Located at Thiru Indalur about 2kms from the Mayavaram bus stand on the northern banks of Cauvery, Parmila Rangan Perumal temple is a Pancha Ranga Kshetram. With Adhiseshan on top, Lord Parimala Rangan can be seen in a grand sleeping posture with 4 hands, Goddess Cauvery by the side of his head, to his right and Goddess Ganga by the side of his leg.
Argument between Thiru Mangai Azhvaar and Lord Parimala Rangan
The story goes that Lord Parimala Rangan shut the door on ThiruMangai Azhvaar, who had come for his darshan, reasoning that he was late. Upset at this, ThiruMangai Azhvaar gets into an argument with Lord Parimala Ranganathar.
When a friend keeps a thing that we want and does not want to share with us, we typically say ‘ keep it to yourself’ in jest. Similarly, here, with the Lord not allowing Thirumangai Azhvaar an entry into the temple, the Azhvaar asked Parimala Rangan to keep all his beauty to himself and to enjoy it on his own.
ThiruMangai Azhvaar goes on to argue that the world will talk about the Lord in bad light as he shut the door on the Azhvaar. The Lord ignores this comment of the Azhvaar saying that he need not worry about it and that he will take care of any ill feelings.
Despite repeated attempts to impress the Lord to allow him an entry, Parimala Rangan maintains his silence. A dejected and frustratedThiru Mangai Azhvaar decided that he would leave the place as the Lord was stubborn at not allowing Darshan to the Azhvaar.
Thiru Mangai Azhvaar in his Paasuram(1331) says ‘Vaasi Valleer Indhalureer Vazhnthey Pomneerey….’ to mean that ‘ I am leaving, you yourself live here and enjoy life’.
Sensing that Thiru Mangai Azhvaar may leave the place without praising him enough, Lord Parimala Rangan tries to prolong the argument and asks him to sing praise of him. Thiru Mangai Azhvaar replies saying “How can I shower praise on you when you do not allow me to see you”. Lord Parimala Ranga says “ You who have sung praises of other Lords, sitting in your place, do sing praise of me too so I can listen to your sweet songs.” ThiruMangai Azhvaar finally falls for it and composes 10 Paasurams.
Pancha Ranga Kshetram
Another speciality of this temple is that the Indhalur Parimala Ranga temple is a Pancha Ranga Kshetram. The other Pancha Ranga Kshetrams are Srirangam Ranganatha, Srirangapatnam Ranganatha, Koviladi Appaala Ranganathar and Kumbakonam Aaravamuthan.
Why the Name Indhalur
Chandran (The Moon God) undertook penance here and was liberated, from his curse, by the Lord here. Chandran (another name of Chandran is Indhu) requested that this place be called Indhalur in his memory.
Month Long Festival in Aipasi
It is believed that a bath in the Cauvery here during Aipasi is said to be more sacred than bathing at the Ganges. During this month, the temple attracts devotees from across the country.
It is believed that King Ambarish built this temple. There are several beautiful sculptures inside this temple.
Quick Facts
Main Deity : Parimala Ranganathar, Sleeping Posture, East Facing
Utsavar : Maruviniya Mainthan(also called Sugantha Vana Nathan)
Goddess : Parimala Ranganayaki- Sugantha Naayaki(Separate Sannidhi)
Mangalasaasanam: Thirumangai Azhvaar – 10 Paasurams(1328-1337)
Festivals : Chariot Festival during Panguni( March-April)
30 day Festival during Aipasi
Bus : From Mayavaram, one can take buses going to Needur, Manalmedu, Kadalangudi and get down at Indalur( 10 minutes from main bus stand)
Temple Timing : 730am-12noon and 5pm-930pm
Priest : V. Muralidharan Deekshithar/ Sridhar Bhattar
Contact : 04364 309045/ 98437 31595
