- Vishnu
Arulmigu Soundararaja Perumal Temple
- Thadikombu,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
The Soundarraja Perumal Temple in Thadikombu, a beautiful village 10 km south of Dindigul, is considered to be as sacred as the Kallazhagar Temple near Madurai. Arulmighu Soundarraja Perumal is found in the sleeping posture in this temple and it is said this place was previously known as Thaalamaapuri. Though it is a Vaishnava temple, the sthala vriksha is the vilva tree.
About The Temple
This temple is supposed to be as important as the Azhagar temple near Madurai and history states that it was built 500 years ago by Achutha Devarayar of the Vijayanagar Empire. The sculptures in this temple speak of the artistic skill of the builders and it is surprising to see even minute details like the nail tip, muscles, nerves and eyelashes sculpted with such finesse. There is a separate shrine for Lord Dhanvanthari. On new moon days, abishek is performed with oil and herbal paste known as Lehiyam. Chakarathalwar graces with deities attributed to Gayatri Mantra. Lord Narasimha graces with Ashtalakshmis. There are also shrines for Vishwaksenar, Twin Vinayaka, 10 incarnation forms of Lord Vishnu, Lakshmi Narasimha, Venugopala, Anjaneya and Swarna Bhairava.
The temple may well be called a treasure house of Indian sculptures of rare workmanship. They speak volumes. Mother Soundaravalli graces from a separate shrine. Lord Vinayaka and Vishnu Durga and deities of prosperity – Sanganidhi and Padmanidhi graces at Her shrine. Mother’s shrine may well be called a museum of sculptures. The sculptures include Lord Vishnu measuring the three worlds, Lord Narasimha, Vaikundanathar, Venugopala, Lord Vishnu on Gaurda, Anjaneya carrying Lord Rama on his shoulders, Chakarathalwar, Oordhvathandavar (cosmic dance of Lord Shiva), Oordhvakali, Akora Veerabadra, Rathi and Karthaveeryarjuna.
Lord Soundararaja Perumal graces from sanctum sanctorum with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi in a standing form. As it is believed that Lord Kallazhagar has connections with this place also, a festival of the Lord visiting is celebrated at Madurai in Vaigai River. The festival represents the grace of the Lord to Sage Mandukya. On each Tiruvonam star day, a dheep is lit at the feet of the Lord. The procession deity would be following the lamp taken before Him. It is believed that those fortunate to have this darshan would be relieved of their sins.
Legend and Stories
The Sanskrit word Mandookam means frog. A sage was once cursed and became a frog and is known as Sage Mandookya. He performed severe penance on Lord Vishnu in this place for relief from the curse. During the course of his penance, a demon was harassing him. Responding to prayer call of the sage, Lord Vishnu-Madurai Kallazhagar destroyed the demon and protected the Rishi. As entreated by the sage, Lord stayed here itself in the name of Soundararajar.
Pooja Timings
1. Kalasanthi pooja - 07.30 A.M
2. Uchala kala Pooja - 11.00 P.M
3. Sayaratchai Pooja - 04.30 P.M
4. Ardhajama Pooja - 09.00 P.M
Festivals
5 day festival in the month of Chithirai (April-May) and 10 day Adi Poornima-July-August are the festivals celebrated in the temple, drawing huge crowd of devotees. During Chitra Month, Lord Alagar will have 12 days of special Pooja. Full moon day of the month Lord Alagar will be on the processing of Ethir servai.
Special pujas, aradhanas and opening of Sorga Vasal marked the 'Vaikunda Ekadasi' festival, which was celebrated with religious fervour at Perumal temples.
Significance
Those who have lost their possessions and those desirous of restoring broken relationships offer lime fruit garlands to Karthaveeriarjuna lighting ghee lamps. Sri Andal graces on every Thursday in the Mandap here, when devotees perform turmeric abishek for early wedlocks. The Swarna Aakarsha Bairavar here is believed to solve people’s economic problems. People believe that they get even foreign suitors if so prayed for. Devotees also throng the temple for child boon, academic achievements, business development etc.
Accessibility
The nearest airport is Madurai Airport. The nearest railway station is Dindigul Railway Station. It is also connected by road.
Temple Address
Arulmigu Soundararaja Perumal Temple,
Thadikombu, Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu,
India, Pincode – 624001.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- To seek good education
- For respite from economic problems
- For matrimonial purposes
- To be blessed with children
- To progress in business
Shlokas
Achutham Keyshavam Rama Narayanam Krishna Damodaram Vasudevam Harim Shridharam Madhavam Gopika Vallabham Janaki Nayakam Ramachandram Bhajey
Meaning -Oh Lord who cannot be perished, who also has names like Keshava, Rama, Damodara, Narayana, Sridhara, Madhava, Krishna, Ramachandra the beloved of Janaki, let me say your name regularly.
Vasudeva Sutham Devam Kamsa Chanoora Mardhanam Devaki Paramanandham Krishnam Vande Jagathgurum
Meaning -I bow to you O Krishna, the ultimate guru, Devaki and Vasudeva's son, and the destroyer of Kamsa and Chanur.
Adharam Madhuram Vadanam Madhuram Nayanam Madhuram Hasitam Madhuram Hridayam Madhuram Gamanam Madhuram Mathuraa Dhipate Rakhilam Madhuram
Meaning -Meaning - Sweet are Your lips, sweet is Your face, sweet are Your eyes, sweet is Your smile, sweet is Your heart, sweet is Your gait, O Lord of Mathura, everything about You is sweet.
Alokya Mathur Mukha Madarena Sthanyam Pibantham Saraseeruhaksham Sachinmayam Devam Anantha Roopam Balam Mukundam Manasa Smarami
Meaning -I think of this Balamukundan as the one who looks lovingly at his mother's face while taking milk from her, who has eyes similar to the red lotus, who is the embodiment of truth and intelligence and other forms.
Timings
The temple is open from 05:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 04:00 pm to 09:30 pm.