Sri Deepa Prakasar Perumal Temple, Sri Vilakkoli Perumal temple

TamilNadu, Kanchipuram, Chennai

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.

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.

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

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.