Koyambedu Sri Kanakavalli Thaayaar Udanurai Vaikundavasa Perumal Temple- Chennai

Address

Koyambedu Sri Kanakavalli Thaayaar Udanurai Vaikundavasa Perumal Temple- Virrugambakkam, Koyambedu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600107 Phone: +91 – 44- 2479 6237, 6569 9626.

Deity

Sri Vaikundavasal Perumal Amman: Sri Kanakavalli

Introduction

Location: Sri Vaikundavasa Perumal Temple is located in Koyambedu, Chennai, adjacent to the Sri Kurungaaleeswarar Temple.
Age: It is one of the oldest temples in Chennai, with inscriptions indicating it is about 1500 years old. The temple was developed further during the 12th century by Kulothunga Chola and Vijayanagara kings.
Ancient Names: The region where the temple stands was historically known as Kosai Nagar, Koyattipuram, and Prayachithapuram.
Thala Virutcham (Sacred Tree): Vilwa and Neem
Theertham (Sacred Water Source): Lava-Kusha Theertham

Puranic Significance

Connection to Lord Rama: According to legend, when Lord Rama banished Sita to the forest due to rumors about her fidelity, she stayed in the forest called Veesharanyam, where Sage Valmiki’s ashram was located. Here, Sita gave birth to her twins, Lava and Kusa, who grew up as hermits.
Aswamedha Yagna: During Lord Rama’s Aswamedha Yagna in Ayodhya, the ceremonial horse wandered into Kosai Nagar (present-day Koyambedu), where Lava and Kusa captured it. A series of battles followed, with Lava and Kusa defeating Rama’s battalion, his brothers Bharatha, Shatrughna, and even Lakshmana.
Rama’s Realization: When Rama himself arrived to fight his sons, Sage Valmiki revealed their identities to each other. Rama, at the request of Sage Valmiki, decided to stay at this place as Vaikundavasa, a form of Maha Vishnu.
Temple Features: The temple has several sculptures that depict these events. At the eastern entrance, there is a Bali Peedam, a tall copper-plated Kodi Maram, and a Garudazhwar Sannidhi. Three closely arranged trees—two neem trees and a Vilwa tree—are also significant, symbolizing Shiva, Parvati, and Narayana, with Narayana symbolically giving his sister Parvati to Shiva in marriage.

Deity and Shrines

Moolavar: Vaikundavasa Perumal, depicted in a rare standing posture with eight arms (Ashta Bhujam), is accompanied by Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. Inside the sanctum, there is also an idol of Vaikanasa Maharishi, the sage who established worship practices in Vaishnavite temples.
Sri Rama and Sita Shrine: This shrine features Lord Rama and Sita in simple attire, as they appeared during their Vanavasam (forest exile), without Lakshmana or Hanuman, which is a unique representation. There are also idols of Sita as a pregnant woman holding a lotus, with Lava, Kusa, and Sage Valmiki nearby—an unusual sight in other temples.
Thayaar Sri Kanagavalli: She has a separate shrine in the outer prakaram, located to the left of the Vaikundavasa Perumal sannidhi. The shrine for Sri Andal is on the right side.

Beliefs

Prayers for Children: Married women pray for children endowed with knowledge and wisdom.
Relief from Sins: Devotees who have knowingly committed wrongdoings seek relief from their sins through worship.
Unmarried Women: On Tuesdays, unmarried women tie a Mangal Sutra to the Parvati Swayamvara tree, praying for marriage.
Virtues and Prosperity: Worship at this temple, where Sita once stayed, is believed to instill virtues of sacrifice, tolerance, and selflessness, ensuring family prosperity.
Lava-Kusa Theertham: The sacred tank, believed to have been created by Lava and Kusa, serves both Sri Vaikundavasa Perumal and Sri Kurungaaleeswarar temples. Devotees use this theertham for purification.

Special Features

Unusual Deity Posture: Unlike typical Vaikunda Perumal temples where the deity is seated, here Perumal is seen in a standing posture with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi.
Rare Depictions: The shrine of Rama and Sita, where they are dressed in simple forest attire, is unique. Sita’s depiction with a Kodali Kondai hairstyle, as she appeared during Vanavasam, is rare.

Festivals

Brahmotsavam: Celebrated in Aani (June-July).
Vaikasana Festival: A 10-day festival held in Aadi (July-August).
Panguni Uthiram: A special festival in March-April celebrating the divine wedding of Lord Rama and Sita.
Tiruvonam Star Days: Special pujas are conducted on days associated with the Tiruvonam star.