Sri Varadaraja perumal temple- Thirukacchi

About the temple

The temple is the biggest among the Kanchipuram divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas. The presiding deity is Sri Varadaraja perumal and thayar in a seperate shrine is called Perundevi thayar. The original Varadarajar perumal was made of Athimaram the Lord is immersed in the temple tank. The Lord is worshipped for 10 days once in 40 years. The present moolavar is said to be brought from Pazhaya Seevaram. Hence, the utsavar idol is taken to Pazhaya Seevaram once a year in a procession. One has to climb a few steps to reach Lord Varadarajar's shrine. There are also many other small shrines in the temple with Chakratalwar/Narasimhar's shrine being a prominent one. Lord Varadaraja is said to have appeared here to indicate fulfillment of Lord Brahma's Ashwamedha yagam. There is a golden and silver lizard on the ceiling close to the shrine and touching it is said to relieve devotees of all diseases.

How to reach

The temple is on the Kanchipuram-Chengalpet road, around 3-4 kms from the Kanchipuram main bus stand. There are boards indicating directions to the temple.

Sannadhis

Varadaraja perumal

Perundevi thayar

Chakratalwar/Narasimhar

Dhanvantri

Kariyamanika perumal

Alwars and Acharyas

Andal

and many more

Temple pushkarni and vimanam

The temple tank is called Vegavathi pushkarni and the vimanam is known as Punyakoti vimanam.

Temple timings

The temple is open in the mornings from 6.30 am to 12.30 pm and in the evenings from 3.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

Temples in proximity

Kanchipuram divyadesams

Sri Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple, Thirupukuzhi

About the temple

The temple is among the 108 divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas and comes under Tondai naatu divyadesams in Kanchipuram. This is the only divyadesam that is a bit far from other 14 divyadesams of Kanchipuram. The presiding deity is Sri Vijayaraghava perumal in a sitting posture and thayar in a seperate sannadhi is called Maragatavalli thayar.

Since Jatayu which belongs to the eagle family called Pul was buried in a pit called kuzhi in tamil here, the place got its name of Thiruppukuzhi

Specialty of the temple

1. Thayar sannadhi is to the left of the temple whereas thayar sannadhi is always to the right of the temple.

2. Lord Vijayaraghava perumal gives darshan with Sridevi and Bhoodevi in reverse positions in the main sanctum. Not able to bear the smell of the last rites performed to Jatayu, Sridevi thayar is said to have moved the left of the Lord and remained so. Sridevi thayar's head is slightly slanting towards the Lord.

3. Sri Rama is said to have performed the last rites of Jatayu- the bird that died while trying to save Sita from being kidnapped by Ravana, at this place and hence there is a sannadhi besides the Jatayu pushkarni for Jatayu. Sri Rama couldnt perform the last rites of his father Dasaratha and derived consolation by performing Jatayu's rites and giving moksham to the bird.

4. It is a popular temple for those women wanting to be blessed with children. Lentils are roasted and then soaked in water. This is tied to the cloth in the woman's lap and if it sprouts, the woman is said to be blessed with children soon. This process is done on Amavasya days in the thayar sannadhi.

5. The horse mount called Kuthirai Vahanam is very famous as it spins on an axis. When the carpenter who made it was asked to make one more for another temple, he refused and let the mount remain unique. As a mark of respect, the Lord on the horse mount visits the house of the carpenter during the yearly festival.

6. Sri Ramanujar learnt Vedanta from his guru Sri Yadavaprakasar in a mandapam in this temple.

How to reach

The temple is around 80 kms from Chennai on the Chennai- Bangalore highway. Just after Balu chetty chatiram, proceeding further on the highway the temple is just a few mtrs away on the left while coming from Chennai. There is also a board indicating the location of the temple. Click to enlarge

Temple tank and vimanam

The temple tank is called Jatayu theertham and the vimanam in known as Vijayakoti vimanam.

