Kolumam Kalyana Varadaraja Temple

Kalyana Varadaraja Perumal Temple is located in Kolumam, a village near Udumalpet in Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu. Built in the 13th century by Kongu Chola King Veera Rajendran (1207–1256 CE), the temple is situated on the banks of the Amravati River. It is believed to have been constructed to alleviate the king’s Graha Dosha following a solar eclipse on his birth date.

The temple follows the traditional Dravidian architectural style. It features a sanctum sanctorum for the main deity, Kalyana Varadaraja Perumal, along with an ardha mandapam (front hall) and mukha mandapam (entrance hall). The temple also has a Garuda pillar in front of the sanctum and a Deepasthambam (lamp pillar). Sculptures of the Alvars adorn the mandapam. The temple faces east, and its design emphasizes symmetry, reflecting the grandeur of South Indian temple architecture.

The temple dates back to the 13th century and was built by the Kongu Chola King Veera Rajendran (1207–1256 CE). It is believed that the king constructed the temple to alleviate his Graha Dosha after a solar eclipse coincided with his birth date. The temple has remained a significant religious site ever since, attracting devotees and pilgrims from across the region. Its historical importance is tied to the worship of Lord Vishnu as Kalyana Varadaraja Perumal, a form of the deity associated with marriage and divine union.

According to the legend, the temple was built by King Veera Rajendran of the Kongu Chola dynasty in the 13th century. The king was suffering from Graha Dosha, a planetary affliction, which is believed to affect individuals born under certain astrological conditions. It was believed that his birth coincided with a solar eclipse, which led to his Dosha.

To relieve himself of this affliction and seeking divine intervention, King Veera Rajendran performed penance and constructed this temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Kalyana Varadaraja Perumal, which symbolizes Vishnu as the deity of marriage and union. This form of Vishnu is believed to bring blessings for prosperity, harmony, and marital happiness.

The temple’s structure was designed to appease the planetary influences and is believed to have successfully cured the king’s affliction. Over time, the temple became a popular site of worship for those seeking divine blessings for marriage and relief from similar doshas. The legend also emphasizes the significance of divine intervention in alleviating the king’s sufferings and the temple’s association with the celestial union of Vishnu and Lakshmi.

The name “Kalyana Varadaraja” refers to the deity’s aspect as a marriage god, and this association has made the temple a sacred site for those seeking blessings for marital happiness and prosperity.