Sri Yathothkari Perumal Koil - Kanchipuram

This is one of the 108 divyadesams of Lord Perumal. This temple is located in Kanchipuram. This is 49th divyadesams. The Moolavar is also known as 'Sonnavannam Seitha Perumal'. This place is also called as Thiruvekka which is in Chinna Kanchipuram

Location :

This temple is located in Kanchipuram and very close to Ashtabhuja Perumal Koil ( 50th Divyadesam) and 2 Kms from Varadaraja Perumal Koil (48th divya desam)

Temple Timings:

Timings are 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM and 5 PM to 7 PM.

Sthala History :

This is 49th divya desam for Lord Perumal and located in Kanchipuram and the place is called as Thiruvekka ( in olden times ). The first of the 12 alwars "PogaiAlwar" was born in this temple Theertham. The first 3 alwars were collectively called as Muthalazwargal who are not known to be born from any human being and Poigai alwar was first among the Muthalazwargal.The exact birth year of Poigai Alwar was not correctly determined. Traditional conviction indicates that he belong to Dwapara yuga while modern analysis on his devotional songs suggest he belong to 7 - 9th century AD.  

It is also said that Namalvar was the first alwar of the Kaliyuga which means all the Muthalazwargal should be of Dwapara yuga. This gives better understanding of the temple history which goes back to Dwapara yuga.

The Theertham were Poigai Alwar was discovered in the lotus flower is still available and it is called as Poigai Pushkarani. Poigai Alwar is considered to be an avataram of counch of Lord Perumal.

This is one of the very oldest temple which might have been there since Dwapara Yuga.

Once Lord Brahma was performing an yagam and asuras went to Godess Sarawathi and Goddess Saraswathi came in a form of Vegathi river flowing very heavily and all Devas and Brahmas went to Lord Hari to protect the yagam. Based on the request, Lord Hari came and placed himself in a reclining position to stop and store the flow of Vegavathi river and saved the yagam of Lord Brahma. The same vegavathi river is termed as Vekka and hence this place is called Thiruvekka

When Thirumazhisai alwar stayed in Kanchi and visited this temple for years performing seiva, he gave a boon to an old lady to become young so that she can serve the temple for longer time. This news reached the Kanchi Pallava king who was amazed with the beauty and married her. As days gone by, king was becomming old while the queen was young due to the boon from Thirumazhisai Alwar. So King went and requested to one of the disciples of Alwar named Kanikannan to give him the boom to become young, however the disciple informed kind that this cannot be given to everyone The King was angry with the refusal and ordered to disciple to move out of Kanchi, when heard this Thirumazhisai alwar also decided to move along with his disciple and came to this temple and asked Perumal to follow him. Upon hearding this from his diciple Lord Perumal followed him and went out of Kanchipuram. 

Once Lord left the place the entire Kanchi was in dark and had several problems. Pallava King released his mistake and went back to Thirumazhisai Alwar and requested him to come back to Kanchipuram. Once Alwar came back, Lord Perumal also came to this temple and reversed his reclining position in the temple where the head will be to the right side of the devotees unline in other shrines where the position will be facing east. Hence the main Moolavar is also called as 'Sonnavannam Seitha Perumal'

Thaayar is Komalavalli Nachiyaar. 

This temple has also had mangalasasanam and hence termed as 108 divya desams for Lord Perumal.

Mangalasasanam:

Pogai Alwar - 4 Paasurams.

Thirumazhisai Alwar - 3 Paasurams.

Nammalwar - 1 Paasuram.

Thirumangai Alwar - 6 Paasuram. 

Total - 14 Paasurams.

Sri Pandavathooda Perumal Koil - Kanchipuram

This is one of 108 divyadesams. This is listed as 57th Divyadesam and located in Kanchipuram in a place called Tiruppaadakam. I visited this temple in the evening around 7 PM and there was no power at that time and inverters were off due to overload. I had ended up using my cellphone flash as a light to navigate inside the temple. I tried my level best to get the pictures but it had come out kind of dark.