Temple timings

The temple is open in the mornings from 7 am to 12 noon and in the evenings from 4 pm to 7 pm.

Temples in proximity

Kanchipuram divyadesams

Sri Aadhi Varaha Perumal Temple, ThiruKalvanoor in Sri Kamakshi amman temple, Kanchipuram

About the temple

The temple is among the 108 divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas and comes under Tondai naatu divyadesams in Kanchipuram. It is one of the three most popular temples in Kanchipuram- the others being Sri Ekambareeswarar temple and Lord Varadaraja perumal temple. It is one of two temples in Kanchipuram where a divyadesam is inside a Shaivite temple. The main sanctum is of Sri Kamakshi amman and the presiding deity for the divyadesam is Sri Aadhi Varaha perumal. Thayar is known as Anjilaivalli thayar.

It is believed that Parvati when penanced under a mango tree in Kanchi to be reunited with Lord Shiva, she took Lord Vishnu's help. Hence, there is a shrine for Lord Vishnu in Sri Kamakshi amman temple. Also Lord Vishnu is said to have overheard the conversation between Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Parvati and hence Parvati is said to have called him as Kalvan - the other name for Lord Vishnu in this temple. Lord Vishnu is seen in standing, sitting and sleeping postures in the northern side of the temple tank.

How to reach

The temple is at a walkable distance from Kanchipuram bus stand, Thiru ooragathan temple and Sri Ekambareshwarar temple. ... Click to enlarge

Temple tank and vimanam

The temple tank is called Nithya pushkarni and the vimanam is known as Vamana vimanam.

Temples in proximity

Kanchipuram divyadesams

Sri Pavala vannan perumal - Thirupavalavannan

Pachai vannar perumal temple

Pavalavannan perumal temple

About the temple

The temple is among the 108 divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas and comes under Tondai naatu divyadesams. This is the first temple normally visited by those visiting Kanchipuram based divyadesams as the temple is open for less time. The divyadesam is a combination of two temples- Pacchai vannar and Pavala vannan. Amongst all the divyadesams, this is the only one where Lord Vishnu has been praised for his colour by Thirumangai alwar. Lord Pavalavannan is in standing posture and there is a seperate sannadhi for Pavalavalli thayar. A few metres away is Pachai vannan perumal temple where the Lord appears in a sitting posture on Adiseshan.

How to reach

The temple is close to Kamakshi amman temple and Kanchipuram railway station. 

Sannadhis

Pavala vannan perumal

Pavalavalli thayar

Andal

Acharyas and Alwars

Temple tank and vimanam

The temple tank is called Chakra theertham and the vimanam is known as Pavala Vimanam.

Temple timings

The temple is open in the mornings from 7.30 am to 11.30 am and in the evenings from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Temples in proximity

Kanchipuram divyadesams

Sri Azhagiya Singar Perumal Temple, Thiruvelukkai

About the temple

The temple is among the 108 divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas and comes under Tondai naatu divyadesams. The presiding deity here is Sri Azhagiyasingar (Naarsimhar), also called Mukunda nayakar in standing posture. Thayar is called Velukkaivalli or Amritavalli.

After Narasimha avatharam, Lord Vishnu appeared as Narasimha again to safeguard the people who were being troubled by asuras. The Lord chased the asuras away and decided to stay here out of his own desire to continue protecting people from evil forces. Hence the place got its name as Velukkai- where Vel means Wish and irukkai means stay.

How to reach

There are two routes to reach the temple..

1. Take the road straight from Kanchipuram bus stand towards SH 116. Instead of taking the right for the SH, go straight and take the left to Vilakoli perumal street. After a few metres, there is a mandapam on the left- take a right turn just opposite this mandapam as indicated in the map..the temple tank is visible on the left and the temple is just next to it.

2. On the way to Varadaraja perumal temple from the bus stand, take the right just before Asthabujagarm temple towards Vilakoli perumal street. After a few metres, take the left to the temple as indicated in the map.

