12th October
2019.
The visit
to this Sri Karivaradharaja Perumal Temple at Vellalore was a part
of Kongu Heritage Walk scheduled on 12th and 13th of October 2019. Vellalore =
Velir + Oor, which means this place belongs to Velir, who engaged themselves in
agriculture and cattle husbandry. This Vishnu temple is on the banks of river
Noyyal also called as Kanchima River ( காஞ்சிமாநதி ). Many Vishnu
Temples in Kongunadu are named as Karivaradharaja Perumal Temple and this also
one.
The Place Vellalore
exists since ancient times. Megalithic period burial grounds are excavated in
this place Vellalore. The Rajakesari Peruvazhi / Trade Route from West sea
side Chera ports to Chozha Nadu Poompuhar passed through this place. It was a
Trade city and more than 500 Roman coins were unearthed on the
banks of river Noyyal. Out of the Roman Coins found in India,
70% are from Kongu region.
Moolavar :
Sri Karivaradharajar
Thayar :
Sri Bhoomi Neela Nayagi
Some of the important
features of this temple are…
The temple is facing
east with a balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Garudan. In the Sanctum Moolavar Sri
Karivaradharaja is on an ant hill with Sridevi and
Bhudevi. Urchavars and Alwars are in the artha mandapam.
In the prakaram Sri
Varadharaja Perumal, Kalinga Narthanar, Nagars & Vinayagar are under a
peepal tree, Thayar Bhoomi Neela Nayagi, Andal, Veera Anjaneyar, Chakrathalwar
and Yoga Narasimhar.
It was told that
during 8th century, urchavar Ulagalantha perumal was
taken to Singanallur Perumal Temple, when the Noyyal river was
flooded. ( The Singanallur lake is in between Singanallur and Vellalore ). The
same was not returned back and there is no Moolavar at the Singanallur Temple.
The stucco image of Ulagalantha Perumal is on the north side of the Vimana.
ARCHITECTURE
The temple complex
consists of sanctum sanctorum, artha mandapam and a mukha mandapam ( built
during recent years ). The Sanctum sanctorum is on a pathabhandha adhisthana
with yazhivari. In the Yazhi vari along with dancing girls bas-reliefs, Sri
Vishnu’s Sayana kola bas-relief is also there. Special poojas are offered to
this Sayana Perumal. Since out side floor level is increased which forms moat
around the sanctum sanctorum, from upana. The prastaram is of kapotha style
with nasikud. The sanctum sanctorum walls are very simple without koshta or
niches. The Two tier vimana is over the sanctum sanctorum. The Vimana is built
with brick and stucco image of Sri Vishnu’s avatars on all the four sides.
Adhisthana
HISTORY AND
INSCRIPTION
The temple exists
since 8th century and believed to be constructed during Kalapirar period (
mentions about kalvaraiyin kaLvan – may be kalapirars ). The temple
was affected many times due to flood in the river Noyyal. The Bhattacharyya
told that an agraharam was existed in front of the temple. The temple was
reconstructed during Nayak’s period. As per the inscription this place was
called as Veerakerala Chathurvedi mangalam.
Most of the
inscriptions were lost during reconstruction. The existing inscriptions belongs
to Vikrama Chozha, Veera Rajendran. The inscriptions mainly speaks about
donation of Lands, Gold etc for conducting regular poojas and Naivedyam.
In the recent
period mahasamproshanam was performed after maintenance.
TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be
kept opened between 06.30 hrs to 10.30 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.30 hrs and the
time will be extended on Saturdays and on special occasions.
HOW TO REACH:
Vellalore/ Vellalur
is about 6 KM from Podanur / Pothanur, 16 KM from Ukkadam Bus Stand and 12.6 KM
from Coimbatore Railway Station.
Town buses are
available from Ukkadam and Gandhipuram City bus terminus.
Nearest Railway
station is Coimbatore Junction.
LOCATION: CLICK HERE
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