Thirumaliruncholai

Vishnu as Kallaḻagar

Consort Sundaravalli

Vaishnava temple

200px|left|thumb|The gateway towers of the temple As per Hindu legend, Sage Suthapava was taking bath in the Nupura Ganga water spring at Alagar Hill and did not pay heed to sage Durvasa, who was passing by. The enraged Durvasa cursed Suthapava that he would turn into a frog until he is redeemed of his curse by Lord Vishnu, who is also known as Kallalagar. Suthapava, who is nicknamed as ‘Manduka Maharishi’ because of his frog form, performed prayers and penance on the banks of river Vaigai, at Thenur. Lord Vishnu descended from his abode in the Alagar Hill to redeem Manduka Maharishi off his curse. Since days unknown, it is believed that Kallalagar comes to Thenur via Malaipatti, Alanganallur and Vayalur. In Thenur Mandap, the god redeems the sage of his curse and leaves for his abode. During the rule of king Thirumalai Nayak (1623 to 1659 CE), in 1653 the Manduka Maharishi relieving ritual was shifted to Vandiyur village where the event is performed at Thennur Mandapam, built by Thirumalai Nayak himself. As per another Hindu legend, the presiding deity was worshiped by Yama, the god of death. He requested Vishnu to stay in the place and built a temple with the help of Vishvakarma, the divine architect.

Architecture

Tamil architecture

First attested

9th century

Details are compiled from Wikimedia projects and published temple sources. Send a correction if something is wrong.

• Wikipedia, Divya Desam
• Wikipedia, Kallalagar Temple

More links

• HRCE Tamil Nadu
• English Wikipedia
• Google Maps
• Tamil Wikipedia