Yathothkari Perumal Temple, Thiruvekka Temple,Darshan Information

Yathothkari Perumal Temple, Thiruvekka Temple

26 Jan

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Dedicated to the holiness of Lord Vishnu stands the Yathkothkari temple, one of the oldest temples in the city of Kanchipuram. There are mentions about this temple in Silappatikaram (2nd-3rd century), Patanjali and Tolkāppiyam (3rd century). This is the Birth place of Poigai Alwar, who was one of the famous Vaishnavaite poets of the 7th century. The temple is one among the 108 divya deshams mentioned in the Divya Prbandham by Azhvar saints. The Pallavas are believed to have constructed the shrine, with contributions form the Cholas at the later stage. The inscriptions on the walls, indicate gifting of land, gold, lamps etc by the various Chola kings.

Location TamilNadu, Kanchipuram, Chennai

Legend

The legend about the origin of the temple is associated with Goddess Sarswathi. Angry at Brahma at having chosen Lakshmi as superior over her, Sarswathi,tried to disrupt his 'yaagam' by taking the form of the fast flowing river of Vegavathi. During this time, Vishnu stopped her by sleeping across the river and blocking its flow. Saraswathi, on seeing Vishnu in her path, accepted her defeat. As Vishnu interfered the path of the river, the presiding deity thus got one of his names, Thiruvekka.

In another legend associated with the temple, both Kanikkannan and his mentor Thirumalisai, were banished by the Pallava king whose orders they did not obey. Thirumalisai, an ardent devotee of the Lord here, asked the Bhujangasayana Perumal to accompany them. Their departure left Kanchipuram in darkness. Realising his mistake, the king prayed to Bhujangasayana Perumal to return along with his two devotees. Since the deity obliged to the wishes of his devotees, he is called Yathothkari Perumal.

This temple is part of Kanchipuram Divya Desam Yatra.

Architecture

The temple has two open courtyards and a five tiered gopuram adorned with carvings. The central shrine of the temple has the image of presiding deity, "Sonnavannam Seitha Perumal". The unique feature of the main deity is that unlike other Vishnu temples, the lying posture of the Lord is from right to left. There is a shrine for Goddess Komalavalli. There are also shrines for Rama, Sita, Bhoomidevi and Garuda. The temple has a set of inscriptions associated with Chola dynasty. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all the shrines.

Picture Courtesy: www.kancheepuramonline.in

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.