the handsome looks had made Chandran too arrogant and cursed him to immediately lose his youth and his strong luring features.

Repenting for wrongly casting his eye on another man’s wife, Chandran requested Brihaspati to provide him an opportunity for performing parikara that could help him cleanse his grave sins.

3Phased Parikara: As part of the 3 fold parikara, Chandra undertook penance here at Thiru Indhalur after bathing at the sacred Theertham, invoking the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Answering his prayers, Lord appeared before him and agreed to liberate him from part of the sins.

(The story goes that Chandran went to Thalai Changa Naan Mathiyam, another Divya Desam about 15 East of Thiru Indhalur, where he was fully liberated from his curse and dosham).

Pleased with being partly liberated from his curse, Chandran (another name of Chandran is Indhu) requested that this place be called Indhalur in his memory.

As the temple is noted for its Ekadasi importance, it is suggested that those desirous of undertaking the fasting, may start the practice from this temple.

Temple:-

From the birth of holy river Cauvery to its end, there are five Ranganathars (Pancharangams) on its bank and this temple is one of them; the other four being Srirangapatnam (Karnataka), Srirangam, Koyiladi (Anbil, near Trichy) and Kumbhakonam.
While Srirangam is known as Aadhi Arangam, Kumbakonam as Madhya Arangam, this kshetram is known as Andhiya Arangam.

The moolavar Parimala Ranganathar, an imposing 12 feet long sculpture of green stone, is in a reclining posture with four hands.
The Dwajasthamba mantapam and the Garuda mantapam have exquisitely carved pillars and images of Dasa avatarams. There are sannidhis for Santhana Gopalan, Yoga Narasimhar, Ramar, Anjaneyar, Surya and Chandran.

Worship to Santhana Gopalan in this temple will bless the couple to beget children.

Theertham:-

 Indu (Chandra) pushkarini

Vimanam:-

 Vedachakra Vimanam.

Main Deity:-

 Parimala Ranganathar, Sleeping Posture, East Facing.

Utsavar:-

 Maruviniya Mainthan(also called Sugantha Vana Nathan).

Goddess:-

 Parimala Ranganayaki- Sugantha Naayaki(Separate Sannidhi).

Mangalasaasanam:-

 Thirumangai Azhvaar – 10 Paasurams.

Name Indhalur:-

Chandran (The Moon God) undertook penance here and was liberated, from his curse, by the Lord here. Chandran (another name of Chandran is Indhu) requested that this place be called Indhalur in his memory.

River Cauvery:-

The Lord promised river Cauvery after her prayers and penance to improve here status. He made her as his bed at Srirangam, took her as his mother at Thirucherai and here at Thiru Indhaloor, he has taken river Cauvery above his head. Thus River Cauvery attained the status similar to that of river Ganges who is on the head of Lord Shiva.

Thirumangai alwar called him as a Brahmin, in his hymn as the Sri Parimala Ranganatha Perumal of this temple, converted the position of river Cauvery and Lord Chandra into a pious state. Sri Rangam is known as Aadhi Arangam (first) while Thirukudanthai is Madhiya Arangam (Middle) and Thiru Indhaloor is known as Andiya Arangam (Last).

Reputation:-

Belonging to the 108 Divyadesa temples, this is one with a five-tier tower measuring 350 feet long and 230 feet wide. The Chandra Pushkarani spring is in front of the temple. Planet Moon had a dip in the spring and got relieved of his curse. Chandra the moon worships the face of the Lord; Sun the feet and the naval Brahma. Cauvery worships the head; Ganga, King Ambarisha and Yama the lord of death worship the feet of the Lord here. Cauvery is considered more holy in this place than Ganga.

Temple Timings:-

06:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 05:00 p.m. and 08:30 p.m.

