About the temple
The temple is among the 108 divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas and comes under Tondai naatu divyadesams. The presiding deity is Sri Yatotkari perumal or Sonna vanna perumal. The Lord gives darshan in a unique reclining posture from right to left with head on the right side facing the devotees. It is the only such posture among divyadesams as the Lord usually is seen lying down from left to right in other temples.
The place is the avathara sthalam of Poigai alwar. Kanni kannan was a disciple of Thirumazhisai alwar. When a King asked Kanni kannan to sing praises about him, he said he would sing praises only about the Lord. Angered, the king banished Kanni Kannan from the kingdom. Hearing this, Thirumazhisai alwar also followed him out of the place and asked Lord Vishnu also to come away from there. When the Lord followed them out of Kanchi, the entire place was left dark. Realising his mistake, the King called them back and all the three returned to Kanchi. It is believed that the Lord took his place in the temple in the reverse direction to mark the fact that he had left the place once and returned back. Also it is believed that the Lord lied down in the reverse direction in a hurry when Thirumaizhai alwar asked him to take his place in the temple.
Goddess Saraswati is also seen in the perumal sannadhi at the Lord's feet. Thiruvekka is the avathara sthalam of Poigai alwar.
How to reach
The temple is at a 2 min walking distance from Astabuja perumal temple. Click on the pic to enlarge
Sannadhis
Sonna vanna perumal
Komalavalli Thayar
Andal
Komalavalli Thayar
Andal
Temple vimanam and pushkarni
The temple tank is called Poigai pushkarni and the vimanam is known as Veda saara vimanam
Temple timings
The temple is open in the mornings from 8 am to 11 am and in the evenings from 5 pm to 8 pm.
Temples in proximity