In the holy city of Kanchipuram stands the Deepa Prakasar
Perumal temple dedicated to the Lord as the light or jyoti. He is believed to
dispel darkness from the lives of devotees. The temple of Deepa Prakasar was
praised in the hymns of the Alwar saints as the 108 sacred abodes of Vishnu,
making it one of the divyadesams. This place is said to be the birth place of
the great poet and devotee of the Lord, Vedanta Desika. He has a separate
shrine in the temple. The icon of Desikar is believed to be installed by his
son Nayinar Varadhachariar.
Location TamilNadu, Kanchipuram, Chennai
Legend
The legend regarding
the Deepa Prakasar Perumal temple revolves around a yagna conducted by Lord
Brahma. Goddess Saraswathy, angry that she was not a part of it, sent demons to
create obstruction. The Asuras stopped the passage of light to disrupt the yagna.
Since he appeared as a column of light to defeat the demons the Lord is called
Deepa Prakasar Perumal.
This temple is part of the famous Kanchipuram Divya Desam
Yatra.
Architecture
The temple is built in Dravidian style of architecture with
a tiered rajagopiuram or gateway. The sanctum of the temple has the image of
the presiding deity, Deepaprakasa Peruam in sitting posture. There are shrines
for Goddess Maragathavalli, Lakshmi Hayagriva, Vedanta Desika and Alwars. There
is a temple tank outside.
Culture
Kanchipuram, in the state of Tamil Nadu is one of the
important religious places in India and a holy pilgrimage site for both
Saivites and Vaishnavites. Historically, it was a centre for education and
popular for the architectural beauty of its temples. Silk saree weaving is a
major industry and Kanchipuram pattu(silk) is famous all around the country.
Darsan Info
Sri Deepa Prakasar Perumal Temple timings 7:30 AM till 10:00
AM and from 5:00 PM till 7:00 PM
Darsan Dresscode
Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire.
Western dresses are not allowed in the temples of Tamil Nadu
Famous Festival
June - Garuda Savai(May/June)
October - Brahmostavam festival
December - Vaikunta Ekadashi
Temple Rituals
The priests perform regular pujas and rituals to the deity.
Special Rituals
Devotees perform Thirumanjanam to Lord and Goddess offering
clothes on fulfilment their wishes
Additional Info
Hotel Raja Ganapathy
Indian Coffee house
Hotel Srinivasa
Supermarket : Available
Leave a Comment