Famous Temples in India

Architecture

Kalamega Perumal Temple in Thirumohur involves a 2.5-section of land (10,000 m2) region. ‘Kaalamegham’ means the dim downpour bearing mists. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines and three of its four bodies of water. The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram, the temple's gateway tower and a huge temple tank in front of it. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandyas, with later additions from the Madurai Nayaks. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, Arthamandapam and mahamandapam (Garudamandapam ). The adhistana has the combination of Upanam, Padmam, Kabotham with nasi kood, Kumudhan , wall, Pirastharam, Girivam, Sikaram and Stupi. etc. On the top Prastharam has kabotham with simha nasi, Yazhivari. The 2nd stage Vimana is the combination of Nagara and on the top is in round Vesara shape with Nasi. The sanctum walls are with Koshtam, Pillasters, Kumbapancharam. Sanctum Vimana was built during Vijayanagara period. Two side entrances are provided at arthamandapa and Mahamandapa. After Pandya, maximum contributions were done by the Vijayanagara rulers. The 1st and 2nd prakara walls are raised like fort during Viijayanagara period. Mahamandapam, Garudamandapam, Kambathadi mandapa also constructed during Vijayanagara period.

Inscriptions - Even though the temple exists since 1st Century, the inscriptions are available from 13th Century. The inscriptions belongs to Pandya Kings, Sadayavarman Sundarapandyan-I (1251- 1271 CE), Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan-I (1268- 1311 CE) Sadyavarman Sundara Pandyan (1304 – 1319 CE), Komaravarman Konerinmai Kondan and Vijayanagara dynasty Rajamaraja Vittaladeva Maharayar ‘s officers Vasavana Nayak and his son Thimmappa Nayak, (1551 CE). As per the inscriptions the place was called as Theparappu Nattu Thirumohur, the temple as Paramaswamikal Koil and Perumal as Kalamegaperumal.