Sannadhis

Azhagiya singar Perumal

Amritavalli thayar

Andal

Alwars and acharyas

Temple pushkarni and vimanam

The temple tank is called Kanaka saras and the vimanam is known as Kanaka vimanam.

Temple timings

The temple is open in the mornings from 7 am to 10.30 am and in the evening from 5 pm to 7.30 pm.

Temples in proximity

Kanchipuram divyadesams

Sri Deepa Prakasar Perumal Temple, Thiruthanka (Thoopul)

About the temple

The presiding deity is Sri Deepa Prakasar perumal or Vilakoli perumal in a standing posture. The temple is among the 108 divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas under Tondai naatu divyadesams. There is a seperate sannadhi for Maragathavalli thayar. Also called Thoopul, it is the avathara sthalam of Sri Vedanta Desikar. There is a big sannadhi for Sri Vedanta Desikar in Gnana muthirai. Sri Desikar's life is depicted in pictures in the prakaram of the sannadhi.

Demons tried to disturb the Yagna being performed by Brahma by darkening the whole world. Lord Vishnu then is believed to have appeared as a bright light to ensure continuity of the yagnam and hence is called Deepa Prakasar and Vilakku oli perumal wherein vilakku oli means brightness in tamil.

The entrance to Sri Desikar sannadhi

How to reach

The temple can be approached by two ways..

1. Drive down straight from the Kanchipuram bus stand towards Varadaraja perumal temple, but dont take the right indicated by the direction board..Instead head straight and after crossing the turn for the SH 116,  you can see a gopuram in a small lane on the left..Go inside and it will lead to the temple

2. Travelling from Bus stand to Varadaraja perumal temple, just before Asthabujagaram temple take a right to Vilakoli temple street and keep travelling almost to the end. You can see the gopuram of Vedanta Desikar sannadhi a little bit inside in the right.

Sannadhis

Deepaprakasar perumal

Maragathavalli thayar

Andal

Lakshmi Hayagreevar

Desikar

Alwars and Acharyas

Vimanam and Pushkarni

The temple tank is called Saraswati pushkarni and the vimanam is known as Sreekara vimanam.

Temples in proximity

Kanchipuram divyadesams

Thiruparameshwara Vinnagaram- Sri Vaikunta perumal temple, Kanchipuram

About the temple

The presiding deity of the temple is Sri Vaikunta naathan perumal or Paramapada nathan perumal in a sitting posture and thayar in a seperate sannadhi is known as Vaikuntha valli thayar. The temple is among the 108 divyadesams of Sri vaishnavas and comes under Tondai naatu divyadesams. The temple is among the very few temples with Ashtanga vimanam-the others being Thirukoshtiyur, Thiru Koodalazhagar and Uttiramerur. Although the upper tiers are not accessible now, the presiding deities there are in standing and reclining postures. Sri Ramanujar and Sri Manavalamamunigal are said to have been to the temple.

Lord Vishnu is said to have appeared here to bless the children of King of Vidarbha - Pallavan and Vallavan who performed Ashwamedha yagnam at this place. The children are believed to be the reincarnation of Vishnu's Dwarapalakas.

The architecture of the temple is very beautiful and the temple is presently under the care of the Archeological survey of India.

How to reach

The temple is at a walkable distance from the Kanchipuram bus stand and Thiru Ooragam temple.

Sannadhis

Paramapadha nathan perumal

Vaikuntha valli thayar

Temple pushkarni and vimanam

The temple tank is called Airammadha theertham and the vimanam is known as Mukunda vimanam.

Temples in proximity

Kanchipuram divyadesams

Sri Gajendra varadha perumal - Asthabujakaram

About the temple

The presiding deity of the temple is Sri Adikeseva perumal, also known as Gajendra Varadhan. The temple is among the 108 divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas and comes under Tondai naatu divyadesams. There is a seperate sannadhi for Alarmelmangai thayar/Padmasini. The Lord gives darshan here with eight arms holding eight weapons namely conch, bow, mace, discus, sword, shield, arrow and flower. The utsava moorthy has four hands with mace and spear in the hands.  

