Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple
About the Temple
Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located near Melur in the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. Built in the Dravidian style of architecture, it is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham and recognized as one of the 108 Divya Desams. According to Hindu belief, the presiding deity appeared here as the divine enchantress Mohini during the churning of the ocean.
- 108 Divya Desams
- Dravidian Architecture
- Sangam Literature Mention
- Chakratalvar Shrine
- Five-Tiered Rajagopuram
Sacred History
"The site of Thirumohoor possesses a rich history spanning over two millennia, with references found in ancient Sangam literature as well as the 2nd-century CE writings of Ptolemy. Temple inscriptions document that Sri Kaala Maegam, also known as Kaangaeyan, constructed key parts of the temple in 1259 CE during the reign of the Later Pandya king Sadaiya Varman Sundhara Pandiyan. The current structure was primarily constructed under the Madurai Nayaks, with later additions made by the Marudu brothers. During the Carnatic Wars in 1755, British General Colonel Heron looted the temple's idols and treasures. Local Kallars attacked the British force as they retreated, successfully reclaiming and restoring the sacred idols. This event is still remembered and celebrated through special temple rituals and rights granted to the local Kallar community."
