THIRUVELUKKAI - SRI AZHAGIYASINGA PERUMAL TEMPLE / கண்ணுக்கினியன கண்டோம் -26

Temple - THIRUVELUKKAI
Moolavar : Sri Azhagiyasinga Perumal, Sri Nrusimhar, Mukundha nayakan
Thayar : Velukkaivalli Thayar, Amruthavalli Thayar 
Theertham : Kanaka saras, Hema saras, Prahlada theertham
Vimanam: Kanaka vimanam
Pratyaksham: Bhrugu
Mangalasasanam: Peiazhwar(2307,2315,2343), Thirumangai Alwar (2674)

அன்றிவ் வுலகம் அளந்த அசைவேகொல்,

நின்றிருந்து வேளுக்கை நீணகர்வாய், - அன்று

கிடந்தானைக் கேடில்சீ ரானை,முன் கஞ்சைக்

கடந்தானை நெஞ்சமே காண் - பேயாழ்வார்

The presiding deity(moolavar) 'Sri Azhagiyasinga Perumal' gives darshan in padmasana yogic posture, Irundha Thirukkolam, facing west. 

About the temple: Sthalapurana - Legend says that Lord Narasimha in Attigiri cave, took another form of Narasimha to protect his devotees from asuras. HE drove the asuras away from this place and then HE wished to stay in this place as Yoga Narasimha to always protect HIS devotees from evil. 'VeL' in Tamil is King and  other meaning is wish and 'Irukkai' in Tamil is stay. Lord Narasimha (Kamasika Narasimhan), the Lion King resided at this place happily on his own wish and hence the name VeLirukkai, and later it became VeLukkai.

There are separate sannidhis for Garudan, Amirthavalli Thayar, Andal,  Azhwars and Acharyas.

Swami Desikan  has sung a poem on this Perumal known as "Kamasikaashtakam". In that stotram, he explains about Lord Narasimha's wish to stay in this Kshetra. Kamaasika means standing on His own wish. 

Festivals: Vaikunta ekadai, Hanumad Jayanthi, Annual brahmotsavam

Temple timings: 7 am to 10 am and 5 pm to 7.30 pm.

Address:
Sri Azhagiyasinga Perumal temple.
Singaperumal Sannidhi St, 
Kanchipuram, 
Tamil Nadu 631501

THIRUTHANKA (THOOPUL) / SRI DEEPA PRAKASA PERUMAL TEMPLE / SRI VILAKKOLI PERUMAL TEMPLE / கண்ணுக்கினியன கண்டோம் -25

Temple - THIRUTHANKA
Moolavar : Sri Deepaprakasa Perumal / Vilakkoli Perumal
Thayar : Maragathavalli Thayar
Theertham : Saraswathi theertham
Vimanam: Srikara vimanam
Pratyaksham: Saraswathi
Mangalasasanam: Thirumangai Alwar (1849,2065)

பொன்னை மாமணியை*  அணி ஆர்ந்தது ஓர்-
மின்னை*  வேங்கடத்து உச்சியில் கண்டுபோய்*
என்னை ஆளுடை ஈசனை*  எம்பிரான்-
தன்னை*  யாம் சென்று காண்டும்*  தண்காவிலே. (1849)

The presiding deity(moolavar) 'Sri Deepaprakasa Perumal also known as 'Vilakkoli Perumal' gives darshan in standing posture, Nindra Thirukkolam, facing west. Saraswathi disrupted Brahma's yagna in many ways. She sent demons to disturb the Yagna and the demons darkened the whole world. Lord Vishnu appeared as a bright light and removed the darkness. Hence the name 'Deepa Prakasar' and 'Vilakkoli Perumal'. HE also killed the demons and protected Brahma's yagna.  

There are separate sannidhis for Maragathavalli Thayar, the consort of Lord Deepa Prakasar,  Lakshmi Hayagreeva,  Andal, Lord Hayagreeva and Azhwars and Acharyas.

'Thiruthanka' also called as 'Thoopul' is the avathara sthalam (birth place) of Swami Vedanta Desika, a Vaishnavite scholar. He has a separate shrine in this temple along with his aradhana deity Lord Lakshmi Hayagreeva. Swami Desikan is seen in Gnana Mudhra.

Festivals: Purattasi Sravanam is celebrated in a grand manner alongwith other festivals.

Temple timings: 7 am to 10 am and 5 pm to 8 pm.

