12th October 2019.
The visit to this Sri Karivaratharajar Perumal Temple at Vellalore was a part of Kongu Heritage Walk, 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 Kongu Nadu are named as Karivaratharaja 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 Karivaratharajar
Thayar : Sri Bhoomi Neela Nayagi
Some of the important features of this temple are…
The temple is facing east with a balipedam, Dwajasthambam and Garudan. In the Sanctum Moolavar Sri Karivaratharajar is on an ant hill with Sridevi abd Bhudevi. Urchavars and Alwars are in the arthamandapam.
In the prakaram Sri Varadharaja Perumal, Kalinga Narthanar, Nagars & Vinayagar are under a peepal tree, Thayar Bhoomi Neela Nayagi, Andal, Veera Anjaneyar, Chakrathalwar and Yoganarasimhar.
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, arthamandapam 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 Visnu’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 prastharam is of kabotha style with nasikud. The sanctum sanctorum walls are very simple without koshta or niches. The Two tier vimana is over the sanctum sanctorm. The Vimana is built with brick and stucco image of Sri Vishnu’s avatharas on all the four sides.
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 Bhttachariyar 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 Chathurvedhi 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.
Ramar is being highlighted by the evening sun
Adhisthana
Inscriptions on the adhisthana
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
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