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
Festivals
- Aadi Poornima Gajendra Moksha Leela: July-August
- Car Festival: Vaikasi Visakam (May-June)
- Brahmotsavam: Along with other Vishnu-related festivals
Century/Period/Age
1000-2000 years old
Managed By
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)
Nearest Bus Station
Thirukkavithalam
Nearest Railway Station
Thanjavur
Nearest Airport
Thanjavur