Address:
Sri Vilakkoli perumal temple
Vilakadi Koil St,  Kanchipuram, 
Tamil Nadu 631501

THIRUVEKKA - SRI YATHOKTHAKARI PERUMAL TEMPLE / SRI SONNAVANNAM SEIDHA PERUMAL TEMPLE / கண்ணுக்கினியன கண்டோம் -24

Temple - THIRUVEKKA
Moolavar : Sri Yatokthakari Perumal, Sonnavannam seidha Perumal,
Thayar : Komalavalli Thayar
Theertham : Poigai pushkarini
Vimanam: Vedasaara vimanam
Pratyaksham: Brahma, Poigaiazhwar, Boothathazhwar, Kanikannan
Mangalasasanam: Thirumangai Alwar, PeiAzhwar, Thirumazhisai azhwar, Poigai azhwar, Nammazhwar

பொருப்பிடையே நின்றும் புனல்குளித்தும், ஐந்து
நெருப்பிடையே நிற்கவும்நீர் வேண்டா - விருப்புடைய
வெஃகாவே சேர்ந்தானை மெய்ம்மலர்தூய்க் கைதொழுதால்,
அஃகாவே தீவினைகள் ஆய்ந்து (2357) - பேயாழ்வார்

The presiding deity(moolavar) 'Sri Yatokthakari Perumal also known as 'Sonna Vannam Seidha Perumal' gives darshan in Kidantha Kolam, 'Bhujanga Sayanam' facing west. The speciality of this temple is The Lord reclines in the right to left direction. Usually 'Sayana Perumal' is seen lying with head of the left side in all the temples. He is holding a lotus in a very elegant way in his right hand. Humbled Saraswathi is seen with folded hands at the Lord's feet. 

There are separate shrines for Thayar and Andal.

About the temple: Sthala puranam - Legend says, once Brahma performed a yagna in this place and avoided Saraswathi. Saraswathi took the form of river Vegavathi and flowed fast to wash away the yagna. Vishnu reclined Himself across the river Vegavathi and blocked the flow of the river and helped Brahma to finish his yagna. On seeing Vishnu lying on Her way, Saraswathi felt shy and lost her anger. Hence the name 'Vegha Sethu' for Perumal. 'Vegha' later became 'Vekka', and the Kshetra is called 'Thiruvekka'. 

Another interesting story says, Kanikannan, a disciple of Thirumazhisai azhwar, was called by the king and asked to sing poems praising the king.  But, Kanikannan refused to do so and said he will not sing any song praising any human except his Guru and his Guru also will praise only the Lord. On hearing this, the king got angry and ordered him to get out from his kingdom. Kani Kannan explained to Thirumazhisai Azhwar about the happenings in the palace and started to get out of Kanchipuram. On seeing this, Thirumazhisai Azhwar also followed him. He sang a poem in which he said Kanikannan is leaving and asked Lord Vishnu to get up from HIS bed (Adhiseshan), roll it, and asked the Lord also to come with them. The Lord also followed them. The king realised his mistake and pleaded them to return to Kanchi.

“கணிகண்ணன் போகின்றான் காமரு பூங்கச்சி
மணிவண்ணா நீகிடக்க வேண்டா-துணிவுடைய
செந்நாப் புலவனும் செல்கின்றேன் நீயும் உன்றன்
பைந்நாகப் பாய் சுருட்டிக் கொள்”

All the three returned to Kanchi. While returning, Thirumazhisai Azhwar again sang a poem in which he said Kanikannan is returning back and asked Perumal to again wind up HIS bed and return to the temple. 

“கணிகண்ணன் போக்கொழிந்தான் காமருபூங் கச்சி

 மணிவண்ணா நீ கிடக்க வேண்டும்-துணிவொன்றிச்

 செந்நாப் புலவோன்யான் செலவொழிந்தேன் நீயுமுன்றன்

 பைந்நாகப் பாய் விரித்துக் கொள்”

On hearing this, Vishnu rolled HIS bed (Adhisesha) and came back to Thiruvekka temple. In a hurry the Lord reclined in the reverse direction. Hence He gives HIS seva in a unique reclining posture from right to left with head on the right side. As Perumal obeyed the words of Thirumazhisai Azhwar and did what he said, HE is called as "Sonna Vannam Seidha Perumal". 'Sonnavannam seidha' means obeying and doing what was told.

Thiruvekka is the avathara sthalam of Poigai azhwar. 'Poigai' is pond in Tamil. It is said that Poigaiazhwar was born in the pond near this temple and hence the name. 

Temple timings: 7 am to 10.30 am and 5 pm to 8 pm.

Address:
Sri Sonna vannam seitha perumal temple
Aanai Katti Street
Thiruvekka,
Kanchipuram.