Festivals:-

The Lord comes in procession on the Tamil New Year day, almost falling on April 14 of each year. During the month of Adi (July-August) Adi Pooram is celebrated for 10 days. In Avani month (August-September) a five day celebration is observed for Lord Kannan. Navarathri in Purattasi (September-October), Thula Brahmmotsavam in Ipasi (October-November), 20 days Vaikunda Ekadasi in Margazhi (December-January) Sankranti or Pongal in Thai (January-February), Brahmmotsavam in Panguni (March-April) are the important festivals in the temple. The daily Puja time is 6.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Month Long Festival in Aipasi:-

It is believed that a bath in the Cauvery here during Aipasi is said to be more sacred than bathing at the Ganges. During this month, the temple attracts devotees from across the country.

It is believed that King Ambarish built this temple. There are several beautiful sculptures inside this temple.

Temples in & around Mayiladuthurai :-

Mayooranathar Temple:–

The Mayooranathar Temple, also called the ‘big temple’ is a temple dedicated to Shiva where Thevaram is recited.

Vallalar Temple:–

Vallalar Temple in the northern bank of river Cauvery is a famous Shiva temple known for its Guru shrine.

Ayyarapper Temple:–

Ayyarapper Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is located at the center of the city. Thula Festival is famous in this temple and it is celebrated in the month of October.

Navagraha temples are situated around this town. There are many famous temples in Mayiladuthurai’s vicinity, most important amongst which is Vaitheeswarankoil. The temple complex is known to house many astrologers employing a method of fortune telling called Nadi Jyothidam. The town also has a Medhaa Dakshinamurthi temple. Other temples of importance include the Sukran Temple and a temple in Tirukkadavur is dedicated to Lord Amirthakadeswarar and Goddess Abirami.

Senthangudi Durga Temple:– 

Durga Temple is also famous and is 2 km from Mayiladuthurai.

Tirupambupuram Temple:–

Tirupambupuram is a very ancient Shiva temple. It is known as Dakshina Kalahasti. It is located near peralam (7 km west).

Thirumanancheri Temple:– 

Thirumanancheri Temple is very famous very near from mayiladuthurai.

Kannagi Temple:–

The Kannagi Temple is in Melaiyur which is located around 24 km from Mayiladuthurai.  Poompuhar is 4 km from Melaiyur.

Punugiswarar Temple:–

The Punugiswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Siva & consort santha nayaki.Situated at koranad.Workshipped by civet cat.

‘Sri Vanamutti Perumal,Kozhikuthy(located 5 kms outside the town in Kumbakonam Road) near Mayavaram,is a Unique Temple,having its main God Lord Srinivasa Perumal(Fondly “Vaanam-mutti” Perumal-since He kept on Growing) standing for 16 ft. Bold textheight.The most special Feature is that the entire Idol Is carved out of Single Fig Tree with its real roots going underneathItalic text even today.Over the Wood the idol is marvellously coated With Ajanta Paintings which is attractive even today though the Temple is built during Chola Period around 1500 yrs ago.The Temple is a rich source of Architectural Excellence as well as the home of Divine Lord.

Thirupper Nagar - Sri Appakkudathaan Perumal Temple,Tiruchi

Apakudathan Temple:-

The appakudathan temple is one of the 5 rangams along the Cauvery, the others being Srirangapatna, Srirangam, Kumbakonam sarangapani temple and Mayiladurai Indaloor temple. This temple is called the Madhya rangam. Koviladi is in the southern bank of Kollidam and can be reached from Kallanai dam easily and can also be reached from Anbil via Sengariyur and Poondi. For both Tiruchirapalli should be the main starting point. If one goes by a four wheeler, without break at Kallanai, cross the road over the dam and take the route to Koviladi. Only heavy vehicles cannot pass through this road over the dam. Those who take the bus should get down at Kallanai, cross the road over the dam and on reaching the other side, proceed on the road behind the Karikal cholan statue, which is the road leading to Koviladi. The bus stand is nearby and buses from Kallanai to Thirukattupalli via Koviladi, Poondi is to be taken and it is only 10 minutes drive from kallanai. For those, going via Anbil, the route is Lalgudi, Anbil, Sengariyur and Poondi.

