Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple Madurai

Shrine’s History

Sangam literature details about this place being prosperous during the time. The documentation from Ptolemy also makes reference to this place. which is identified as AD 1259? This inscription beside identifying the above speaks of an endowment of ponds and adjoining areas duly specifying the boundaries of the land. The current structure is believed to have been built by the Madurai Nayaks. During the later part, there were additions made by the Marudu brothers, whose images are also housed in the temple. Thirumohur was an impregnable fort during the period of British.

Legends Associated with This Shrine

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 came to be known as Thirumohur. According to another legend, there was a fight between the Devas and Asuras during the churning of the Ocean of Milk for Amrita . 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. It is believed that Thirumohur is the place of the event.

Architectural Relevance of This Shrine

The temple is situated on a 2.5-acre land area and has a 5 tier rajagopuram. The temple is more than 2000 years old and has been referred to in akanaṉūṟu, Padhitrupathu, maduraikanchi and also in one of the five great epics of Tamil literature, silappatikaram. There are four prakarams inside the temple. The main deity is Kalamegaperumal in panchayudha kolam and in a standing posture, Thayar – Mogavalli, Utsavar – Thirumogur Aabthan, Theertham – Kshirabtha Pushkarini, Thala Viruksham – Vilvam and Vimanam – Kethaki Vimanam. The Prathanasayana appearance of the main deity is not found anywhere in 108 Divya Desam temples. The Sudarshana Chakra of deity is famous.

The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram. There are columned pillars in the hall leading to the Garuda hall, which also has a small gopuram. The sanctum houses the shrine of Kalamegha and also has the images of Bhoodevi and Sridevi. The major feature is that the unlike other temples, the Devis do not touch the feet of the presiding deity. A separate shrine accommodates the image of Anantasayi Vishnu. The consort of the presiding deity, Tirumohurvalli is housed in a separate shrine. The front of the Sudarshana Chakra is Chakrathazhvar and the back side is Narasingha Perumal, situated amidst 48 fairies and inside the six circles there are 16 aayuthams with 154 letters. Perumal is depicted with 16 hands and three eyes glowing like fire. The image of Chakrathazwhar in the temple is depicted with sixteen hands each holding different weapons. On the reverse side of the image, Narsimha is depicted.

Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There

By Road

Tirumogur is 10 km from Madurai.Buses are available from Central and Mattuthavani bus stand to reach the temple.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is Madurai

By Air

The nearest airport Madurai

Shrine Timings

7.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Events Celebrated at This Shrine

10 day Vaikasi Brammotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi , Gajendra Moksham in the Masi Poornima day in February – March, 2 day Panguni Thirukalyanam, Krishna Jayanthi is the main festival observed in the temple, Also all new moon days, both Tamil and English New Year days, Deepavali and Pongal are the festival days in the temple.

Extra Information About this Shrine

Nearby Temple

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Alagar Koyil Koodal Azhagar Temple

Vandiyur Mariamman Temple

Teppakulam Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple

Badri Narayanan Temple

Sri Kaalamegha Perumal Temple is also called as Mohanapuram and Mohanakshetram.