Tirumoolanathar, Perangiyur, Viluppuram

Basic information about the temple

Moolavar:	Tirumoolanathar	Ambal / Thayar:	Abhirami
Deity:	Siva	Historical name:	Perangur
Vriksham:		Teertham:
Agamam:		Age (years):
Timing:	7 to 11 & 4 to 7	Parikaram:
Temple group:		–
Sung by:		Temple set:
Navagraham:		Nakshatram:
City / town:	Perangiyur	District:	Viluppuram
Maps from (click):	Current location	Viluppuram (14 km)	Cuddalore (46 km)
	Tiruvannamalai (73 km)	Mayiladuthurai (109 km)

Location

Sthala puranam and temple information

Temple before renovation (PC: S Rajendran)

During the Chola period, this place was called Perangur, and over time has come to be called by its present name.

It is believed that devotees who worship Siva here get relief from chronic ailments like cancer; and those seeking to get married or have children, worship by doing a sandal paste covering (Chandana-kaappu) of the deities here.

While the inscriptions here are largely Chola (see below), it is likely that the core temple was from the Pallava period, and subsequently, extensive renovations were made during the time of the Cholas.

Inside the garbhagriham is a measuring scale that has been engraved on the side. This is of 11 feet length and is said to be have used as the standard for land measurements.

There is no raja gopuram, dhwajasthambam or bali peetham. While the temple is east-facing, the current entrance is through a steel gate on the northern side. Nandi is on a pedestal, and a few steps on both sides leads up to a brick-mandapam (of recent origin). This further leads to the ardha mandapam which houses Abhirami Amman facing south, and the garbhagriham of Tirumoolanathar, which is flanked by Vinayakar and Murugan.

In the sculptures in this temple are absolutely stunning and detailed. the koshtam are Vinayakar and Dakshinamurti to the south, Vishnu to the west (which suggests this is a very old temple) and Durga on the north. The usual koshtam for Brahma (above the pranali) is empty, which prompts one to think whether the vigrahams in the other koshtams are original to the temple.

The Vinayakar in the koshtam is not the usual Nardhana Vinayakar but is seated, and has a parasol over his head! Dakshinamurti is also depicted seated in sukhasana, with the lower part of His body turned to the left while the torso and head face forwards. Dakshinamurti is shown without the Kallala / Banyan tree, sanat kumara sages and muyalagan.

In the prakaram, there is a shed to the north which houses the sapta matrikas, Jyeshta Devi, and also a pradosha Lingam with His separate Nandi. Interestingly there is no Chandikeswarar shrine. Instead, there is a bas-relief rising from the ground, of Lakulisar (commonly regarded as the founder of the Lakulisa Pasupata sect of Saivism).

According to the ASI signboard outside, the lower part of the vimanam has been constructed with granite, while the top part is made of brick and mortar.

There are several inscriptions in the temple. The original name of the place (Perangur), as well as the historical name of the deity (Tirumoolasthanamudaiya Mahadevar) are documented in one of these inscriptions from the time of Parantaka Chola I. Other inscriptions refer to Aditya Karikalan, Rajaraja Chola I, Uttama Chola, Rajendra Chola I, Rajadhiraja I, and Kulothunga Chola I. Among the inscriptions are the fact that at one time, this village was given as brahmadeyam, ie land gifted to brahmins (as a result, this place could have had the words Chaturvedi Mangalam in its name).

Inscriptions here also reveal that this place – Perangur – was part of the area referred to in Chola times as Tirumunaipadi – the “buffer zone” between Chola and Pallava country.

Other information for your visit

Up until a few years ago, even in the early 2010s, this temple was in a pretty poor state (also see images in gallery). At that time, the temple was not in active worship. It is only quite recently that the temple has had a facelift, particularly with the ASI taking steps for its restoration. Even so, very few people go here. However, it is open for visitors, and even if it appears shut, one can call the contact numbers provided below or in the temple premises. Locals are also willing to help.