Agastya Maha Rishi Gotra, Hosur Lathikaarar, Sacred History of Arulmigu Sri Sendraya Perumal Temple

The Sacred History of Arulmigu Sri Sendraya Perumal Temple – Enathi Village, Tamil Nadu
Clan: Lathikaarar
Gotra: Agastya Maha Rishi Gotra
Native Town: Enathi Village, Sembandampatti Post, Omalur Taluk, Salem District, Tamil Nadu
Heritage Home (Mattamanai): Hosur Lathikaarar

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A Glorious Village from the Past
Among these sacred spaces, on the village's northern edge, lies the Sri Sendraya Perumal Temple, whose origin is rooted in divine intervention and legend.

More than a millennium ago, Enathi, a small yet prosperous town, was renowned for its cultural richness and abundance. The residents primarily engaged in weaving and agriculture, thriving in a land surrounded by lush paddy fields. Blessed with fresh air and abundant water resources, the town was also naturally fortified by thick forests, deterring thieves and enemy intrusions.

The village was spiritually protected by shrines placed in all four cardinal directions:

• South – Aadhi Kesava Temple

• West – The shrine of Lord Shiva

• North – The powerful Mariamman Temple

• East – The fierce guardian goddess Bhadrakali, marking the village boundary

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The Divine Emergence of Sri Sendraya Perumal

Over time, the name evolved into "Sendraya Perumal", with “Perumal” as Lord Vishnu's title. A temple was built with the termite mound as the sanctum sanctorum, and historical inscriptions in the temple affirm that Kondappa Chettiyar lived north of the shrine and led the temple’s construction.

In those ancient days, the people of Enathi never lacked food or prosperity. Grains were produced in surplus, and granaries were full across the land. One such granary belonged to Kondappa Chettiyar, a respected local. Over time, a neglected heap of paddy grew a termite mound in his store.

While inspecting his granary one day, Kondappa Chettiyar noticed this and ordered his workers to clear the mound. However, as they approached, a giant serpent emerged from within, preventing them from disturbing it. Shocked, they reported the incident to Chettiyar.

That very night, the serpent appeared in his dream, revealing itself as a divine being – Adiseshan, the celestial serpent who serves as the canopy to Lord Vishnu in the milky ocean. The serpent declared:

"I have come to dwell in this glorious land of Enathi. The termite mound covering the sacred paddy is now my abode. Do not destroy it. This place must now be known as the dwelling of the Lord you worship—Mahavishnu. Worship this place, and it will bless the entire village."

Deeply moved, Kondappa Chettiyar recognized the mound as the divine manifestation of Lord Vishnu and thus named it “Sennel Rayar Swamy” – a name derived from sennel (red paddy) and Rayar (a respectful suffix used to address royalty or gods).

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Historical Significance and Devotees

This sacred site, where the Lord is believed to have appeared in a four-sided form over the paddy heap, has been worshipped for over a century. The Devanga community of Enathi was among the foremost devotees of this deity.

With their effort, a permanent temple was constructed during the 13th–14th century, marking the enduring spiritual legacy of the community. Inscriptions within the temple mention Kondappa Chettiyar as the leading patron of the temple and the father of a groom whose wedding is linked to a heroic tale.

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A Tale of Bravery and Tragedy

In Hosur, a woman from the Lathikaarar family named Akkammavi was betrothed to Kondappa Chettiyar’s son. However, on the wedding day, the Sultan’s forces raided the village, leading to a battle. The groom bravely fought the invaders but attained martyrdom in the process. His soul is believed to have merged with the divine serpent mound within the Sendraya Perumal Temple.

Due to this divine association, Sri Sendraya Perumal became the Kuladeivam (ancestral deity) of the Hosur Lathikaarar community, and Akkamma Devi was worshipped as their family deity. Once every twelve years, during the Masi month under the Magham star, a grand festival is conducted in their honor, continuing a tradition of devotion and remembrance.

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Inscriptions and Devotional Practices

The temple inscriptions mention:

• “Kondappa Thiruppani” – signifying his contribution to the construction

• “North-side settler” – indicating where he resided in relation to the temple
  
  
  

  

Temple Sloka (Hymn):

"Mannum arul kodukka maanilattil oṅgu kulam

Sendraya Perumal seer adigal – chennimisai
Soodimurai kondu gotthiram seiyya manam
Naaduvo menrum nalam”

This hymn speaks of Lord Sendraya Perumal as the one who bestows divine blessings, inspiring families to trace their lineage with pride and reverence.

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Sacred Tree and Miracles

The temple's sacred tree (Sthala Vriksha) is the Milk Tree (Pāl Maram). Legend says that its leaves drip milk when plucked, symbolizing Lord Vishnu's abode in the milky ocean.

Lighting ghee lamps under this tree while praying with the temple's sacred mantra is said to bless devotees with:

• Childbirth

• Marriage

• Prosperity and peace

  
  
  
  

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About the Author

Article by: Senthil Kumar Krishnaswamy, MCA, PGDBA

A passionate historian and spiritual researcher committed to reviving and recording the legacies of ancient temples and traditions in Tamil Nadu.