ASHTABUYAKARAM - SRI ADHI KESAVA PERUMAL TEMPLE / கண்ணுக்கினியன கண்டோம் -23

Temple - ASHTABUYAKARAM

Moolavar : Adhikesava Perumal,Ashtabhuja Perumal, Gajendra varadhan, Chakradharar
Thayar : Pushpavalli Thayaar , Padmasini, Alarmelmangai
Theertham : Gajendra pushkarini
Vimanam: Gaganakruthi vimanam, Chakrakruthi Vimanam
Pratyaksham: Gajendran
Mangalasasanam: Thirumangai Alwar - 11 Pasurams(1118-1127 and 2674) Pei Alwar - 1 Pasuram(2380)

செம்பொ னிலங்கு வலங்கைவாளி 

திண்சிலை தண்டொடு சங்கமொள்வாள், 

உம்ப ரிருசுட ராழியோடு 

கேடக மொண்மலர் பற்றியெற்றே, 

வெம்பு சினத்தடல் வேழம்வீழ 

வெண்மருப் பொன்று பறித்து,இருண்ட 

அம்புதம் போன்றிவ ரார்க்கொலென்ன 

அட்ட புயகரத் தேனென்றாரே - திருமங்கையாழ்வார்

Moolavar “Adhikesava perumal also known as Ashtabhuja Perumal” is in standing posture facing west. The Lord here gives darshan with 8 hands in which he holds 8 different weapons. In His right hand HE holds Chakram(discus), Sword, a Flower and an Arrow and on the left hand he holds Conch(Sangu), Bow, Kadgam(shield) and Gadha(mace). The eight weapons are called 'Divya Aayudha Azhwargal' and protects bhakthas against evils. 

Thayar Pushpavalli also called as Alarmelmangai is in a separate shrine. 

About the temple: The sthalapurana says, Saraswathi wanted to destroy Brahma's yagna and sent a snake. Sriman Narayanan took the form of Ashtabhuja Perumal holding 8 different weapons and killed the snake. It is also believed that Gajendra Moksham happened in this sthalam.

Festivals: Vaikunta ekadasi, Gajendra Moksham, Navarathri, Sri Rama navami

Temple timings: 7 am to 12 noon and 4 pm to 8 pm

Temple Address:
Arulmigu Aadikesava Perumal (Ashtabuyagara Perumal) Thirukkoil,
Kancheepuram – 631 501

THIRUKKACHI - SRI VARADHARAJA PERUMAL TEMPLE, KANCHIPURAM / கண்ணுக்கினியன கண்டோம் -22

Temple - THIRUKACHI - (ATHIGIRI )
Moolavar : Perarulalan, Devathirajan, Devaperumal
Thayar : Perundevi Thayar, Mahadevi
Theertham : Ananda Saras, vegavathi pushkarini
Vimanam: Punyakoti vimanam, Kalyanakoti vimanam
Pratyaksham: Brahma, Bhrugu, Naradha, Adiseshan, Gajendran
Mangalasasanam : Bhoothathazhwar, Peyazhwar, Thirumangai azhwar

அத்தியூரான் புள்ளை யூர்வான் அணிமணியின் 
நித்திசேர் நாகத்தின்மேல்
துயில்வான் மூத்திமறையாவான் மாகடல்
நஞ்சுண்டான்தனக்கும்
இறையாவான் எங்கள்பிரான்.
- பூதத்தாழ்வார்

About the temple - 'Kovil' by itself refers only to Thiruvarangam Temple. 'Perumal kovil' by itself refers only to Kanchipuram Varadaraja Perumal temple. The Kshetra is called 'Satyavrata kshetra'. The temple is also known as 'Hasthigiri/Athigiri'. The place derived the name Athigiri as Airavadam elephant took the form of mountain and bears Perumal on him. There are 24 steps to reach Athigiri. The 24 steps in the temple represent the number of letters of Gayatri mantra. Moolavar Lord Varadaraja Perumal graces us in Nindra thirukkolam, standing posture, facing west. Perumal is also called as Athigiri Arulala Perumal, Devaraja Perumal, Devathirajan, Perarulalan.

While coming out of the sannidhi one can see a small shrine for lizards. Two lizards, one golden lizard and one silver lizard is carved on the ceiling alongwith Sun and Moon. Devotees touch these lizards. It is believed that one will be relieved of all diseases and doshas if one prays to Lord Varadharajan and touches these lizards on the way out. It is also believed one will be free of sin by touching same.The Sun and the Moon are witness to your visit and touching the lizards.

Legend says, once two sons of Sage Brungi who were the disciples of the sage Gautama brought water to their Guru to perform pooja.  There was a lizard in the water which they did not notice. The sage cursed them to turn into lizards. When they sought a relief, the sage asked them to go to Kanchi. They reached Kancheepuram and got rid of their curse after praying to Varadharaja. Perumal granted salvation and said that their soul would reach Him while their mortal would remain in lizard forms in the temple itself.  He also said that, those who worship the lizards would be relieved of all evils, sins, diseases and doshas and Sun and Moon would be the witness for this.

