The Sanctity of the Mango City: Exploring Periyakulam's Periyakovil
A Chola Masterpiece with a Divine Legend
The Periyakovil is believed to have been constructed by the mighty Chola ruler, Rajendra Chola I (the same King who built the famous Big Temple in Thanjavur), making it a structure of significant historical importance.
The Main Deity: While the primary deity is Lord Shiva (known here as Rajendra Chozheeswarar), the temple is famous across the region for its presiding deity, Lord Murugan (Balasubramanya Swamy), who graces devotees with his beautiful six-faced form (Arumugan) accompanied by his consorts Valli and Deivanai.
The Kasi Connection: The temple's immense spiritual significance is highlighted by the local belief that visiting the Periyakovil is equivalent to performing a pilgrimage in Kasi. This is a profound honor in Hindu tradition, underscoring the temple's sanctity.
The Varaha River Miracle
The temple's origin is tied to a moving legend involving the Varaha River, which flows along the temple grounds:
King Rajendra Chola, while hunting in the nearby Agamalai forest, mistakenly killed a mother pig. Distressed, the king saw the orphaned piglets crying for milk. Moved by compassion, Lord Murugan appeared and miraculously fed the hungry piglets. To commemorate this act of divine mercy and to repent for his unintentional sin, the King built this grand temple, dedicating it to Lord Balamurugan (Child Murugan).
???? The Marutha Marams and Temple Architecture
The architecture and surrounding environment further enhance the temple's unique spiritual aura.
Marutha Trees: On both the northern and southern banks of the Varaha River, standing directly opposite each other, are two centuries-old Marutha trees (one male and one female). These are considered highly sacred, adding to the temple’s fame.
The Holy River: The Varaha River itself is considered as holy as the River Ganga, and bathing in its waters is believed to cleanse sins.
Unique Features: The temple is remarkable for hosting both Lord Shiva (Rajendra Chozheeswarar) and Lord Murugan (Balasubramanya Swamy) with separate flag posts (Kodimarams) for both deities.
???? Plan Your Pilgrimage to Periyakovil
Located centrally in Periyakulam, the temple is easily accessible and a perfect half-day stop on any Theni district itinerary.
Location: Situated in the heart of Periyakulam town, near the Varaha River bank.
Nearby Attractions: After offering prayers, you can explore other local gems like the Kumbakarai Falls and the Sothuparai Dam, both just a short drive away.
Periyakulam's Periyakovil is a spiritual haven that captures the best of South Indian devotion and history. It’s a place to witness the enduring legacy of the Chola empire and experience a unique narrative of compassion and divinity.
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