Situated on the foot of the Tirumayam Fort are two rock cut temples one of Shiva and other Vishnu known here as Tiru Mayam Perumal. The idol is akin to Lord Ranganathar, Sri Rangam as here also the deity is reclining on Adisesha, the serpent king.
This temple is 61st divya desam of Vishnu and is highly venerated by Vaishnavites.
The deity also known as Pallikonda Tirumayam Perumal.
The beautiful idol of Ranganatha is inside a rock cut cave.
The sanctum appears as if a whole scene is recreated from mythology where Lord protects his devas and consorts from the evil Asuras. The scene depicted is - The Lord reclining on Adisesha .The Asuras Madhu and kaitaba terrorising the devas. Devas surrounding and pleading to God to rescue them from the Asuras.The two consorts of Lord ,Boo devi hiding below the feet of Narayana and Lakshmi below Lord's hand which is held like a hood. One leg of God is kept straight and other leg tilted towards Boodevi as if comforting her. Even the Sesha here one finds is folding its hood out of fear.
There are Pancha loha idols in front.
It was really a beautiful experience understanding the legend behind the temple.
Brahama idol is on the walls of the rock.
Then there is a shrine for Amarnda perumal( One who is in a sitting posture) Satya moorthy with his consorts. Garudalvar is quite big and has a shrine in front of the Lord.
There are huge mandapams inside and outside with beautiful images.
There are also shrines for Lakshmi Narasimha, Andal, Maha lakshmi, Chakrathazhwar.
One can reach this temple from Pudukottai as well as from karaikudi.
Thanks for the nice description and the beautiful photos. I have heard about this temple. In my younger days, I have seen lot of buses go from Trichy to Tirumayam.
ReplyDeleteI was meaning to write you for the past few days. Have you heard of or visited a Aarumuga Vinayagar Temple in or near Dindigal?
For a moment, I just closed my eyes and imagined the deity through the description - so vivid and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Arti, love your comment.
DeleteThanks SG for your comment.
ReplyDeleteI have seen visited or heard about Aaarumuga Vinayagar though I was in Dindigul for 3 years.There is a Pancha mukha ganesha near Theni. http://chitra-mypilgrimage.blogspot.in/2009/11/kuchanur-saneeshwarar-temple.html.If I get any info I will pass it on.tnx.
After I wrote that comment, I did some more research. It states it is on the banks of shanmuga nadhi. That means it may be in Palani and not in Dindigul.
Deletehttp://temple.dinamalar.com/New.php?id=1879
Will check and if possible visit that temple. One trip is due to Dindigul and Palani is not far. thanks SG will check the link.
DeleteThe mandapams look gorgeous.. Feel like being in person . Well covered..Chitra..!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sridhar. I wish I could get some more pictures.
DeleteGlad to know about this place.
ReplyDeleteThanks Niranjan for your visit and comment.
ReplyDeleteVisiting your blog after a long time. Nice pictures. This is an amazing temple with awesome sculptures. I have visited this temple. Have you been to Avudyar Kovil. If not you must go there. It is a stunner. I have two posts on Avydiyar Kovil and one on Tirumayam in my blog. You may take a look if you care.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gopalan, Happy to see you after a long time. I did visit Avudyar kovil too.. That was a Great experience.I already a made a post on that temple.
DeleteThanks for sharing. The serenity that an old temple gives is indescribable!
ReplyDeleteThanks Loco mente for your comment and welcome to my blog.
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