Location

This temple is located very close to Sankara madam and just 0.5 Kms opposite to Ekambranathar Perumal Koil in Kanchipuram

Temple Timings

Timings are 6 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM

Sthala History

The sthala history has relation with Mahabaratham. This temple is also very old. Janamejayan was the grandson of Abhimanu and also great grandson of King Arjuna. Janamejayan was the first listener of Mahabaratha story through Vaisampayana who is the son of Vyasa. During the narration, once Lord Krishna went to King Duriyodana to request atleast 5 houses for the pandavas. As per Dharma whoever comes as a messenger should not be harmed, however When Duriyodana came to know about this , he went on to dig a big hole and placed the soldiers in the hole and covered it with the Throne. Since Lord Krishna is the protector of the universe he knows these and showed them his Viswaroopa Darisanam by sitting in the chair. While hearing this narration, King Janamejayan was very eager to see the Viswaroopa Darisanam of Lord Krishna and went on to make a Aswamedha yagam to get the darisanam. Lord Krishna pleased with him and appeared in a similar Viswaroopa Darisanam and per history that darisanam has happened in this place.

                                                           (Image courtesy : divyadesam.com)

The temple has sannidhi's for both Rukumi Thaayar and Sathyabama Thaayar. There are also sannidhi's for Arulalaperumal, Emperumanaar, Chakarathalwar and Lord Narashimar.

As per the sculptures the main lord is also called as Thooda Hari since he went as a messenger to Pandavas.

This temple has also had Mangalasasanam and hence termed as 108 divya desams for Lord Perumal.

Mangalasasanam:

Thirumazhisai Alwar - 2 Paasurams.
Thiru Mangai Alwar - 2 Paasurams.
Bhoodathalwar - 1 Paasuram.
Peiyalwaar - 1 Paasuram.
Total - 6 Paasurams.

Sri Kumarakottam - Kanchipuram Lord Murugar Temple

This is one of the famous Murugar temple located in the center of Kanchipuram, Tamilnadu.The Rajagopuram of this temple is located in the west direction of Kamatchi amman temple. I visited this temple around 7 PM and hence the pictures are not clear.

Location :

This is very close to Kamatchi amman temple and located in Rajavedhi street There is a very narrow by-pass available from Kamatchi amman temple to reach this kumarakottam.

Address :

West Rajavedhi, Kanchipuram ( near sankara madam)

Temple Timings:

6 AM to 12 PM and 3.30 PM to 9 PM

Sthala History:

This temple is one of the oldest temple with history going back to the days of Kanthapuranam which is of 11th century.Kandapuranam is one of the 18 old puranas as per Hindu mythology and it praises Lord Murugar. This is authored by Sri Kachiappa Sivachariyar. The starting line of Kandapuranam was initiated by Lord Murugar himself. Sri Kachiappa Sivachariyar will author the Kandapuranam scripts everyday and used to submit it to the feet of Lord Murugar in this temple. Lord Murugar himself will read and make updates to the puranam in the night. Hence this Kandapuranam is considered to be authoritative account of Lord Murugar himself.

Still the place in the temple where Sri Kachiappa Sivachariar read the Kandapuranam and it is called "Kandapuranam Iyariya Mandapam"

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Murugar punished Lord Brahma since he did not answered the meaning of "PRANAVA MANTRAM" which is "OM". Hence he prisonned Lord Brahma from his duty and took the creation responsibility from Lord Brahma and installed himself in this sanctum in the brahmasasta form.

All Deities of Kanchipuram will pass before Kumara Kottam during their festival procession.

The famous saint Arunagirinathar who authored "THIRUPUGAZH" in praise of Lord Murugar authored "ARIVILAPPITTAR" from this temple.

In early 20th century, Lord Murugar himself came in the form of small boy to guide Saint Pamban Swamigal to reach this temple.


Temple also recently installed a status of Kirupananda Variyar who has spent his life as a devotee of Lord Murugar.

Sri Varadaraja Perumal Koil - Kanchipuram

Location

This temple is located in Chinna Kanchipuram which is also called as Vishnu Kanchi.
Varadaraja Perumal koil is one of 108 divya desams , where one of the 12 Alwars had visited the temple. This temple is located approx 3 kms from Kanchipuram busstand towards chengalpet.

Timing

The temple is open from 6 AM to 12 PM and then 4 PM to 8 PM. After 11 PM , there is an entrance charge of Rs 5.

Sthala History :

This is one of the old temples and beleived to be more than 2000+ years old. Out of 108 divya desams of Lord Vishnu, The "Malai" is referred for Thirupathi, and "Koil" is referred to Srirangam and "Perumal Koil" is referred to this Varadaraja Perumal Koil. Out of 108 divya desams, this is referred as 43rd divya desam.

The name "varadar" means gives the blessings to all, hence the main deity is termed as Varadarajar.

