Sriperumpudur Adikesava Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Sriperumpudur Adikesava Perumal Temple, Sriperumpudur, Kanchipuram District- 602105 Phone: +91 44 2716 2236.

Deity

Adikesava Perumal Amman: Yathirajanatha Valli (Lakshmi)

Introduction

Location:

• Situated in Sriperumbudur, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu, India.

Architecture:

• Constructed in the Dravidian style, showcasing elements from Chola and Vijayanagara architecture.
• Encompasses approximately 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) and consists of two precincts.
• Features a seven-tier gopuram (gateway tower) and is surrounded by 10 ft (3.0 m) high walls.

Puranic Significance

Historical Background:

• The temple is associated with Ramanuja (1017–1137 CE), a prominent Hindu theologian and philosopher, who is considered the leading expounder of Vishishtadvaita philosophy.
• Contains inscriptions from the Vijayanagara Empire dating back to 1572 during Sriranga I’s reign and another from 1556 indicating the gifting of 36 villages to the temple.

Legends:

• Ramanuja was born in Sriperumbudur and grew up under the guidance of Tirumalai Nambi, who worked at Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.
• A significant event involves a king who wanted to punish Ramanuja, but his disciple, Koorathazhwan, helped him escape, leading to Koorathazhwan’s punishment of blindness. This incident is commemorated in a festival where Ramanuja appears in white cloth for Koorathazhwan.
• Another legend recounts Ramanuja’s journey to recover the idol of Narayanapuram, believed to have fallen into his lap by divine grace as a child, commemorated annually in the Chella Pillai Utsavam.
• A king, cursed for the death of a cow by a tiger, undertook penance, and Adi Kesava appeared to relieve him of his curse.

Special Features

• Gold-Plated Vimana: The roof of the sanctum was gold plated in 1912, making it the earliest South Indian temple with such a feature, featuring an image of Sriramanuja inscribed on it.
• Granite Idol: The presiding deity, Adi Kesava, is depicted in a standing posture, made of granite.
• Garuda Shrine: The shrine of Garuda, the vahana (vehicle) of Vishnu, is aligned with the central shrine.
• Worship Hall: The temple includes a worship hall adorned with images of Azhwars on both sides.
• Lakshmi’s Invocation: This temple is unique as Lakshmi takes the name of a devotee here.
• Bhoodakal Hall: Houses the festive images of the presiding deity and his consort during festivals.
• Lack of Separate Sorgavasal: Unlike many temples, this one does not have a sacred entrance way opened during Vaikunta Ekadasi festival.

Festivals

• Chitirai Brahmotsavam: A major festival where the temple car carrying the deities of Adikesava and Yathiraja natha valli is drawn through the streets of Sriperumbudur.
• Masi Pooram Festival: Celebrated during February-March.
• Panguni Uthiram Festival: Celebrated during March-April.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Sriperumbudur.

Nearest Railway Station

Sriperumbudur.

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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