Malaiperumal Temple, Alathur, Nagapattinam
Malaiperumal
Temple, also popularly known as Arut Chithar temple is located at Alathur
village of Nagapattinam District of Tamilnadu.
This temple was built over the Samadhi of a famous saint of Tamilnadu, known as Malaiperumal Swamigal.
History
The
construction of the temple was started by the initiative taken by the local
villagers, when the Siththar was alive, during the 19th Century. Due
to additional funds required to complete the construction, a local businessman,
Subba Pillai, travelled to South Africa, and provided additional funds to
complete the work. It is said that once he returned from South Africa, the
saint, Malaiperumal Siththar attained Samadhi in the temple. Later, a Shiva
Lingam was placed over the
mausoleum of the saint and worshipped. This idol is still kept intact and
worshipped by the Alathur village residents and devotees from around the world.
The
Temple
A Shiva
Lingam was placed over the
mausoleum of the saint and worshipped. There are other idols in the temple too,
including those of Vinayaka, Subramaniya-Valli-Deivayanai, Bhairava, Kamalambika and Chandikeswarar. Also, we can find
the Sun
God and Shani God placed on a single dais inside the temple. The
temple also hosts an idol of Sri Malaiperumal Siththar. A meditation hall for
meditation is there in the temple in which the portrait of Sri Malaiperumal
Swamy is placed. This hall can hold around 20 people at a time.
Festivals
Avani Magam:
In the
Tamil month of Avani, and the day pertaining to the star Magam, a festival
commences in the temple and continues for 10 days. During the festival days,
special prayers are organized and food is distributed to devotees visiting the
temple.
Pournami Pooja:
On the
full moon day of every month, special prayers are organized in the temple.
Around 500 people participate in the event every month.
Connectivity
Alathur
is located 16 Kms towards North from District headquarters Nagapattinam, 7 Kms
from Thirumarugal and 288 Kms from State capital Chennai.
