| The dilapidated Adhi Nayaka Perumal Temple at Gopurapatti wears a new look. |
Complete transformation: Sri Adhi Nayaka Perumal temple at Gopurapatti.
L ocated between two rivers – Peruvalavan and Kambalaru (at present reduced to a small channel) – the Aadhi Nayaka Perumal temple in Gopurapatti village, near Manachanallur, 15km north-west of Srirangam, was in a completely dilapidated condition just three years ago.
Thanks to the efforts of two residents of Srirangam – C. Ramachandran (an auditor) and Murali Bhattar (priest, Sri Ranganatha temple, Srirangam), the temple has seen a complete transformation.
The samprokshanam of this temple was performed in August after a gap of 512 years!
The previous renovation has been recorded as having been performed in 1498 and the one prior to that was done by Hoysala King Veera Vallalan in early 14th Century AD. Hence the temple can be said to be at least 700 years old. The renovation has brought back vibrancy to the entire village.
Historical significance
In the 14th century, threatened by Mughal invasion, residents of Srirangam left the place to find safer locations. Many moved to Gopurapatti.
Several thousands stayed in Srirangam to fight the invaders and over 12,000 Vaishnavites laid down their lives in the battle to protect Srirangam.
In memory of their sacrifice, Tharpanam is performed every year on New moon day in the Tamil month of Aadi on the banks of the Peruvalavan in Gopurapatti.
Also, it was at the Sundararaja Perumal Temple in Azhagiya Manavalan, half a kilometre from this temple, that Namperumal, the Utsava deity of Srirangam, was safeguarded during those years and taken back after peace was restored.
Measuring instrument
There is an interesting story about the deity. A vast area of land belonged to the Srirangam temple in the area around Gopurapatti. It was here at the Aadhi Nayaka Perumal temple that the farmers gathered to measure the rice they would present every month to the Srirangam temple. On one occasion, when they did not have a measure, it is believed that the deity himself appeared and provided the instrument and helped them measure the rice. Hence, the Moolavar, in Bala Sayana posture, is seen with a measure.
With the temple wearing a new look, the authorities are planning to revive all the festivals that were once celebrated here with a lot of gaiety and grandeur.
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