Thiru Parameshwaram Sri Vaikunda Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Thiru Parameshwaram Sri Vaikunda Perumal Temple, Thiru Parameshwaram, Periya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501, India

Deity

Vaikunthnathan, Amman: Vaikunda Valli

Introduction

• • The Vaikuntha Perumal Temple is one of the oldest temples in Kanchipuram, dating back to the same time as the Kailasanathar Temple.
  • Built in the 6th century by Pallava King Nandivarman, it features similar construction materials and sculptures to other contemporary temples.
  • The temple has a simple entrance without a gopuram and leads to the inner complex through a flat mantapa with carved pillars depicting deities.
  • The temple is an important Divya Desam, one of the 108 sacred Vishnu temples.
  • Originally named “Parameshwara Vishnugriham”, it was later known as Vaikuntha Perumal Koil.
  • The temple structure consists of three sanctuaries on three ascending levels, surrounded by a columned mantapa.
  • The temple is encircled by a colonnade, and the entrance hall is a later addition from the Vijayanagara period.
• Puranic Significance:
  • The Veerochana King, ruler of Vaitherpa desam, prayed to Lord Kailasanathar for children. As a result, Pallavan and Vallavan were born, later known as Dwara Balagars of Vishnu.
  • During an Ashwamedha Yagna, Lord Vishnu appeared as Sri Vaikundanathan in a seated posture, blessing the devotees.
  • This incident led to the temple being known as Vaikuntha Perumal Koil, symbolizing harmony between Vaishnavism and Shaivism.
  • The temple’s Vimanam (roof structure) is Ashtanga Vimanam, with Lord Vishnu depicted in three postures across three levels: Irundha Kolam (seated) on the ground floor, Kidantha Kolam (lying) on the first floor (only accessible on Ekadashi days), and Nindra Kolam (standing) on the top floor (inaccessible to devotees).
• Special Features:
  • The Paramesvara Vinnagaram is an early example of Dravidian architecture.
  • The temple follows a rectangular plan and is approached through a flat granite gateway tower.
  • The Vimana has a stepped pyramidal roof, resembling a Vihara.
  • The three sanctuaries host Vishnu in different postures: seated, lying, and standing.
  • The plan of the temple served as a prototype for larger temples across Tamil Nadu.
  • External cloisters with lion pillars are predecessors of the grand thousand-pillared halls in later temples.
  • Garuda (Vishnu’s eagle mount) replaced the four lions in modern times.
  • Sculptures on the walls depict Mahabharata legends, including Dharmaraja, Arjuna, and Bhima.
  • Built of granite and sandstone, the temple’s three stories were the precursor to temples like Vaikunta Perumal Temple at Uthiramerur, Koodal Azhagar Temple at Madurai, and Rajagopalaswamy Temple at Mannargudi.
  • The temple’s three concentric squares create three stories, with a small passage between each layer.
• Festivals:
  • The most significant festival is Vaikuntha Ekadashi.
  • Other major festivals include Ram Navami and Krishna Janmashtami.

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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