Adi Srinivasa Perumal Temple
Adi Srinivasa Perumal Temple
Adi moola Srinivasa Perumal Temple temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is located in a village called Mookanur, in the Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu.This temple is considered one among the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of Vaishnavite tradition.
It is believed that Bhrigu maharishi worshiped the lord here and Ramanuja had also visited this temple when he left from Chidambaram to Melkote. The foot print of Maha Vishnu can be seen till now and is considered very sacred to have the darshan.On the top of the mountain there is a pond called vatra kulam meaning a pond which has never dried even at high temperatures.
The temple is believed to be built by Pallavas of 8th century and the temple on the hill is believed as Swayambu.
The legend of the temple states that when Bhrigu Maharshi visited Vaikunta, Vishnu’s abode,Lord Vishnu was sleeping with his head on the lap of Goddess Lakshmi and did not notice the arrival of Sage Bhrigu.
Feeling dishonoured by the lack of appropriate welcome, a furious Bhrigu kicked Vishnu on the chest. Vishnu stirred and apologised to the sage by massaging his feet.Goddess Lakshmi was outraged by the sage’s misdemeanour and Vishnu’s silence at the act, since she was spiritually associated with the chest of her consort.The goddess departed from Vaikunta, arriving on Earth.After the departure of the goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu was so sad and he also left Vaikunta , he decieded to step his foot first on this Mountain, Where the temple is currently present. Till now a huge foot print can be seen on top of the hill. The temple priests show’s a huge depression created on the mountain due to the pressure of Lord Vishnu as he was huge when he entered Earth from Vaikunta.
Abishekam takes place during Saturdays and many devotees donate cows or donate grains and rice by Tulabhara.Lord Vishnu showers his blessing just like the Venkateshwara in Tirupathi.