There is a separate shrine for Perundevi Thayar. Goddess Perundevi thayar is so beautiful.The Vimana over the sanctum sanctorum of Devathiraja Perumal is called Punyakoti Vimanam and the one over Perundevi Thayar shrine is called Kalyana Koti Vimanam.

There is a shrine for Chakkarathazwar (Sudarsanar) near the temple tank. 

Other sannidhis: Lord Krishna, Garuda, Andal , Azhwars and acharyans.

Sthala puranam - Legend says, once Brahma performed a yagna in this place and avoided Saraswathi. Saraswathi took the form of river Vegavathi and flowed fast to wash away the yagna. Vishnu reclined Himself across the river Vegavathi and blocked the flow of the river and helped Brahma to finish his yagna. As the Lord granted boon to Brahma HE is praised as Varadharaja Perumal. After the yajna was over, Perumal appeared from the Yagna kundam(fire of the yagna).

We were blessed to see the Andal purappadu and the Goshti.

This kutti kuthirai was privileged and blessed to come before the goshti in Andal 's purappadu. It was so cute and beautifully dressed.

Special Features: Too many. 

100 pillared mandapam which has beautiful sculptures from Ramayana and Mahabaratha.

Amazing architectural wonder and exquisite carving of a huge rock chain sculpted in a single stone. I was wonderstruck!! The architectural marvels and legends associated need atleast a week to properly experience and explore.

Golden and silver lizards with Sun and Moon on the outer prakara of the sanctum sanctorum.

Anantha theertham.  The ancient 40 feet long, Athi Varadaraja Perumal idol (Lord Varadarajar made out of fig wood) is kept in the silver box and kept immersed in this temple tank called Anantha-Thirtham. This tank is  to the north of the temple with 100 pillars. The wooden idol is in a reclining posture,  is kept at the bed of the tank and is taken out once in 40 years for darshan.

Raising of Athi Varadar:   

The original idol Athi Varadar (Lord Varadarajar made out of fig wood)  is taken out of the temple tank once in every 40 years, kept for darshan to the public for 10 days of worship and then put back in the silver box and immersed in the temple tank. Devotees can have a once in a lifetime experience and take the blessing of original murthi during these 10 days. This event took place in the year 1979. The next will be in the year 2019. Many devotees come to visit this event and take the blessings of Athi Vardaar.

This is the birth place of Swami Vedanta Desikan.

Prasadam - Kanchipuram Idli is a special prasadam available in this temple. 

Nadavavi Kinaru - There is another architectural wonder. Nadavavi kinaru is an underground Step Well Mandapam. This is a big well constructed during Pallava Period. There is a big Mandapam and corridors surrounding on all sides of the underground well. It is an amazing architectural talent. There are steps to get in to the Mandapam. This is a sub terrain well normally filled with water. Water is drained to a certain level so that Varadhar can visit. Beautifully sculpted place, from Vijayanagara times. Close to Ayyangarkulam, about 9 kms. from Kanchipuram. Varadaraja Perumal comes here once during a year on Chithra Pournami and Utsavams are performed here. (I did not go here, but I have seen the utsavam videos). 

Ours was one day yatra pilgrimage and hope to see the Nadavavi kinaru, Udayavar thirumaaligai etc. during another leisure trip to Kanchipuram.

Festival: Brahmotsavam, Vaikasi visaka Garuda sevai, Thiruther festival, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Purattasi saturdays, Chitra pournami.

Temple timings: 6.00 am to 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

Address:

Sri Devaraja Swamy Temple

Kancheepuram - 631 501.

THIRU PARAMESWARA VINNAGARAM - SRI VAIKUNTA PERUMAL TEMPLE, KANCHIPURAM / கண்ணுக்கினியன கண்டோம் -21

Temple  - THIRU PARAMESWARA VINNAGARAM
Moolavar : Paramapadanathan, Vaikuntanathan
Urchavar : Peragathan
Thayar : Vaikunthavalli
Theertham : Airammadha Theertham
Vimanam: Ashtanga vimanam / Mukundha vimanam
Pratyaksham: Pallavarajan
Mangalasasanam: Thirumangai azhwar - 10 pasurams (1128-1137)

சொல்லு வன் சொல் பொருள் தான் அவை ஆய் 
      சுவை ஊறு ஒலி நாற்றமும் தோற்றமும் ஆய் 
நல் அரன் நாரணன் நான்முகனுக்கு 
      இடம்-தான்-தடம் சூழ்ந்து அழகு ஆய கச்சி 
பல்லவன் வில்லவன் என்று உலகில் 
      பலராய்ப் பல வேந்தர் வணங்கு கழல் 
பல்லவன் மல்லையர்-கோன் பணிந்த 
      பரமேச்சுரவிண்ணகரம் அதுவே - திருமங்கை ஆழ்வார் 

The temple is called Mummaada koil. The temple has 3 tier vimanam known as Ashtanga Vimanam.  Uttiramerur, Thirukoshtiyur and Thiru Koodal azhagar temples also have Ashtanga Vimanam.  In the ground level, Moolavar, the presiding deity Paramapada natha perumal / Sri Vaikunta natha perumal graces the devotees in Veetrirundha Thirukkolam, sitting posture. In the 2nd tier, Ranganathar with His consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi is in 'Kidantha Thirukkolam' (reclining posture) and in 3rd tier HE is in standing posture,'Nindra Thirukkolam'. The upper tiers are not accessible as the temple is presently under the control of the Archeological survey of India.

