Welcome to Sri Etteluthuperumal Ghosalai
Introduction
Dharmapathi Sri Etteluthuperumal Temple Introduction
- Sri Ettaluthuperumal Dharmapathi, an ancient Siddhar Peetham, is a living testament to tradition with a history spanning 120 years. It was established by the esteemed sage, Mayandi Siddhar.
- DHARMAPATHI SRI ETTALUTHUPERUMAL DHARMASTHAPANA ARAKKATTALAI, a charitable trust, was established in the name of Perumal, facilitating the continuation of Dharma Annathanam under its auspices since 2004.
- The humble beginning of caring for a cow for Perumal's daily Abishegam eventually led to the establishment of a Gaushala, honoring this sacred tradition.
Lord Sri Etteluthuperumal
- Following divine orders, Sri Ettalathu Perumal was sculpted from sandalwood, and consecration took place in 2000, with Siddhar installing Perumal as the utsava moorthi.
Lord Sri Shakthi Natha Spadiga Lingam
- As per divine directives, guided by Siddhar's wisdom within the framework of Dharma, Lord Shiva was incarnated as Sri Shakthi Natha Spadiga Lingam in 2022 on the first floor of the Gaushala, Dharmapathi Mahadeva Salai, along with the installation of Parivaramoorthi.
Lord Sri Mahadeva Gopala Krishnar
- As the number of gaumat has increased, the cow shed evolved into a Temple Gaushala, with a sanctum dedicated to the infant deity Lord Krishna in the center, surrounded by his beloved cows and calves.
Donation
Donate for a Cow
We cherish the sacred bond between humanity and cows, recognizing them as symbols of nourishment and peace. Many cows in our community face neglect, abandonment, or dire circumstances. With your help, we can rescue these gentle souls and provide them with the care they deserve.
Construction
The temple will feature a harmonious blend of traditional and modern architectural elements, showcasing intricate carvings and vibrant frescoes that reflect our rich cultural history.
A spacious and serene worship area will serve as the heart of the temple, complete with an exquisitely crafted altar and seating for hundreds of devotees. Natural light will illuminate the space, enhancing the spiritual ambiance.
Annadhanam
Our temple proudly hosts a daily Annadanam program, providing free, nutritious vegetarian meals to 400 individuals each day. This initiative embodies our commitment to service, compassion, and community unity.
Open to all, the program invites everyone to gather in fellowship over a shared meal, promoting inclusivity and kindness. Volunteers are vital to this effort, assisting in meal preparation and service.
Children's Education
Providing quality education is essential for children’s development. Your donations can help us support educational programs and resources that empower the next generation.
Every contribution makes a difference in enhancing learning opportunities and creating a brighter future for children in our community.
Donate to Bank Account
Beneficiary Name: Sri Ettaluthu Perumal Ghosalai
Beneficiary Nickname: Perumal Goshala Trust
Branch Name: Account at Another Bank
Account Number: 7772500100634601
Account Type: Current Account
Bank: Karnataka Bank Ltd
Branch: Tirunelveli
IFSC Code: KARB0000777
Pooja
Daily Poojas at the Goshala
6:00 AM
Sri Mahadeva Gopalakrishna’s Viswaroopa Darshanam
9:00 AM
The second pooja, along with special cow worship
12:00 PM
Noon pooja with offerings
6:00 PM
Evening pooja
7:00 PM
Night cow worship and pooja
Special Poojas by Couples
Along with the daily cow worship as per Ayyah’s command, couples are permitted to perform special Mahalakshmi Pooja for the cows. During the 9:00 AM pooja, couples can perform special poojas for Gomatha, praying for blessings such as children, longevity, prosperity, the constant blessings of Lakshmi, happiness in the home, good offspring, and business growth. Protecting cows brings welfare to both homes and nations and increases dharma.
History of the temple
History of the Eight-Letter Perumal Temple in Dharmapathi
- Dharmapathi is a region in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, historically known as an Adhinarayana site from the Treta Yuga, and a significant spiritual center. This area is associated with the divine presence of Lord Rama and the sages.
Temple History
- Jatayu's Liberation: The site is significant as it is associated with Jatayu's liberation, granted by Lord Rama. This place is considered holy due to its connection with both Shiva and Rama. The water tank known as "Jatayu Theertham" is believed to be linked to this divine event.
- Dharmapathi: Originally an Adhinarayana site during the Treta Yuga, it became a prominent spiritual location where Lord Rama manifested his powers in the lineage of Adhinarayana. Over time, this site was submerged and became less visible, as per the account of the divine figure, Sri Eight-Letter Perumal.
- Mayandis Siddhar: On the 18th of Aani month in 1891, Mayandis Siddhar was born in the old village of Rameswaram. At the age of 28, while performing severe penance on the Vallanadu hill near Tirunelveli, Sri Eight-Letter Perumal appeared as an old man, gave him milk porridge, and instructed him to return to his village and establish a shrine.
