Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple
Ancient Dravidian temple near Madurai, one of the 108 Divyadesams, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Dravidian temple near Madurai, one of the 108 Divyadesams, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
"A revered 108 Divyadesam temple near Madurai, praised for its ancient history and divine architecture."
💧 Carry Water Bottle
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Facilities can be limited inside the temple premises.
📅 Plan for Weekdays
Weekends and Thursdays are crowded. Weekdays offer a more serene experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chakrathalwar Shrine
Main Sanctum
Marvel at the large, impressive idol of Chakrathalwar, with Yog Narasimha enshrined behind it.
Kalamega Perumal & Mohanavalli Thayar
Main Sanctum
Seek blessings from Lord Vishnu as Kalamega Perumal and his consort Mohanavalli Thayar.
Ornate Entrance Gate
Temple Entrance
Admire the Dravidian architectural style and the temple's grand, ornate entry gate.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Prepare for Your Spiritual Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Carry Water Bottle
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Facilities can be limited inside the temple premises.
📅 Plan for Weekdays
Weekends and Thursdays are crowded. Weekdays offer a more serene experience.
🍽️ Enjoy Free Annadhanam
The temple provides free daily meals to devotees. A great way to experience local hospitality.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You might spend time exploring, so wear comfortable shoes for walking around the temple complex.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Carry Water Bottle
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Facilities can be limited inside the temple premises.
📅 Plan for Weekdays
Weekends and Thursdays are crowded. Weekdays offer a more serene experience.
🍽️ Enjoy Free Annadhanam
The temple provides free daily meals to devotees. A great way to experience local hospitality.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You might spend time exploring, so wear comfortable shoes for walking around the temple complex.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the temple's beauty, but be mindful of restrictions and always be respectful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple for its spiritual significance as a Divyadesam, its ancient history, and the impressive architecture, particularly the Chakrathalwar shrine. The free Annadhanam is a highlight for many. However, some note that the temple can get very crowded on weekends and festival days, and facilities like restrooms are limited.
"Kalamega Perumal Temple (Thirumohoor), one of the revered 108 Divyadesams near Madurai. The temple’s splendid architecture, intricate carvings, and serene surroundings.
Overview & Significance
Location & Sacred Status
Located roughly 11–12 km northeast of Madurai in Thirumogur, this temple is counted among the 108 Divyadesams honoring Lord Vishnu—worshipped here as Kalamega Perumal and his consort as Mohanavalli Thayar
Antiquity & Literary References
This sacred site dates back over 2,000 years and finds mention in ancient Tamil classics like Akananuru, Padhitrupathu, Madurai Kanchi, and the epic Silappatikaram
Temple Pages
Temples of India
Divine Legends
The two prevailing legends associated with the temple:
Lord Vishnu, in the form of Mohini, tricked the demon Bhasmasura into self-destruction—hence the place “Thirumohur” (meaning “place of illusion”) is named so"
Menaka krish
"We visited on weekday.
No rush atall .. temple is among 208 Divya darshan of Vishnu. Mohanan roopam. All the surroundings are so mesmerizing 😍 and calming.
Distance from madurai is an hour or so...
Weekend are crowded so plan accordingly.
No washroom here..no special darshanam..."
Preethi
"One of the Lord Vishnu's 108 Diveya desam and popular for Sakkarathalvar sannithi Large number of devotes visited hear on Thursday's. Traditional poojas going on and all festivals celebrated properly 🙏Daily Annadhanam free meal provided to devotes 😍Located in Madurai and bus, share auto available from bus stand 😍An ancient beautiful temple 🙏"
Rajan a.j
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The temple is located about 11-12 km northeast of Madurai. You can take a bus or a share auto from the Madurai bus stand. The journey takes about an hour.
Information on dedicated parking facilities is limited, but it's advisable to check locally upon arrival or consider public transport.
If coming from further afield, you'll likely need to reach Madurai first and then follow the local transport options mentioned above.
The temple is located near Melur in the Madurai district.