There is a separate shrine for Thayar Vaikunthavalli. Adisesha is under two joint trees in the prakara.

Sthala purana (About the temple) -  Virochana, King of Vidharba had no children. He prayed Kailasanathar of Kailasanatha temple in Kanchi. By the grace of Lord Shiva the Dwarapalakas of Vishnu were born as sons to him. They were named  Pallavan and Villavan and they were staunch Vishnu Bhakthas. They conducted Ashwametha yagna. Vishnu appeared before them and gave darshan as Sri Vaikunta Nathan.

Parameswara Vinnagaram was constructed by the Pallava King Nandivarman II. The architecture of the temple is very beautiful. The temple is surrounded by granite walls and agazhis (water bodies). Apart from religious importance, this temple is famous for its unique architectural grandeur. The external corridors  have amazing lion pillars. Several religious and unique sculptures are also seen on the walls of the temple.   

Festivals - Vaikasi brahmotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi

Temple timings - 7.30 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.

Address: 
Sri Vaikunda Perumal Swami Temple, 
Parameswara Vinnagaram, Kancheepuram- 631 502.

THIRUOORAGAM / SRI ULAGALANTHA PERUMAL TEMPLE / THIRU NEERAGAM, THIRU KAARAGAM, THIRU KAARVANAM கண்ணுக்கினியன கண்டோம் 17,18,19,20

Thiru Ooragam, is the main temple and the temple is known as Ulagalantha Perumal temple. The other three temples Thiru Neeragam, Thiru Kaaragam, Thiru Kaarvannam are located inside Ulagalantha Perumal Temple complex. So, there are four divyadesams in this complex. Tirumangai Azhwar has praised the Lord with his Mangalaasasanam hymn in one verse covering all the four temples. 

நீரகத்தாய் நெடு வரையின் உச்சி மேலாய்
நிலாத் திங்கள் துண்டத்தாய் நிறைந்த கச்சி
ஊரகத்தாய் ஒண் துறை நீர் வெக்கா வுள்ளாய்
உள்ளுவார் உள்ளத்தாய் யுலகமேத்தும்
காரகத்தாய் கார்வானத்துள்ளாய் கள்வா
காமரு பூங்காவிரியின் தென்பால் மன்னு
பேரகத்தாய் பேராது என் நெஞ்சின் உள்ளாய்
பெருமான் உன் திருவடியே பேணினேனே – திருமங்கையாழ்வார்

Temple 1 - THIRUVOORAKAM
Moolavar : Ulagalanda Perumal, Trivikrama Perumal
Urchavar : Peragathan
Thayar : Amudavalli Nachiar, Aaranavalli,
Theertham : Sesha(Naga) Theertham
Vimanam: Saarasreekara vimanam
Pratyaksham: Mahabali
Mangalasasanam: Thirumazhisai azhwar(2059,2064,2673(70),2674(128)) and Thirumangai azhwar(814,815)

Moolavar “Trivikrama perumal also known as Ooragathan” is in standing posture facing west, gigantic and majestic about 30 feet high, with two fingers on His left hand stretching out, indicating HE has measured two lokas and one finger in right hand as asking Mahabali where to keep HIS third step. The left leg is stretched up and the right foot is on Mahabali's head. There is a separate shrine for Thayar. There is only one Thayar sannidhi for all the four Divyadesams.

Sthalapurana says, During Trivikrama avathar, Mahabali could not have the complete full form darshan of the Lord as he was under HIS foot and in Padhala loka. He requested Lord to give HIS darshan. The Lord took the full form of Ulagalandha perumal to fulfill Mahabali's wish. This was too big and as he could not have the proper darshan of the Ulagalantha roopam, Mahabali again requested HIM to give darshan in a smaller form and hence HE also took the form as Adiseshan. This Lord is known as 'Ooragathan'. This is a small sannidhi and 'Ooragathan' is seen in the wall, adjacent to the sanctum sanctorum. Ooragathan is said to fulfill the wishes of unmarried and childless couple. This temple is famous for payasam. People with sarpa dosham, childless couple and unmarried come here, worship Ooragathan, and offer ‘payasam’ (milk kheer) to Him and partake the payasam prasadam. It is believed that they will be relieved of all doshams.

