Vada Madurai Adi Kesava Perumal Temple, Thiruvallur

Address

Adi Kesava Perumal Temple, Vada Madurai, Othukottai Taluk, Thiruvallur District – 601 102 Mobile: +91 97887 81862

Deity

Aadhi Kesava Perumal Amman: Sri devi & Bhudevi

Introduction

Location: Vada Madurai Village near Periyapalayam, Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu.
Deity: The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, worshipped as Adi Kesava Perumal, in a standing posture with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi.
Historical Significance: The temple is believed to have been built by the Chola King Rajendra Chola, with inscriptions and sculptures dating back to his reign and that of Rajendra Chola II. The temple’s architecture also features sculptures depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Narasimha Avatars.

Puranic Significance:

The temple was built by King Rajendra Chola to commemorate his victory over the Kingdom of Kosala in Northern India, believed to be the land of Lord Rama.
Initially, Vadivazhagiya Rama was the temple’s presiding deity, but over time, the temple became the abode of Adhikesava Perumal.
The temple’s Utsavar (processional deity) is an ancient idol of Rama, alongside Baratha. This idol is placed in the Sannidhi Mandapam.
The Vimanam (tower above the sanctum) is adorned with colorful images of the Dasavatharam (Ten Avatars of Vishnu).
The Mother Goddess is worshipped as Adi Lakshmi Thaayar, housed in a separate shrine in a seated posture, and the Utsava Thayar is known as Vedavalli.

Unique Features:

The temple’s entrance has an unfinished tower, referred to as Mottai Gopuram.
The 3-Tier Garuda Sannidhi is a distinct feature of the temple.
Artistic sculptures inside the temple depict iconic scenes from the Ramayana, including Rama and Lakshmana’s battle with Lava and Kucha, and Rama’s battle with Ravana.
Inscriptions mention that Rajendra I donated 50 acres of land for betel leaves and nuts cultivation as a wedding gift to Lord Rama.
The temple also has a Pallava connection, visible in the five Rajasimha Stone Sculptures at the entrance, which welcome devotees.

Festivals: The temple celebrates several major festivals, including:

Rama Navami
Kalyana Utsavam
Sri Jayanthi
Vaikunda Ekadesi
Puratasi Saturdays
Karthigai Deepam

These festivals are celebrated with grandeur and devotion, attracting a large number of devotees.

The Aadhi Kesava Perumal Temple is not only an architectural marvel but also a significant cultural and religious site, deeply rooted in the history of the Chola and Pallava dynasties, and revered for its connection to Lord Rama and Vishnu.