Kooram Aadhi Kesava Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Kooram Aadhi Kesava Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram Kooram, Kanchipuram Taluk, Kanchipuram District – 631 558 Mobile: +91 97103 21166

Deity

Aadhi Kesava Perumal, Koorathazhwar.

Introduction

• Location: Kooram Village, near Kanchipuram City, Tamil Nadu.
• Temple Complex: Consists of two temples:
  1. Aadhi Kesava Perumal Temple (dedicated to Lord Vishnu).
  2. Koorathazhwar Temple (dedicated to Koorathazhwar, an important Vaishnavite Guru).

Puranic Significance

• Koorathazhwar (Kuresa/Srivatsanka Mishra):
  • Chief disciple of the Vaishnavite acharya Ramanuja.
  • Born in 1010 A.D. in Kooram to an affluent family of the Haritha clan.
  • Married to Andal; known for philanthropy and devotion to Lord Varadaraja Perumal.
  • Became a disciple of Ramanuja, assisting in spiritual studies and temple management.
  • Renounced worldly possessions to serve Ramanuja after a significant divine experience.
  • Memorized and later recalled the Bodhayana’s vritti Brahma Sutras, aiding in the composition of Sri Bhashya.
  • Known for works like Sri Vaikunta Stavam, Athimanusha Stavam, Sundarabahu Stavam, Varadaraja Stavam, and Sri Stavam (collectively known as Panchastavee).
  • Endured persecution for his beliefs; showed immense devotion and sacrifice for Ramanuja.

Special Features

• Temple Complex Overview:
  • Both temples believed to be over 1000 years old.

Aadhi Kesava Perumal Temple

• Orientation: East-facing with a single prakaram.
• Key Features:
  • Dhwaja Sthambam, Balipeedam, and Garuda facing the sanctum.
  • Presiding Deity: Aadhi Kesava Perumal (standing posture), along with consorts Sri Devi and Bhoodevi.
  • Utsava Idol: Exact replica of Aadhi Kesava Perumal.
  • Mother: Pankaja Valli Thayar (sitting posture in a separate shrine).
  • Shrines for:
    • Goddess Andal
    • Chakrathazhwar with Narasimha
    • Swayambhu Hanuman
    • Desikan (separate exterior shrine).

Koorathazhwar Temple

• Orientation: South-facing with a three-tiered Rajagopuram.
• Key Features:
  • Presiding Deity: Koorathazhwar (sitting posture).
  • Believed that the room where he was born was converted into his shrine.
  • Utsava Idols: Bronze idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman (around 1000 years old).
  • Surrounding walls depict paintings of Koorathazhwar’s life.
  • Shrines for:
    • Manavala Mamunigal
    • Senai Mudalvar
    • Pillai Lokacharyar
    • Ramanuja
    • Parasara Bhattar
    • Nammazhvar
    • Thirumangai Azhwar.

Festivals

• Celebrated Festivals Include:
  • Chithirai: Udaiyavar Satrumurai.
  • Vaikasi: Nammazhvar & Parasara Bhattar Satrumurai.
  • Aani: Sudarshana Jayanthi; Adipooram.
  • Avani: Sri Jayanthi.
  • Purattasi: Maha Navami.
  • Aippasi: Manavala Mamunigal, Vishwakasena & Pillai Lokacharyar Satrumurai.
  • Karthigai: Thirumangai Azhwar Satrumurai & Thiru Karthigai Deepam.
  • Margazhi: Margazhi Utsavam, Bhogi Serthi & Azhwar Thiru Nakshatram.
  • Thai: 13 days Azhwar Utsavam.
  • Masi: Dhavana Utsavam.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Kooram

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipuram junction

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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