Parimala Ranganathar Perumal Temples

Introduction

Parimala Ranganatha Perumal temple is an ancient Vishnu temple of Tamil Nadu. The Azhwar saints have composed songs in praise of this Lord and the temple, and hence this remains as one of the Divyadersams, the sacred abode of Vishnu called Thiruindaloor. The temple is located in Thiruvilandur of Mayiladuthurai town. This is also one among the ‘Pancharanga Kshetrams,’ the five temples situated on the banks of river Cauvery, dedicated to Lord Ranganatha. The principal deity here is Lord Parimala Ranganathar, and Goddess is Parimla Ranganayagi. The Lord is said to have manifested before Chandra, the Moon God.

Temple Legends

As per the legend, once king Ambarisha was about to complete his 100th Ekadasi Upavas, the fasting held as very sacred. The subjects were all very happy at this accomplishment, but Devas, the celestials were not so, because if the king completed his 100th fast, he would become on par with them. With a view of stopping him from achieving this feat, they approached sage Durvasa, known for his short-temper, to throw a spanner in the king’s efforts. Ekadasi fast involves prayers and complete fasting on the Ekadasi day and consuming of food at the appointed time on the following Dwadasi. Durvasa entered the palace when the king, after completing his Ekadasi fast, was about to consume food on Dwadasi. When the king requested the sage to join him for food, he replied that he would dine after taking a bath. The king waited for the sage to return from his bath for long, but as the time for breaking the fast was running out, he consumed a few drops of water to complete the fast formally. The sage realized through his powers that the king had completed the fast without waiting for him, and flew into a rage. He created a ghost to punish the king and sent it after him. Ambarisha, being a great devotee of Vishnu, sought refuge in the Lord. The Lord drove the ghost away, protected the king, and also pardoned the repentant sage. On the request of the king, Vishnu also stayed here as Ranganatha.

Chandra, the Moon God, was also said to have been relieved of his curse by the Lord here. ‘Indu’ is Moon, and this place which brought relief to him became Indaloor or Thiru Indaloor.

The History and Architecture of Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple, Mayiladuthurai

This centuries-old temple is constructed in the Chola architectural style. It is believed that it was built by the medieval Cholas with later contributions from the Vijayanagar and Nayak kings. The complex is East-facing, is enclosed within a granite compound wall, and has a five-tier Rajagopuram. Lord Parimala Ranganathar is in the reclining posture in the sanctum, and his 12 feet long idol, is made of greenstone. Sacred rivers Cauvery and Ganga, and Santanagopalakrishna can also be worshipped along with the principal deity. The tower above the main shrine is the Veda Chakra Vimanam. There are beautiful carvings in the temple halls, and the images of the 10 Avatars of Lord Vishnu found in the Garuda Mandapam are noteworthy. Goddess Parimala Ranganayagi is housed in a separate shrine.

Temple Festivals

Panguni Brahmotsavam in March-April, Chittirai festival during April-May, Vaikasi Brahmotsavam in May-June, Andal Aadi festival in July-August, and Vaikunta Ekadasi during December-January, are among the important celebrations of this temple.

Benefits of worshipping Parimala Ranganatha Perumal

Lord Vishnu is the supreme protector, and Goddess Lakshmi is the universal mother. It is believed that worshiping the divine couple here can ward off harm in all forms and bestow devotees with health, wealth, and all-around welfare. Also, as the temple legend is associated with Ekadasi Upavas, people can start observing Ekadasi fasting from here and get divine blessings in abundance.