The place is popular for the Gajendra Moksham story. An elephant called Gajendra used to pick lotus flowers from the pond and offer it to the Lord. Once a crocodile caught hold of his leg and the elephant called Lord Vishnu for help. The Lord then gave pratyaksham to the elephant and threw his disc at the crocodile to save the elephant. Also, it is believed that the Lord gave Peyalwar an opportunity to witness the Gajendra Moksham event at this place once again. The temple is said to be the only divyadesam in Kanchi with a Swarga Vaasal. Another story associated with this temple is that Lord Vishnu took the form with eight hands holding eight weapons to kill the ferorious snake sent by Saraswati to disturb the homa being performed by Brahma.

How to reach

The temple is at a walkable distance from Yatotkari perumal temple and on the way from Kanchipuram bus stand to Varadarajar perumal temple.

Sannadhis

Gajendra Varadhan

Padmasini thayar

Andal

Anjaneya

Boo Varahar

Garudar

Peyalwar

Temple pushkarni and vimanam

The temple tank is called Gajendra pushkarni and the vimanam is known as Gaganakriti vimanam.

Temple timings

The temple is open in the mornings from 7.30 am to 12 noon and in the evenings from 4.30 pm to 8 pm. 

Temples in proximity

Kanchipuram divyadesams

Sri Yatotkari perumal temple - Thiruvekka

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

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

Kanchipuram divyadesams

Sri Pandava dhootar perumal, Thirupaadakam/Thirupaadagam

About the temple

The temple is among the 108 divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas and comes under Tondai naatu divyadesams. One can leisurely cover all the 15 divyadesams in Kanchipuram in a day's trip. When Janamejayan, a descendant of Pandavas meditated on Sri Krishna and did Ashwamedha yagna here fascinated by Sri Krishna's vishwaroopa form as a messenger for Pandavas, the Lord appeared here as Pandava dhootar here. The Lord is 28 ft high in a sitting posture and really huge. There is a seperate sannadhi for Rukmini thayar here.

How to reach

The temple is close to the famous Kanchi kamakoti peetam and Sri Ekambareeswarar temple in Chinna Kanchipuram. Click to enlarge

Sannadhis

Pandava dootar perumal

Rukmini thayar

Ganesha

Alwars and acharyas

Ramanujar

Manavala mamunigal

Chakratalwar and Narasimhar

Vimanam and pushkarni

The temple tank is called Matsya theertham and the vimanam is known as Bhadra vimanam.

Temple timings

The temple is open from 7 am to 11 am in the mornings and from 4 pm to 7.30 pm in the evenings.

Temples in proximity

Kanchipuram divyadesams

Thiru Ooragam, Thiru Neeragam, Thiru Kaaragam, Thiru Kaarvannam - Kanchipuram

About the temple

There are four divyadesams in a single temple complex. Lord Vishnu took the Vamana avatharam to stop King Mahabali's attempt to acquire Indra's swarga lokam and restore Indra's powers. When King Mahabali promised to give 3 feet of land to Lord Vishnu who was disguised as a dwarf Brahmin, Lord Vishnu measured the earth and sky with one feet, the heaven with the second feet and asked the King where to keep the third feet. Since the King was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu he asked the Lord to keep the third feet on his head and the Lord did accordingly and sent the King to the nether world, thereby fulfilling his purpose of taking the Vamana avathara. The Lord took the form of Ulagalandha perumal to fulfill the King's wish to see the Lord in full form. The Lord also appeared in a smaller form as Adiseshan. The Lord here is also known as Ooragathaan. The Lord is more than 30ft high with the left leg at right angle parallel to the ground and right leg on Mahabali's head. The two steps taken by the lord are indicated by the two fingers stretched out in the left hand and one finger on the right hand as questioning the King where to keep the third feet.