This is one of the 108 Divya desams and is also called as Thirupernagar. The Lord is known as Appalarenganathar and Thayar is Kamalavalli. The perumal is in a lying posture on adiseshan and with the left hand bless Indra and chandra and right hand blesses Markendeya Maharishi. A Saligrama garland adorns him. Bhoomadevi is seated at his feet. A little distance away from the right hand is the appakudam, which is fairly large. The Neivedyam of Appam is offered from this kudam every evening. In the garbha graha, there is santhanagopalan.

Those seeking child boon, freedom from fear of death, to develop qualities of humility, for relief from adverse planetary aspects, sins and curses, facing endless problems, pray to Perumal for solutions.

The temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu who is better known as lord Ranganatha here and is one of five such Vishnu temples that are all built on the banks of the river Kaveri collectively known as the Pancharangas. The other temples and sites being the “Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Srirangam”, “the Sarangapani Temple in Kumbakonam”, “Sri Appakkudathan Temple in Trichy” and the “Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple in Indalur, Mayiladuthurai”.

Sthala Puranam:-

The Emperuman here in this sthalam says that he will not go out from the hearts of his devotees and as well as from this sthalam. ("Peyarthal means getting out"). So this sthalam is called as "Thirupper Nagar".

Lord Shiva gave Thirupparkadal as milk, when Rishi Ubamanyu was in his childhood crying due to hunger. This is explained in "Siva Puranam".

Thirupparkadal is the place that belongs to Sri Vishnu. But, When Lord Shiva is giving dharshan to his devotee Rishi Ubamanyu, Sri Vishnu is helping him out to give the complete fulfilment of dharshan of Lord Shiva.

To explain more about this, the position of Shri Vishnu in this temple clearly explains how he helped out Lord Shiva. He is giving seva as Ranganathan (In sleeping position) and his right hand is in a position as giving to Rishi Ubamanyu as "Aranga Varadhan" in Kidantha Thirukkolam.
Appam, which is one of the delicious food item done in interior parts of Tamil Nadu. It will be very sweetful if it is taken along with Milk. Sriman Narayanan is giving Appam which is kept inside kudam (A small vessel) which is full of Milk. He is giving this Appam to Ubamanyu Rishi by hugging him along his right hand.

Once when a King called Ubharisaravasu was in penance on Lord Vishnu in a Purasai Forest, Saint Dhurvaasar came by that side. Since Ubharisaravasu was in penance he had not noticed the coming of Saint. Dhurvaasar got angry and cursed him to loose all his strength and power. Ubharisaravasu immediately came to know about it and begged Dhurvaasar to pardon him. Saint Dhurvaasar asked King Ubharisaravasu to go to Palasavana Kshethram near Cauvery River and perform Annadhaanam to 1 Lakh peoples. King immediately left to that place with a battalion of Cook. The population of that place was only few hundreds, so he thought of distributing food to whoever comes to that village. Every Day he was able provide to food for people in thousands. The king was also happy. One Day early morning, an old man came to king and told him that he is very hungry. The king performed his poojas very fast and served food to the old man. The old man ate the complete food prepared for thousands of people and still felt hungry. The king requested the old man to wait for some time to cook again and asked the old man whether he required any snacks in the mean time. The old man asked king to get him Appam in a pot. The Appam was made very fast and king brought it a pot full and gave it to the old man. While eating the Appam old man became Lord Vishnu and removed the curse of king given by Saint Dhurvaasar and laid down there with the pot full of Appam. So the Lord here was called as "Appakkudathaan” and "Appala Ranganathan".

The Good advice given by Sriman Narayanan in this shetram is "There is only one God". So don’t fight for it and avoid Racism.

Since, Lord Emperuman gave Appam to Ubamanyu, the prasadham here for the lord is Appam for evening pooja for Him.

