Chithira Ratha Perumal, Kuruvithurai
Vaishnavite Temples, Madurai District
God
Chithira Ratha Perumal, facing east standing posture with Sreedevi and Bhoodevi
Goddess
Shenbagavalli Thaayar, facing east
Other Deities
Guru in a separate shrine facing west and the main deity.
The deity in the Chithira Ratha Perumal Kuruvithurai is 10 feet tall and made of Sandalwood. The construction of a 5 tier Rajagopuram and sprucing up of the Praharams were in progress when we visited in 2014.
Holy Water (Theertham) – Not known
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Not known
History
Chithira Ratha Perumal Kuruvithurai Temple is a granite structure with several inscriptions on the Northern and Southern walls of the Praharam dating back 1000 years. Chithira Ratha Perumal Kuruvithurai, in its current form and structure, is believed to have been built in the early 12th century A.D. during the rule of Jadavarma Vallabha Pandya.
Legend
Chithira Ratha Perumal Kuruvithurai is considered the Guru Peyarchi Sthalam. Perumal is believed to have appeared in a Chariot (Ratha) in the month of Chithirai and restored Kacha to his father Guru Bhagavan here.
Directions
Chithira Ratha Perumal Kuruvithurai is 8 kilometers northwest of Sholavandan in the road that will lead on to Nilakottai.
Stay and Food
None locally