Ride-sharing apps are generally available in Madurai and can be a convenient option for reaching the temple.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the temple is generally free. There are no special darshan tickets available, even for elders. +1
Specific opening and closing times can vary, but it's generally open from early morning to evening. It's best to check locally or online for the most current timings.
As with most Hindu temples, visitors are expected to dress modestly. Check for any specific dress codes or restrictions before your visit.
Information regarding photography fees is not widely available. It's advisable to be respectful and check for any signage or ask temple authorities.
Yes, you can visit during festivals, but be prepared for very large crowds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's one of the 108 Divyadesams, sacred temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It's also known for its ancient history, dating back over 2,000 years.
The primary deities are Lord Vishnu, known as Kalamega Perumal, and his consort Mohanavalli Thayar. The Chakrathalwar shrine is also very popular.
Yes, weekends and Thursdays tend to be very crowded with devotees.
Based on visitor feedback, dedicated washrooms might be limited. It's advisable to plan accordingly.
The temple is constructed in the traditional Dravidian style of architecture.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the temple offers free Annadhanam (a daily free meal) to all devotees.
While specific restaurant recommendations near the temple aren't widely detailed, Madurai city offers a wide array of dining options.
Generally, bringing your own food is permissible, but it's important to maintain the sanctity of the temple premises and dispose of waste responsibly.
Annadhanam typically consists of traditional South Indian vegetarian meals.
Madurai is famous for its cuisine, including Jigarthanda and various local delicacies. Exploring the city's food scene is highly recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary. While some reels show the exterior and general temple premises, it's best to check for specific restrictions inside the sanctum. 
The ornate entrance gate, the main deity shrines, and the Chakrathalwar idol are popular subjects. The overall architecture and serene environment also offer great photo opportunities.
Always be respectful of worshippers and avoid using flash photography inside the inner sanctums. Some areas might prohibit photography altogether.
Drone usage is typically restricted at religious sites and requires special permissions. It's unlikely to be permitted without prior authorization.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for interior shots. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to carry snacks and water for the little ones, as facilities might be limited.
🙏 Devout Pilgrims
The temple's ancient legends and its mention in classical Tamil literature add to its sacred aura. Experiencing the traditional poojas and participating in the daily Annadhanam are integral parts of the pilgrimage for many.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The Chakrathalwar shrine, with its impressive idol, is a must-capture subject. While interior shots might have restrictions, focus on the temple's exterior, the vibrant atmosphere during prayer times, and the details of the carvings. Golden hour can provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots. Remember to be discreet and respectful when photographing worshippers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancient Roots of Thirumohoor
One of the most fascinating aspects of the temple's lore is its name. Legend has it that Lord Vishnu, in his Mohini avatar, tricked the demon Bhasmasura into self-destruction. This act of divine illusion gave the place its name, 'Thirumohur,' meaning 'place of illusion.' This narrative adds a layer of mystique and spiritual depth to the temple's already rich heritage.
As one of the 108 Divyadesams, the temple is a crucial pilgrimage destination for devotees of Lord Vishnu. The presence of both Kalamega Perumal and his consort Mohanavalli Thayar, along with the prominent Chakrathalwar shrine, makes it a spiritually potent location.
Exploring the Divine Architecture and Idols
+1Within the temple complex, the Chakrathalwar shrine is particularly noteworthy. The idol of Chakrathalwar is remarkably large, and behind it, the deity Yog Narasimha is also enshrined. This unique arrangement allows devotees to see Narasimha while performing pradakshina (circumambulation) around the sanctum, adding a distinct spiritual experience.
The main sanctum houses Lord Vishnu as Kalamega Perumal and his consort Mohanavalli Thayar. The serene atmosphere and the divine presence are often described as mesmerizing and calming by visitors, making it a place of deep spiritual solace.
Community Wisdom: Visiting Tips from Travelers
Staying hydrated is crucial, so carrying a water bottle is a common suggestion, as facilities can be limited.
Comfortable footwear is also advised, as you'll likely be doing a fair amount of walking within the temple complex.
Lastly, while photography is generally allowed, it's essential to be respectful of worshippers and adhere to any specific restrictions within the inner sanctums. 
Social
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