The activity of Sriman Narayanan, who gave the appam was seen in Gnyna Dhirusti of nammalwar who is Thirukkurugoor Biran Sadagopan has compared Thirumaliruncholai and Thiruppernagar and sung 11 paasurams in Thiruvaaimozhi.

In that paasurams, he is explaining how Vishnu is getting out of Thirumaaliruncholai and the way he gives seva to all the people in Thiruppernagar. He has lot of appams in his stomach and gives to all the persons, who are suffering from hunger. Because of this, he doesn't want to get out of Thiruppernagar and sung as "Aara Vayitrinai Adangap Pidithen".

Also, from this shtalam only, Nammalwar started his way to reach Paramapadham.
Thiruvarangam is popularly called as "Periya Kovil". To explain the speciality of Srirangam, here Sriman Narayanan has given the seva as "Appakkundathan". Since, the Sthalam is situated on Cauvery banks and the Lord is in sleeping posture, this place is called as "Kovil Adi". To memorise the situation of Srirangam, the theertham here is Kollidam.

About Temple:-

The temple has inscriptions from the 18th year of the regime of Aditya Chola.The recorded inscriptions in this temple are numbered 283, 300, 301 and 303 of 1901. As per Nammazhwar, the place was home to Vedic scholars of he time. The inscriptions in the temple indicate donations to build the main hall. During the Anglo-French war in the regions surrounding Tiruchirapalli, Koviladi was one of the focal points. There are no records on the contributions or damages caused by these wars.

The temple has a three-tiered rajagopuram facing west and an elevated structure approached through 21 steps. The Moolavar (presiding deity) of the temple, "Appala Rangan", is seen in Bhujangasayanm (a reclining posture) facing west and is surrounded by Bhooma Devi and Kamala Valli Thaayar. The image of the central deity is depicted in reclining posture, called pujanga sayanam and he is seen holding the holy pot in his right hand. The sanctum also contains the image of Upayamanyu and Dhurvarsa. The central deity is called Appala Ranganathar as he is located away from (appal) the Ranganathar in Srirangam.The temple has a prakaram (precinct) around the sanctum.


Moolavar:-

The Moolavar of this Sthalam is Appakkudathaan. He is also called as “Appalaa Ranganathan”. Prathyaksham for Ubamannyu and Parasarar(Bhattar). Moolavar in Kidantha Kolam and in bhujanga sayanam facing west direction.

Thayaar:-

The Thayaar of this Sthalam is Indira Devi. Also called as “Kamala Valli”.

Mangalasasanam:-

    Periyalwar – 2 Paasurams.
    Thirumangai Alwar – 19 Paasurams
    Thirumizhisai Alwar – 1 Paasuram.
    Namaalwar – 11 Paasurams.
    Total – 33

Temple Timings:-

The temple is open from 8.30 a.m. and 12.00 a.m. and from 4.30 p.m. and 8.00 p.m

Festivals:-

The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. Like other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed four times a day; Kalasanthi at 8:30 a.m., Uchikalam at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., and Ardha Jamam at 8:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises three steps: alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for the presiding deity. The worship is held amidst religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) read by priests and prostration by worshippers in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals.

  
The chariot festival is the most prominent festival of the temple and also for the villages around. It is celebrated during the Tamil month of Panguni (April–May) and devotees from various places pull the chariot round the streets of Koviladi. Verses from the Nalayira Divya Prabandham are recited by a group of temple priests amidst music with nagaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument). Vaikunta Ekadashi during December–January, Navarathri during September–October and butter pot breaking ceremony (locally called uri adi) are the other festivals celebrated in the temple.
       

How to reach:-

By Road:-
Tiruchi is well connected road from various cities in Tamilnadu.

By Rail:-
Tiruchi is an important railway Station of Southern Railway and is well connected with the towns and cities of the state.

By Air:-
Nearest Airport is Tiruchi.