When I asked the priest about Ooragathan, he said Mami, for Vaishnavas everything is 'Bhagavad Sankalpam' and we need not ask anything to HIM. Yes! Faith in HIM and total surrender! 

Ulagalantha Perumal and Ooragam are together considered as one Divyadesam.

Temple 2 - THIRUNEERAGAM

Moolavar : Jagadeeswara perumal
Thayar : Nilamangai thayar
Theertham : Akrura theertham
Vimanam: Jagadeeswarar vimanam

Prathyaksham: Akrura
Mangalasasanam: Thirumangaiyazhwar (2059)

Water(neer) is essential to life on earth. Water flows even through a small hole. Similarly Lord flows  into the hearts of devotees and fill their soul with devotion. Hence the name "Thiru Neeragathan and Jagadeeswara Perumal".

Temple 3 - THIRUKKAARAGAM

Moolavar : Karunakara perumal
Thayar :Padmamani  thayar, Ramamani thayar
Theertham : Agraaya theertham
Vimanam: Vamana vimanam

Prathyaksham: Kaarha maharishi
Mangalasasanam: Thirumangaiyazhwar(2059)

Clouds give rain to the world and does not expect anything in return. Similarly, Perumal is dark as clouds (kaar) and does not expect anything in return and showers HIS karunai (courtesy) to the devotees. Hence the name "Karunakara Perumal and Thirukkaaragam". HE is seated on Adisesha, facing south, with four hands and left leg folded.

Temple 4 - THIRUKKAARVANAM

Moolavar : Kaarvaanar, Kalvar
Thayar : Kamalavalli thayar. Thamaraiyaal
Theertham : Gowri thadakam, Tharathara theertham
Vimanam: Pushkala vimanam

Prathyaksham: Goddess Parvathi
Mangalasasanam: Thirumangaiyazhwar(2059)

Moolavar Kaarvanar, also called as Sri Kalvar is facing the west, in standing posture. The sky with black clouds gives rain to the world  for all the living things to survive. Sriman Narayanan is the sky with black cloud and helps all living things to survive. Hence the name "Kaar Vaanakkalvar".

Other sannidhis: Vishwaksenar, Garudan,Andal,Alwars and Acharyas 

Festivals: Brahmotsavam, Navarathri, Vamana Jayanthi

Temple timings: 7 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm

THIRU KALVANUR / SRI ADHI VARAHA PERUMAL TEMPLE / கண்ணுக்கினியன கண்டோம் 16

Temple - Thirukkalvanoor - Sri Adhi Varaha Perumal Temple (Kanchipuram) 
(Inside Kamakshi Amman temple) 

Moolavar - Adhi Varaha Perumal, Kalvan 
Thaayar - Anjilaivalli Nachiyar
Prathyaksham - Sage Aswaththa Narayanan, Mahalakshmi
Mangalasasanam - Thirumangai azhwar - 1 pasuram (2059)

About the temple - Moolavar is Sri Adhi Varaga Perumal (named as Kalvan) graces us in Nindra thirukkolam, standing posture, with 'abhaya hastham' facing west. There is no separate shrine for Thaayar. It is believed that Thaayar is merged with Perumal as in Thiru Nilathingal thundam temple. This Divyadesam is located inside Kamakshi Amman temple in a small niche like sannidhi in between a pillar. Poojas are being performed by Shivacharyas. If we ask the priest, they show Perumal through a mirror. Pushkarini is Nithya pushkarini and Vimanam is Vamana vimanam. Pushkarini is also not seen. 

Sthala puranam - Legend says, once when Goddess Kamakshi, and Goddess Lakshmi were taking bath in Kamakoshtam pond, Lord Narayana hid Himself  behind a pillar and was hearing their speech. Goddess Kamakshi found that Lord  Narayana is hearing them by hiding Himself and called Him by the name 'Kalvan'.  It is also believed that on the request of Goddess Kamakshi, Perumal gave her HIS Darshan in all HIS 3 forms Nindra, Irundha and Kidantha Thirukkolam i.e, standing posture, sitting posture and lying down posture. 

Festivals: Vaikunta ekadasi, Navarathri

Temple timings: 6 AM to 12.00 noon and in the evening from 4.00 PM to 8.30 PM.
Address: Sri Kalva Perumal Swami Temple, Thiru Kalvanur, 
Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kancheepuram.

