Bhaagyam Ullore Vaarungal | Thirumohur | The One Who Delights in Nama
According to a revered legend, Thirumohur is also linked to the great cosmic event known as the Samudra Manthanam—the churning of the Ocean of Milk. This event was a collaboration between the devas (gods) and the asuras (demons) to obtain amrita, the divine elixir of immortality. Before the churning began, the asuras had gained the upper hand over the devas, tipping the balance of power. Seeking restoration and divine intervention, the devas turned to Lord Vishnu for help. As the churning progressed and the precious amrita finally emerged, a dispute broke out over its possession. The asuras, driven by greed, tried to seize the elixir for themselves. To protect cosmic order, Vishnu took the enchanting form of Mohini, a celestial maiden of irresistible beauty and grace. In this beguiling form, Mohini mesmerized the asuras and cunningly distracted them. She then distributed the amrita exclusively to the devas, restoring their strength and securing their victory over the asuras. It is believed that the divine act of deception through enchantment occurred at Thirumohur, which derives its name from “Moham”—meaning delusion or enchantment. Today, Thirumohur stands as a sacred site commemorating this divine intervention.
The Thirumohur Kalamegaperumal Temple is located in the village of Thirumohur, approximately 20 km from Madurai in Tamil Nadu. This ancient temple is renowned for its rich, unique iconography, and deep-rooted literary references. The temple is believed to be over 2,000 years old and finds mention in ancient Tamil literature such as the Agananuru, Padhitrupathu, Maduraikanchi, and the celebrated epic Silappatikaram. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the sacred shrines of Vishnu glorified in the hymns of the Alvars. The temple complex features a striking five-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower) and houses four prakarams (enclosed precincts). The sanctum (garbhagriha) enshrines the main deity Kalamegaperumal, depicted in Panchayudha Kolam—wielding the five divine weapons—and standing in a majestic posture.
A distinctive feature of the temple is the Prathanasayana form of the deity—a unique reclining posture not found in any other Divya Desam temple. Flanking the main deity are Bhudevi and Sridevi, though notably, unlike in most Vishnu temples, the goddesses here do not touch the feet of the presiding deity.
- Thayar (consort): Mogavalli (also called Tirumohurvalli or Mohanavalli) has a separate shrine.
- Utsavar (festival deity): Thirumogur Aabthan
- Theertham (temple tank): Kshirabdhi Pushkarini, Thalathaamarai Pushkarini
- Thala Viruksham (sacred tree): Vilvam
- Vimanam (sanctum tower): Chaturmukha Vimanam
One of the temple’s most fascinating elements is the shrine dedicated to Chakratalvar, the personification of Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra. The deity stands in front of the Sudarshana Chakra, while the rear features Narasimha Perumal, surrounded by 48 devatas. This rare iconography includes six concentric circles containing 16 weapons and 154 letters, believed to be derived from the sacred Bhijakshara Mantra. Perumal (Vishnu) here is depicted with 16 hands and three fiery eyes, radiating power and protection. Additional structures include a columned hall that leads to the Garuda Mandapam, which itself features a small gopuram. The temple’s layout and design reflect classical Dravidian architecture, while its spiritual aura continues to draw devotees and scholars alike.
Out of the eighteen Puranas, Brahmanda Purana and Matsya Purana make specific mention about Thirumohur. In Dwarapayuga Pulasthya Maharshi did penance to behold the form of Mohini avatar and Bhagavan here gives the Darshan of Mohini avatharam to the Maharshi. Nammazhwar in his pasuram on this kshetra sings
நாமடைந்தால் நல்லரண் நமக்கென்று நல்லமரர்
தீமை செய்யும் வல்லசுரரை அஞ்சிச் சென்றடைந்தால்
காமரூபங் கொண்டு எழுந்தளிப்பான் திருமோகூர்
நாமமே நவின்று எண்ணுமின் ஏத்துமின் நமர்காள்!
“The celestials, fearing evil demons, seek the lord who takes a kindly form to protect them. So people of the world you utter the name of the lord of tirumOkUr and meditate on Him and sing his praise.” indicating that Namakirtan delights the Lord in this kshetra which is echoes in the lines of Sri Swamiji’s kirtan on Sri Kalamegha Perumal.
To listen to this kirtan:
rAgam: Anandabhairavi
thALam: Adi
pallavi:
bhAgyam uLLOrE vArungaL parandAman pukazhpADa || bhA ||
O Fortunate Ones! Come to sing in praise of Bhagavan!
anupallavi:
sakyamuDan nAm anaivarum kUDi hari kIrtthanatthil aikyam Aga || bhA ||
Let us all gather in friendliness, and unite in Hari kirtan
charaNam
1. annai mIrA senDra vazhi iduvE
This the path shown by Mother Meera
arumai guruvum seppu mozhi iduvE
This is the message of our wonderful Guru
tharuNam idai nIr nazhuva viDAdIr
Don’t let go of this opportunity
hariyin maDiyil amarndiDalAmE || bhA ||
You can sit on Haris lap
2. hari kIrtthanatthiRku nigarillaikAN
There is no match to Hari kirtan
parishramam illai avanaip pADa
There is no difficulty in singing about Him
vEdatthin sAram hariyin nAmam
Hari’s name is the essence ot Vedas
Edum aiyam illai iduvE thiNNam || bhA ||
There is no need to fear; it is very clear
3. OraNiyil nAm anaivarum kUDi
Let us all gather as a team
dharaNi thannil avan pugazhpADa
And sing His praise in this world
kALamEgamum kETTu magizha
As Kalamegha listens and delights
muraLIdharanum paNindu niRka || bhA ||
Muralidharan stands humbly