Dharmapathi Temple
- Location: The temple was established on a land acquired through the blessings of Mayandis Siddhar. It was constructed as a simple hut initially and later developed into a grand temple with two enclosures.
- Deity Statue: The main deity, Eight-Letter Perumal, is depicted in a six-foot tall statue made of sandalwood, adorned in silver attire, and seated majestically.
- Sanctum Sanctorum: Inside, the deity is represented by a Sadashiva Lingam including aspects of Sadashiva, Maheswara, and Rudra.
- Artha Mandapa: On the right side, Lord Lakshmana (Ilag Lakshmanan) and on the left, the great goddess Sita are present.Mahā Mandapa: The guardian deity, Aathiyappa Swami, bestows his blessings.
- Temple Facade: On the right side, Lord Ganapati (Vigneshwara) with his conch, discus, and Nandi is depicted, while on the left side, Lord Subramanya is shown with the deity.
- Anjaneya: Lord Anjaneya is depicted in the temple, emerging from the fire circle, holding both hands in devotion, and serving Lord Eight-Letter Perumal as Lord Rama.
Special Features of the Temple
- Water Ritual: The historical Jatayu Theertham.
- Worship Practices: The temple features seven divine forms that provide blessings to devotees.
- Annadanam: Offerings of food and other services to devotees and the community.
- Special Attributes of the Deities: the unique characteristics, qualities, or powers that are associated with divine beings in various religious or mythological traditions.
- Mayandis Siddhar: Known for his blessings that provide lasting peace and favorable outcomes in life.
Cow protection
"Protecting Cows is Protecting the World"
The Significance of Cow Worship
- Recognizing the motherly nature of both cows and the Earth, our ancestors revered the cow as "Gomatha" and the Earth as "Bhoomatha." The Srimad Bhagavatam states that the cow is considered the seventh mother to every human being. The cow, as Kamadhenu, grants our desires. Kamadhenu emerged from the ocean of milk, and it is believed that Sri Mata herself manifested as Gomatha. We should worship cows daily, or at the very least, remember them. Feeding them before we eat is considered auspicious.
- It is said that Sri Rama was born in the Raghu dynasty because King Dileepa cared for and worshiped cows, signifying the immense importance of cows. In this deceptive age of Kali Yuga, Ayyah has proclaimed that establishing "Goshalas" (cow sanctuaries) and cow care are critical needs of the time, and he has blessed Dharmapadhi's Goshala to stand as a testament to Sanatana Dharma. Those who take part in caring for cows at Dharmapadhi, and in the cow worship, will receive long life, prosperity, and family growth, leading to an elevated life — this is Ayyah's command.
- "Caring for cows is a fundamental goal of our Hindu Dharma. The cow symbolizes wealth. Besides providing milk and food, the cow plays a crucial role in agriculture. In Bharat (India), the cow is a divine mother to all citizens. Protecting cows sets an example for safeguarding all voiceless creatures in our country. Protecting cows and preserving Hinduism will pave the way for world welfare." — Mahatma Gandhi
- At Dharmapadhi Goshala, amidst hundreds of cows and calves, Lord Mahadev Gopalakrishna bestows his blessings with love and joy. Cows that no longer produce milk, cows without illness, and abandoned cows — all are cared for and protected in our Goshala until the end of their lives, and they are provided with the highest standard of care. Every day, couples perform special cow worship for the prosperity of all.
- To accommodate the growing number of cows, the Dharmapadhi Trust is building another cow shelter, spanning about 20,000 square feet nearby. It has been divinely ordained that Lord Sri Maha Krishna will also reside there. We encourage all the devotees of dharma to participate in this service and share in the blessings of the Lord, both for themselves and their future generations.
- During Sri Krishna Jayanti, all the devotees who gather at Dharmapadhi Goshala feel as if they are living in Gokulam itself. They sing, dance, smear their bodies with butter, and partake in food, forgetting the world and immersing themselves in a state of bliss like the cows entranced by Krishna's flute. They reach the peak of ecstasy, lost in divine joy.
- On Pongal, the Tamil festival, the employees of Dharmapadhi and Ayyah’s devotees gather at the Goshala to cook and offer Pongal in a sacred ritual, a rare and beautiful sight to witness.
- Our temple warmly invites you to join us in celebrating Shivaratri, a sacred festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. This auspicious occasion is marked by devotion, fasting, and night-long vigils, symbolizing the overcoming of darkness and ignorance.
Festivals at the Goshala
- Dharmapathi Goshala is associated with the Dharmapathi Sri Etteluthu Perumal Temple. Within this goshala, Lord Sri Mahadeva Gopalakrishna blesses the cows and the devotees amidst them. Dharmapathi Goshala is home to over 500 cows and serves as a sacred place for cow worship.