THIRU PAADAGAM (KANCHI) / SRI PANDAVAR THOODHA PERUMAL TEMPLE / கண்ணுக்கினியன கண்டோம் 14

 

Divyadesam - Thiruppaadagam (Kanchipuram)

Moolavar - Sri Pandava Dhoothar
Thaayar - Rukmini, Sathyabama
Vimanam - Vedha kodi vimanam,
Theertham - Mathsya theertham
Prathyaksham - Janamejayan, Haareetha muni
Mangalasasanam :
Bhoodathazhwar - 1 Pasuram. (2275)
Peyazhwaar - 1 Pasuram. (2311)
Thirumazhisai Azhwar - 2 Pasurams (814,815)
Thirumangai Azhwar - 2 Pasurams. (1541,2674)
Utsavams: Six daily rituals are done. Other significant festivals are Sri Krishna Jayanthi, Deepavali, Vaikunta Ekadasi and all Ekadasis

About the temple (Sthala puranam) - The temple is in Periya Kanchipuram near Gangaikondan mandapam. Moolavar 'Sri Pandava Thoodhar' is in Veetrirundha thirukkolam (sitting posture), sitting majestically, with His Thirumugam facing east. Moolavar is very gigantic, 25 feet tall, and gives seva in Viswaroopam. As Sri Krishna went as a messenger ( Thoodhar) to the Pandavas, he is known as Pandavar Thoodha Perumal. Thaayaar Rukmini is in a separate shrine. Chakrathazhwar sannadhi is also there.

Legend:
Vaisambhayana was telling Mahabharatha story to Janamejayan. He heard that Sri Krishna went to Hasthinapur as Thoodhar for Pandavas, and showed HIS Viswaroopam, when Duryodhana asked Krishna to sit in a chair with a hole in the middle and above a pit. On hearing this, he got a desire to see HIS Viswaroopam. So, janamejayan came to Kanchi and did Ashwametha Yagam. After the poornahoodhi, Bhagawan gave Viswaroopa darshan to janamejayan as Pandavar thoodhar. (Thoodhar means messenger).

Temple Timings: 7 A.M.- 11 A.M and 5 P.M. to 8 P.M.

Temple address:
Sri Pandava Thoodhar Perumal Temple,
Pandavaperumal Koil St,
Periya Kanchipuram,
Thirupadagam,
Tamil Nadu 631502

THIRU NILATHINGALTHUNDAM (KANCHI) / SRI NILATHINGAL THUNDATHAN PERUMAL TEMPLE / கண்ணுக்கினியன கண்டோம் 13

Pic.courtesy: FB share

Pic.courtesy: Google apps

Divyadesam - Thiru Nilathingalthundam  (Kanchipuram)
Moolavar - Sri Nilathingal Thundathan Perumal, Chandrasooda Perumal
Thaayar - Naer oruvarillavalli, Chandrasoodavalli, Nilathingal thundaththaayaar (No separate shrine)
Vimanam - Purushasuktha Vimanam
Theertham - Chandra Pushkarini
Prathyaksham - Lord Siva and Parvathi
Mangalasasanam - Thirumangai Azhwar -1 Pasuram

நீரகத்தாய்! நெடுவரையின் உச்சி மேலாய்!
நிலாத்திங்கள் துண்டத்தாய்! நிறைந்த கச்சி
ஊரகத்தாய் ஒண்துறைநீர் வெஃகாவுள்ளாய்
உள்ளுவார் உள்ளத்தாய்! உலகமேத்தும்
காரகத்தாய்! கார்வானத்துள்ளாய்! கள்வா!
காமரு பூங்காவிரியின் தென்பால் மன்னு
பேரகத்தாய்! பேராது என் நெஞ்சினுள்ளாய்!
பெருமான் உன் திருவடியே பேணினேனே
           - திருமங்கை ஆழ்வார் - திரு நெடுந்தாண்டகம் (2059)

Utsavams:
Pournami poojas, Purattasi Saturdays, and Vaikunda Ekadasi

About the temple (Sthala puranam) - The temple is located 'inside' Ekambareswarar Temple. Moolavar “Nilatthingalthundathan” blesses the devotees in the first prakara in Nindra Thirukkolam, standing posture, under the Purusha Suktha Vimanam, facing west, with 'abhaya hastham'. There is no separate shrine for Thaayar. It is believed that Thaayar is merged with Perumal. Poojas are being performed by Saivite Shivacharyas.

Once Goddess Parvathi was  doing penance under a mango tree here. To test Her devotion, Lord Shiva opened His third eye and set fire on the tree. Parvathi prayed Her brother Vamana murthy, and  Vishnu saved her by the cold rays from HIS eyes on Her, and also the tree turned green again. As Perumal showered HIS cold rays on Parvathi, cut the hot rays and cooled the heat emitted by Lord Shiva's third eye, HE is being worshipped as “ Nila Thingal Thundathan”. Another story says, when Shiva drank the poison while churning the milky ocean for nectar, Perumal was pleased and showered His cold rays of 'kataksham' as cool as of the full moon, on Shiva, hence HE is being worshipped as "Nila Thingal Thundathan".

People suffering from skin and stomach diseases and who have excess body heat pray to this Perumal and get cured.