The history of this temple goes like , Lord Brahma wanted to see Vishnu with his four arms and went into penance. He heard a voice directing him to do 100 aswametha yagas.
Lord Brahma was suprised and felt sad since 1 yaga itself will take several years. Again the divine voice, directed Lord Brahma to visit Kanchipuram and requested him to do 1 aswametha yaga which will be equal to 100 yagas due to divine nature of the place.

Lord Brahma went and did the same as directed and Lord Vishnu appeared before Lord Brahma with his four hands.

Main deity is referred as Varadarajar, Perarulalan, Devathirajan, Devaperumal etc. Lord Perumal will be seen with 4 hands and in standing position.This place is also called as Hathigiri as Lord is standing on a small hill which is of 10m height. To see the main deity one has to cross 24 steep steps which indicates 24 meanings in Gayathri Mantram.

This place was also referred as Athiyur since the main deity was made out of Athi maram (fig tree).This deity made out of wood is same as moolavar ( main deity). There is also a unique ritual is followed in this temple. This deity made out of wood is placed in a sliver box and immerssed in the water tank. This water tank is called as Anantha pushkarani. This pushkarani has 2 mandapas and the silver box is immersed in water in one of these mandapas.
The deity is called as Athivarathar and he will be opened once is 40 years to do poojas and will be placed back in the silver box. Last time this was done in 1979 . Next pooja is due at 2019.

Lord Brahma, Naraja Muni, Birugu Muni, Adiseshan and Gajendran have seen the appearance of Lord Vishnu in this place and got his blessings.

Perundevi Thayar temple is near by and the custom is to visit Thayar temple first before visiting Perumal temple.

The main sanctum faces west and can be entered through a 96 feet. Around 11th century Krishnadevarayar build this rajagopuram and then around 16th century Vijayanagar King built the 100 pillar mandapam which is the reflection of architecture at that time.

This temple is rich in collection of architecture and has a hundred pillar mandapam. Though this is called as 100 pillar mandapam, 96 pillars are carved out of stone and 4 pillars are made out of wood. Totally these are referred as 100 pillar mandapam which was build by Chola and Vijayanagara kings

There is a belief that this was first built by pallava king Nandivarman II. Also there is a belief that this temple was built by Chola in 1053 and expanded during Kulottunga Chola I and Vikrama Chola.British Governer general has presented a necklace during Garuda seva and it is referred as clive Maharkandi which is used during special occasions.

One of the speciality of this temple is Gold and Silver lizards. There were 2 sisyas for Gouthama muni who usually gives the pooja water to their Guru. One day while giving the water, Guru found a lizard and immediately cursed them to be lizards. After requests, Guru requested them to request the blessing of Varadaraja perumal in Kanchipuram. As Guru mentioned, these 2 sisyas came and prayed to Lord to get them away from their Guru's curse.

Lord Varadaraja Perumal ordered the Athma of these 2 lizards to go to Vaikuntam and their body will be remained here and indicated Sun and Moon will be the witness for this. Hence there will be a Golden Lizard, Silver Lizard and Sun and Moon. Hence visiting this is important in this shrine.



Azhwar mangalaasaasanam:

Tirumangai Azhwar - 1541, 2050, 2060, 2066
Bhootathazhwar - 2276, 2277
Peyaazhwar - 2307 (pasuram numbers as found in Naalaayira Divya prabhandam)

Divayadesam - Ulagalantha Perumal koil - Kanchipuram

Ulagalantha perumal temple is one of the 108 divayadesams for Lord Perumal. This temple has a uniqueness as it has 4 divadesams with-in its temple.

Location 
Ulagalantha perumal temple is located in Kanchipuram. The temple is very close to Sri Kamatchiamman temple and very near to Kanchipuram bus stand.

Address :
Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram 631 502

Timing:
Open from 6 - 12 PM and 4 PM - 8 PM daily

Sthala History :
Based on the details this is one of the oldest temple and will be atleast 1000-2000 years old.

This temple has the tallest vikraham for Lord Perumal. The moolavar is of 35 feet high and 24 feet wide.
This temple has 4 divyadesams namely 1.Thiruneeragam 2.Thiruooragam 3.ThirukAragam  and 4.Thirukkarvanam.

During the old days, Bali Chakaravarthy who is the grandson of Lord Prahalada was a famous king. Though Bali comes from Asura kula, due to the divinity and blessings of his grandfather he was leading a life in the right way. He had a wish to do Aswamedha yaga and during those days if a kind does 1008 aswamedha yagas he will be ruling the word of Devas.
When king Bali was doing this final yaga, Lord Indra became worried and went to Lord Sriman Narayanan to save him and his position. Though Bali is good kind, since he is coming from asura kula, Lord Sriman Narayanan agreed to save and appeared as small brahmin which is vamana avataram.

