Introduction
The Sri Thirumohoor
Kalamegaperumal Temple, located near Melur in Madurai district, Tamil
Nadu, is one of the revered 108 Divyadesam temples dedicated to Lord
Vishnu. Known as Mohanapuram and Mohanakshetram, the temple is
celebrated in the hymns of Tirumangai Alvar and Nammalvar and mentioned
in the Brahmanda Purana and Matsya Purana.
Deities & Shrines
- Main Deity (Mulavar):
Lord Vishnu as Kalamega Perumal in panchayudha kolam and
standing posture.
- Thayar:
Mohanavalli (Tirumohurvalli) in a separate shrine.
- Utsavar:
Thirumogur Aabthan.
- Sacred Elements:
Theertham – Kshirabtha Pushkarini, Thala Viruksham – Vilvam,
Vimanam – Kethaki Vimanam.
- Unique Feature: The Prathanasayana
appearance of the deity is not found in any other Divyadesam temple.
Architecture
- Built in Dravidian style about
2000 years ago.
- 5‑tier Rajagopuram
at the entrance.
- Four prakarams enclosing the
sanctum.
- Sanctum houses Kalamega Perumal with Bhudevi
and Sridevi, but unlike other temples, the goddesses do not touch the
deity’s feet.
- Shrine of Anantasayi Vishnu
and Chakratalvar with Narasimha Perumal amidst 48 apsaras, 16
weapons, and 154 mantra letters.
Legends
- Bhasmasura Legend:
Lord Shiva granted Bhasmasura a boon to turn anyone to ashes by touching
their head. When Shiva was threatened, Vishnu appeared as Mohini,
lured Bhasmasura with dance, and tricked him into touching his own head.
The place where Mohini enchanted the asura became Thirumohur.
- Samudra Manthanam Legend:
During the churning of the ocean, Vishnu appeared as Mohini to deny the
elixir to the asuras, ensuring victory for the devas. Thirumohur is
believed to be the site of this divine act.
Festivals
- Vaikasi Brahmotsavam
– Ten‑day grand celebration in May–June.
- Gajendra Moksham
– Celebrated on Masi Poornima (Feb–Mar).
- Panguni Thirukalyanam
– Two‑day festival in March–April.
- Vaikunta Ekadashi
– Celebrated in Dec–Jan.
- Krishna Jayanthi
– Joyous celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth.
Temple Timings
- Morning:
7:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
- Evening:
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Why Visit
- To witness one of the 108
Divyadesam temples, revered in Alvar hymns.
- To experience the rare
Prathanasayana form of Lord Vishnu, unique to this temple.
- To immerse in the Mohini legends,
deeply tied to the temple’s origin.
- To participate in vibrant festivals
like Vaikasi Brahmotsavam and Panguni Thirukalyanam.
- To explore the Chakratalvar shrine,
a rare depiction with apsaras, weapons, and mantra inscriptions.
Uniqueness
- Prathanasayana deity form
– not found in any other Divyadesam temple.
- Mohini legends
– the temple is directly linked to Vishnu’s Mohini avatar.
- Chakratalvar shrine
– intricate carvings with apsaras and mantra letters, rare in temple
iconography.
- Goddesses Bhudevi and Sridevi
– unlike other temples, they do not touch the feet of the presiding deity.
- 2000‑year‑old heritage
– blending history, devotion, and Dravidian architecture.
Getting Here
- From Madurai:
20 km (approx. 40 minutes by road).
- From Melur:
10 km (approx. 20 minutes by road).
- Nearest Railway Station:
Madurai Junction (20 km).
- Nearest Airport:
Madurai International Airport (25 km).
Tips for Devotees
- Visit during Vaikasi Brahmotsavam
for the grandest celebrations.
- Don’t miss the Chakratalvar shrine
and rare Prathanasayana darshan.
- Carry offerings of flowers,
fruits, and sweets for puja.
- Respect temple customs and dress
traditionally.
- Combine your visit with other Divyadesam
temples in Madurai for a complete pilgrimage.
Conclusion
The Sri Thirumohoor
Kalamegaperumal Temple is a rare spiritual destination blending legend,
devotion, and architectural grandeur. With its unique Prathanasayana deity,
Mohini legends, and vibrant festivals, it stands as one of the most significant
Divyadesam temples in Tamil Nadu and a must‑visit for devotees seeking divine
blessings and cultural heritage.