Goshala
History of the Goshala
- A divine calculation was presented to Ayyah to protect the people of Dharma from natural calamities. It was said that by safeguarding cows, the people of Dharma would be protected from the wrath of Kali and would be sheltered under Ayyah's Dharmakudai (divine umbrella). From that day onward, cow worship was ordained at Dharmapadhi. Every morning, immediately after the opening of the sanctum of Arulmigu Sri Etteluthuperumal Swami, cow worship is performed daily.
- As devotees increased the number of cows they offered for the protection of Dharma, the Dharmapathi Goshala was established. In the goshala, initially built to care for 100 cows, it was divinely ordered that Lord Krishna, in the form of a child, would reside among the calves.
According to Ayyah’s Divine Order
- With a form filled with divine qualities, as an embodiment of love, compassion, and tenderness, and with eyes adorned with affection and grace, Lord Krishna stands as the great nurturer, embracing all living beings with love. With his sweet voice and flute, Lord Krishna brings the calves into a state of divine bliss, reminiscent of Gokulam.
- In Dharmapathi Goshala, Lord Sri Mahadeva Gopalakrishna stands in the southern direction, with groups of cows on either side, listening to the sound of bells from the cows' movements, lost in the divine rhythm of the sound, radiating bliss as the eternal cowherd Krishna.
Sri Mahakrishna Dharmashala
- During a divine calculation, Ayyah spoke about Dharma, stating that before the end of Kali Yuga, Lord Kalki will manifest on the banks of the Tamirabarani River, bringing about the Dharma Yuga under his rule. As a precursor to the Kalki avatar, Lord Sri Mahakrishna will descend near the Tamirabarani riverbanks and bless the people of Dharma under his divine umbrella. A temple for Lord Sri Mahakrishna, along with a Dharmashala (charity hall) to serve food to devotees, was ordered to be established near the goshala.
- It was divinely ordained that Sri Mahalakshmi, Rudralingam, Ramalingam, Annapoorani, and Lord Mahakrishna would reside at the Dharmashala. Lord Mahakrishna will also appear as Pallikondapar Kadalvasa (Lord reclining on the ocean). Additionally, Ayyah’s orders included the establishment of shrines for Lord Hanuman, Siddhars, and saints within the Dharmashala. Following these divine instructions, in June 2006, after the goshala's establishment, a bhoomi pooja (groundbreaking ceremony) was performed for the Dharmashala, and the work commenced.
- The Dharmashala, which will accommodate 2,000 devotees for food
offerings, will also have meditation halls and shrines. This project is progressing excellently.
- This Dharmashala for Sri Mahakrishna is being constructed in Tamil Nadu on a grand scale unlike anything seen before. We encourage all devotees of Dharma to participate in this service and receive the divine blessings
About
Sri Etteluthuperumal Gaushala
- Sri Etteluthuperumal Gaushala is a replica of Gokulam, dedicated to providing shelter, food, and compassionate care to indigenous cows. The Gaushala embodies the splendor of Lord Krishna and his beloved cows and calves, ensuring their welfare through various facilities. Cow protection (Gau Samrakshanam) is a significant part of our mission.
- Established in 2004, the Gaushala is home to over 900 cows. Devotees and pilgrims are welcome to offer prayers and seek blessings from the Gaumatas. Cows symbolize divine bounty and play an integral role in the temple's community, so we prioritize their overall welfare.
Sri Etteluthuperumal Dharmapathi Temple
- Sri Etteluthuperumal Dharmapathi Temple is a divine sanctuary located at Arugunkulam Melur, Senthimangalam, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, beside the sacred Thamirabarani river. Founded in pure consciousness, sage Mayandi installed a statue of Lord Perumal centuries ago, initiating prayers and poojas. This Sidhar Peetham features a gracious dharmasalai where annadhanam is significant. The temple honors Sriman Narayana in the name of Lord Sri Etteluthuperumal, alongside Aathi Sivan. Visiting this holy place offers a glimpse of peace and serenity.
Temple Timings
Monday
Morning: 6 am – 12:30 pm
Evening: 6 pm – 8:30 pm
Sunday
Morning: 6 am – 12:30 pm
Evening: 6 pm – 8:30 pm
Wednesday
Morning: 6 am – 12:30 pm
Evening: 6 pm – 8:30 pm
Tuesday
Morning: 6 am – 12:30 pm
Evening: 6 pm – 8:30 pm
Friday
Morning: 6 am – 8:30 pm
Thursday
Morning: 6 am – 12:30 pm
Evening: 6 pm – 8:30 pm
Saturday
Morning: 6 am – 12:30 pm
Evening: 6 pm – 8:30 pm
Social Impact
1000
Cows in Shelter
400
Daily Annadanam Recipients
500
Bulls in Shelter
1000+
Daily Pilgrimage Visits
Founder
Sri Varatharajaperumal
The founder of Sri Etteluthuperumal Gaushala is Sri Varatharajaperumal.
Feedback & Contact
etteluthuperumalghosalai@gmail .com
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