 Thayar sannadhi

The other three divyadesams in the same temple complex are

Thiru Neeragam - Lord Jagadeeswara,

Thiru Kaaragam - Karunakara perumal

Thiru Kaaravannam -Kalvar .

How to reach

The temple is at a walking distance from Kamakshi amman temple, Vaikunda perumal temple and the Kanchipuram main bus stand. click to enlarge the map

For maps on how to reach the other divyadesams in Kanchipuram, click here

Sannadhis

Thiru Ooragam : Trivikrama/ Ulagalandha perumal/Ooragathaan and Amuthavalli thayar

Thiru Neeragam : Jagadeeswara perumal - utsavar  and Nilamangai thayar

Thiru Kaaragam : Karunaka perumal and Padmamani/Ramamani thayar

Thiru Kaarvanan : Kalvar and Kamalavalli thayar

Vishwaksenar

Garudan

Andal

Manavala mamunigal

Alwars and Acharyas

Pushkarni and Vimanam

Thiru Neeragam : Akrura theertham and Jagadeeswarar vimanam

Thiru Kaaragam : Akraya theertham and Vamana vimanam

Thiru Kaarvanan : Gowrithadakam theertham and Pushkala vimanam

Thiru Ooragam : Naga theertham and Sarasreekara vimanam

Specialty of the temple

There are four divyadesams in a single temple complex.

Thirumangai azhwar praised three divyadesams - Thiru Neeragam, Thiru Kaaragam and Thiru Kaaravannam in a single paasuram along with Thiru Ooragam.

The Lord is said to fulfill the wishes of unmarried girls and childless couples.

Temple timings

The temple is open from 7 am to 12 pm in the mornings and from 4 pm to 8 pm in the evenings.

Temples in proximity

Kanchipuram Divyadesams, Nearest is Kamakshi amman temple

Kanchipuram Divyadesams route map

14 Divyadesams in Kanchipuram can be easily covered in a day in 2 parts...There are boards indicating direction to Sri Kamakshi amman and Sri Varadaraja perumal temple -the two most popular temples. Use the maps below to easily locate the rest of them... Click to enlarge

While coming from Chennai..start with
1. Sri Pachaai vannan and Sri Pavala vannan temples
2. Sri Nilathingal Thundathan Temple inside Sri Ekaambareshwarar temple
3. Sri Pandavar Perumal temple
4. Sri Aadhi Varaha Perumal Temple inside Sri Kamakshi amman temple
5. Sri Ulagalantha perumal temple...Thiru Ooragam
6. Sri Jagadeeshwarar Temple..Thiru Neeragam (Inside Thiru Ooragam)
7. Sri Karunakara Perumal Temple...Thiru Kaaragam (Inside Thiru Ooragam)
8. Sri Thirukkaar Vaanar Temple..Thirukkaar Vaanam (Inside Thiru Ooragam)
9. Sri Vaikunda Perumal Temple...(Thiruparameshwara Vinnagaram)

Coming from bus stand, take the road straight instead of left towards Varadarajar temple and take the left at Vilakodi street to reach

10. Sri Deepa Prakasar Perumal Temple, Thiruthanka- Toopul
11. Sri Azhagiya Singar Perumal Temple, Thiruvelukkai
12. Sri Yathothakaari Perumal Temple, Thiruvekka
13. Sri Aadhikesava Perumal Temple, Ashthabujangaram
14. Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple , Thirukacchi

The 15th divyadesam of Sri Vijayaraghava perumal, Thiruputkuzhi is situated on the Chennai-Bangalore highway..near Balu chettiar chatiram, there is a board indicating Thirupatkuzhi temple on the left.(Chennai to Bangalore)

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Sri Nilathingal Thundathan Temple, Nilathingal Thundam and Ekambareshwarar Temple, Kanchipuram