Temple Timings:

6 am to 11 am ; 5 pm to 8 pm.

Temple address: 
Nilathunda Perumal Thirukkoil,
Car St, Periya Kanchipuram,
Nilathingal Thundam, Kancheepuram - 631502
Kancheepuram District.

Tamil Nadu.

THIRUPPAVALAVANNAM (KANCHI) / PACHAIVANNAR, PAVALAVANNAR TEMPLES(KANCHI) / கண்ணுக்கினியன கண்டோம்-11/12

Thiruppavalavannam temple is one among the 108 divyadesams. It is categorised under Thondai naadu divyadesams. This divyadesam is a combination of two temples, Sri Pachai vannar and Sri Pavala vannar, and the only one divyadesam, where Lord Vishnu is praised by his colour. A few metres away is Pachai Vanna Perumal temple. Pachaivannar temple is not a divyadesam, but both these temples are considered as a single divyadesam and worshipped together. So I have written about both the temples in this post.

Divyadesam - Thiruppavalavannam (Kanchipuram)
Moolavar - Thiruppavalavannar
Utsavar - Sri Pavalavannar with Sridevi,bhoodevi as consorts
Thaayar - Pavalavalli (separate shrine)
Vimanam - Pravaala vimanam
Theertham -Chakra theertham
Prathyaksham - Aswini kumaras, Parvathy, Bhrugu Maharishi
Mangalasasanam - Thirumangai azhwaar - 1 pasuram (2060)

வங்கத்தால் மாமணி வந்துந்து முந்நீர்
மல்லையாய் மதிள் கச்சியூராய், பேராய்
கொங்கத்தார் வளங்கொன்றை யலங்கல் மார்வன்
குலவரையான் மடப்பாவை யிடப்பால் கொண்டான்
பங்கத்தாய் பாற்கடலாய் பாரின் மேலாய்
பணி வரையினுச் சியாய் பவள வண்ணா
எங்குற்றா யெம்பெருமான் உன்னை நாடி
யேழையே னிங்ஙணமே யுழிதருகேனே
       - திருமங்கையாழ்வார்- திருநெடுந்தாண்டகம் (2060)

Utsavams - The Vaikasi Brahmotsavam, celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June), and Vaikunta Ekadashi celebrated during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January), Pavithrothsavam in Tamil month Panguni (Mar-Apr)Other Sannadhis – Andal, Azhwar & Acharyas

About the temple(Sthala puranam) - The temple is said to have been built by the Pallava king Nandivarman II.

Moolavar is Sri Pavalavannar/ Pravaalavarnar (named as He is red as a coral). Also called as “Paramapadhanathar”. The Lord is in Veetriruntha thirukkolam, sitting on Adhiseshan, with His Thirumugam facing west. Thayar Pavalavalli is in a separate shrine.

Once Lord Brahma conducted a yagna without His consort Saraswathi. So, Goddess Saraswathi got angry and sent asuras to obstruct the yagam. Lord Brahma prayed to Lord Vishnu to protect the yagna. Vishnu battled with the asuras and protected the yagna and was with blood of asuras all over the body, seen as coral in colour and hence the name, Pavalavanna perumal, the Coral coloured Lord.

Address:Thiru Pavala Vannar Devasthanam,
Kalander Street,
Kanchipuram – 631502.

TEMPLE - THIRU PACHAI VANNA PERUMAL TEMPLE (Kanchipuram)

Temple - Thiru Pachai Vanna Perumal Temple (Kanchipuram)

Moolavar - Thiruppachaivannar
Utsavar - Sri Pachaivannar with Sridevi,bhoodevi as consorts
Thaayar - Maragathavalli thayar (separate shrine)
Prathyaksham - Sage Mareechi
Other Sannadhis - Andal, Azhwar & Acharyas, Anjaneya Festivals – Vaikasi Visakam, Ani Thirumanjanam, Vaikundha Ekadashi

About the temple(Sthala puranam) - Moolavar is Sri Pacchai Vanna Perumal/Maragathavannar (named as He is Emeral green in colour) graces us in Nindra thirukkolam, standing posture. Thayar Maragathavalli is in a separate shrine.

Once Sage Bhrughu performed a yagna praying to Lord Vishnu. Please by his yagna, Lord Vishnu granted him a boon. Sage Bhrughu prayed to Lord Vishnu and asked for a boon to have Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi as his daughter. The Lord blessed Sage Bhṛgu with a daughter Bhargavi who was Sri Mahalakshmi, and Lord Vishnu married Bhargavi, in this sacred place.

In this temple Lord Pachai Vanna Perumal gave dharshan as Lord Rama to Sage Marichi.

Address:Thiru Pachai Vannar Devasthanam,
Big Kamala Street, Kanchipuram-Chennai road,

Kanchipuram - 631502.