Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple, Madurai - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 20 km from Madurai, ISKCON Temple Madurai is a revered Hindu temple situated in the Mani Nagaram Main Road in Madurai. It is one of the revered Pigrimage sites near Madurai.

The Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple, also referred to as Thirumohoor or Tirumogoor Temple, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is recognized as one of the 108 Divya Desams, where Vishnu is revered as Kalamega Perumal, alongside his consort Lakshmi, known as Mohanavalli Thayar. The temple has a rich history and was originally constructed during the reign of Pandyan King Sadaiya Varman Sundara Pandiyan. The current structure, which features various enhancements, was established during the era of the Madurai Nayaks. Inscriptions within the temple provide insights into its construction and history. The temple is currently overseen by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Tamil Nadu Government.

According to Hindu mythology, the presiding deity is said to have manifested as the enchanting Mohini to entice the asuras to aid devas during the Samudra Manthanam. The temple is also referred to as Mohanapuram and Mohanakshetram. Numerous esteemed poets and saints, including Manavala Mamunigal, Thirumangai Azhwar, Nammazhwar, Pillai Perumal Iyengar, Kalamega Pulavar, and Thiruninravur Tirumalai, have composed verses in praise of this temple. Additionally, Thirumohoor is mentioned in revered Hindu texts such as the Brahmanda Purana and the Matsya Purana.

Covering an area of 2.5 acres, the Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple is designed in the Dravidian architectural style. The temple features four prakarams (enclosures) and is adorned with a five-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower). The hall leading to the Garuda hall is supported by columned pillars, which also includes a smaller gopuram. The main deity, Kalamegaperumal, is depicted in a standing posture in panchayudha kolam. The consort, Tirumohurvalli (or Mohanavalli), resides in a separate shrine. A separate shrine accommodates the image of Anantasayi Vishnu. The major feature is that the unlike other temples, the goddesses do not touch the feet of the Vishnu.

The most attractive feature of this temple is the Sudarshan Chakra of the Lord, accompanied by Chakrathazhwar, who is depicted with 16 arms, each wielding a distinct weapon. Positioned behind this figure is the idol of Lord Narasingha Perumal. This arrangement is set within six concentric circles, which feature 154 inscribed letters alongside representations of approximately 48 deities. The inscriptions are thought to be derived from the Bhijakshara Mantra. Additionally, there are individual shrines dedicated to various other deities, allowing devotees to engage in their prayers.

The temple hosts several significant festivals, including Brahmotsavam in April or May, Vaikunta Ekadasi in December or January, and Gajendra Moksham in February or March. Other notable celebrations include Krishna Jayanthi, Panguni Thirukalyanam, Diwali, and Pongal, all of which are observed with considerable enthusiasm and grandeur.

Timings: 7 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM

Entry: Free