Thirukkavithalam Sri Gajendra Varadha Perumal Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Thirukkavithalam Sri Gajendra Varadha Perumal Temple, Mela Kapistalam Post, Kabisthalam, Papanasham Taluk, Thanjur District, Tamil Nadu 614203, Kumbakonam to Thiruvarur Route.

Deity

Gajendra Varadhar(Vishnu) Amman: Loganayaki(Lakshmi)

Introduction

Location: Thirukkavithalam, near Papanasam, Tamil Nadu
Deity: Lord Vishnu (Gajendra Varadha), Consort: Lakshmi (Ramamanivalli)
Architectural Style: South Indian style, part of 108 Divyadesams
Notable: One of the five Pancha-Kannan temples (Krishna prominence)
Historical Contributions: Built by Medieval Cholas (8th century), later contributions from Vijayanagar kings and Madurai Nayaks
Surroundings: Granite wall, shrines, water bodies (Gajendra Pushkarini, Kabila Theertham)
Agama: Vaikanasa Agama

Puranic Significance

King Indrajumnan’s Curse: Cursed by Sage Durvasa to be reborn as an elephant due to neglect during meditation
Elephant’s Salvation: Gajendra, while bathing, was caught by a crocodile (Koohoo), called out “Aadhimoolame”, and Lord Vishnu saved him, granting salvation
Curses of Two Sages: The demon Koohoo turned into a crocodile, and his curse would be lifted when he gripped Gajendra’s leg

Beliefs

Devotional Call: Calling out “Aadhimoolame” is believed to resolve all grievances and grant wishes

Special Features

Location: Kabisthalam, 3 km from Papanasam, 20 km from Kumbakonam and Thanjavur, between the Kaveri and Kollidam rivers
Enclosure: Surrounded by a brick wall with shrines and water bodies
Main Deity: Gajendra Varadhar (reclining posture – Bhujanga Sayanam)
Vimana: Ganganakrutha Vimanam above the sanctum
Separate Shrines: For Ramanavalli (goddess), Yoga Narasimhar, Sudarsana, Garuda, and Azhwars
Sacred Water Bodies: Gajendra Pushkarini, Kapila Theertham