Kasturi Ranganatha Temple -- Erode - Tamilnadu - India
This Temple is just 2kms from Erode Bus stand is in the heart of Erode city and near Pannerselvam Park and market and about 3 Km from Railway station and by the side of Aarudhra Kapaleswara Temple is and is magnificently Built may be around the time in 1100 AD and Renovated by Vijayanagar Kingdom Rulers.
The Temple has several unique features to it. The main deity of the temple is Kasthuri Ranganatha, but he is very different from any other Ranganatha Perumal one might have witnessed in other temples.
The history of the temple says that Durvasa Maharishi, well known for his short temper, once got angry with Lord Brahma and cursed him. Brahma came here and worshipped Lord Vishnu, and got Saapa Vimochana. So true to the legend, the Lord has one arm out stretched and palm extended over Durvasa Maharishi as if to pacify him and the other is stretched towards Brahma who unlike in other Ranganatha temples is not placed on a lotus over the Lord's navel , but he is being held by the Lord over his left hand. One can get to see Durvasa Maharishi by peeping into the Sanctum Sanctorium. The entrance has been deliberately built that way so that the devotees do not disturb the sage and anger him.
Another unique feature is that the Dwara Paalakas ( guards ) of the Lord who are usually found on either side of the sannadhiand here they are found at the feet of the Lord worshipping him. These are said to be Devas who had been cursed to become demons and had attained Saapa Vimochana by worshipping Kasthuri Ranganatha and hence are found at his feet serving him.
Many Festivals are conducted throughout the Year and in particular are 1)Chitra Pournami 2)Brahmotsavam in Puratasi month 3)Garuda Sevai in Panguni and Thai month.4)Vaikunta Ekadasi pushya month.Goddess here is called Kamalavalli Thayar. She looks so serene and welcoming.
Moola Devaru: Kasthuri Ranganatha in a Sayana Kola
Goddess: Kamalavalli Thaayar
Utsavar : Varadaraja Perumal
Temple Timings : 6am-12noon and 4.30pm-8.30pm
A Wonderful Temple and Worth Visiting if you are in Erode a Must and get Lord Ranganatha and Devi Kamalavalli Blessings and Ashirvadam and also after having Darshan Visit to Brahmin's Hotel next to the temple and enjoy Excellent mouth watering South Indian Tasty Dishes.
------------ Hari Om ------------