Lord Vamana requested Bali to grant him his a wish to get a land measured by him in 3 steps and king Bali agreed to it. Though Bali's kulaguru sukrachariyar warned Bali not to grant the wish, King Bali went ahead and agreed for Lord Vamana's wish. Rightaway Lord Vamana grew in stature and measured the entire earth in one step and measured the entire space in 2nd step and later requested king Bali for 3rd step. Being a staunch devotee , without hesitation King Bali requested Lord Vamana to keep his third step over his head.Though others opposed it, King Bali informed everyone that all the universe is under Lord Sriman Narayan and all living and non-living things in this universe and space belong to Lord Sriman Narayanan, so it is his right to take them back. Hearing this Lord Sriman Narayanan was very happy and kept the 3rd step on King Bali's head and pushed him to Pathala loka which is supreme position in heaven.

Though all these incidents happened in Kerala, the king Bali went to Pathala loka and hence he was not able to see the gigantic view of Lord Vamana and prayed to Sriman Narayanan to bless him to view the gigantic image. Being happy with his prayers, Lord again appeared in this place as Ulagalantha Perumal. However since King Bali was in pathala loka he was not able to view the gigantic image of Sriman Narayanan, hence lord appeared as Adiseshan which is still viewed on the left side of the shrine.

Visiting and praying this temple will help to get rid of ego and superior view of an individual and will also bless the couples to get a child.

This temple also has theerthams which are referred as Naga theertham and Sesha theertham.

This temple has received Mangalasasanam by Thirumangai Alwar and Thirumazhisai alwar.

Deity's in the temple and details of 4 divaya desams with-in this shrine

1.Thiruneeragam
Moolavar - Thiruneeragathan
Thayar - Neelamangai Valli
Theertham - Agroo theertham
Place - Thiruneeragam ( with-in Ulagalantha Perumal Koil )
age - 1000 - 2000 years old

By Thirumangai Alwar
நீரகத்தாய் நெடுவரையின் உச்சி மேலாய் நிலாத்திங்கள் துண்டத்தாய் நிறைந்த கச்சி
ஊரகத்தாய் ஒண்துறை நீர் வெஃகாகவுள்ளாய் உள்ளுவார் உள்ளத்தாய் உலகமேத்தும்
காரகத்தாய் கார்வானத் துள்ளாய் கள்வா காமரு பூங்காவிரியின் தென்பால் மன்னு
பேரகத்தாய் பேராதென் நெஞ்சினுள்ளாய் பெருமானுன் திருவடியே பேணினேனே -=

2. Thiruooragam
Moolavar - Ulagathalantha Perumal , Tiruvikrama Perumal
Urchavar - Peraganathan
Thayar - Amuthavalli Thayar
Vimanam - Sagara Srikara Vimanam
Theertham - Naga theertham
Age - 1000 - 2000 years old
Place - Thiruooragam
Appeared For: Adiseshan, Mahabali

By Thirumangai Alwar
கல்லெடுத்து கல்மாரி காத்தாய் என்றும் காமரு பூங்கச்சி ஊரகத்தாய் என்றும்
வில்லிறுத்து மெல்லியல் தோள் தோய்ந்தாயென்றும் வெஃகாவில் துயிலமர்ந்த வேந்தே என்றும்
மல்லடர்ந்து மல்லரை யன்றட்டா யென்றும் மாகீண்ட கைத்தலத்தென் மைந்தா வென்றும்
சொல்லெடுத்து தன் கிளியைச் சொல்லே யென்று துணை முலைமேல் துளிசோரச் சோர்கின்றாளே.

3.Thirukaargam
Moolavar - Karunagara perumal
Thayar - Pathamamini Nachiyar
Theertham - Agraya theertham
place - Thirukaaragam ( Kanchipuram )

By praying to this perumal, a person will get good knowledge.

4.Thirukarvanam
Moolavar - Karvanaperumal, Kalvar perumal
Thayar - Kamalavalli Nachiyar
Theertham - Kavuri theertham
Place - Thirukaarvanam (kanchipuram)

Though this temple were built by Pallava king, the scriptures were found only from Chola period.The scriptures indicate the tax free gifts to the temple by Rajakesarivarman and also some re-possing the land for the temple. There is also a scripture which indicates that there were around 48,000 attended a meeting by Chola king and indicates the population of Kanchipuram during 13th century