Description
Located on the northern bank of river Kaveri the Parimala Ranganathar Vishnu Temple is one of the 108 temples of Lord Vishnu which are called as the Divya Desams. To be precise this temple is located Mayaliduthurai which is a town in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Also beautifully located on the river banks this temple has an exceptionally scenic surrounding. According to Hindu mythology there are five temples which are built on the banks of river Kaveri which are collectively known as Pancharanga Kshetrams. One of which happens to be Parimala Ranganathar Vishnu temple in Mayaliduthurai.
History
This temple has a magnificent 12 feet idol of Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture with four hands ( chathur bhuja) which is made of green marble and faces east. This view is grandeur in itself. There are different stories behind the inception of this temple one of which is that Lord Chandra i.e. the Moon God was suffering with curse which made him reduce in his size each day. After praying to this God and bathing in the sacred spring, Chandra was relieved from his curse. Which is why the ancient name of this place is “Indhaloor” that means the moons' place.Another story that is connected to this temple is that there were two demons namely Madhu and Kaitaba who had stolen the Vedas and had escaped in the sea. To recapture them Lord Vishnu had manifested in Mastya Avatara ( in the form of a fish). To cover the bad odor of Mastya Avatar Lord Vishnu then graced it with fragrance called as the Parimala. After which this temple is known as Parimala Ranganathar .The presiding deity of this temple is Lord RanganathaR (Lord Vishnu) along with his consort Parimala Ranagayagi ( Goddess Lakshmi). The enshrined deities in the temple are Yoga Narsimhar, Rama, Ajanaye, Surya and Chandra.
Importance/Significance
This temple is not only known for its interesting history but is also an example of extraordinarily beautiful architecture. It has exceptionally sculpted pillars having the 10 avatars of Vishnu in the Dhwajastambh and Garuda Mandapam. Also there is a main gateway called the Rajagopuram which has five tiers. Also on the walls of the temple there is a sculpture of the Brahma, who is the creator God according to Hindu mythology. One of the stories related to the significance of this temple is about fame of the Ekdashi Vratham. It is a fast done on the 11th day of the Hindu calendar. When King Ambarishan completed 100 Ekadashi Vratham's, Lord Vishnu pleased with the King and granted him a wish. King Ambarishan pleaded to the Lord to stay with him and this is how the Parimala Ranganathat Vishnu Temple came into existence. The temple also enshrines Lord Santhana Gopala who is believed to give progeny to childless couples.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
The most enthusiastically celebrated festivals here is the Chitrai during the Tamil month of Chittirai. Others festivals like Aaandal Aadi which extends for 10 days during the month of July- August, the Thayar Navratri Utsavam etc.
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