Uthiramerur Vaikunda Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Uthiramerur Vaikunda Perumal Temple, Uthiramerur, Kanchipuram District, Tamilnadu- – 603406

Deity

Vaikunda Perumal Amman: Lakshmi as Anandavalli

Introduction

• Location: Vaikunta Perumal Temple is situated in Uthiramerur, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Deity: The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, worshipped as Vaikunta Perumal, with his consort Lakshmi known as Anandavalli.
• Architecture: Constructed in the Dravidian style, the temple is recognized as a heritage monument managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.
• Historical Influence: Inspired by his visit to the temple, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi advocated for improvements to Panchayat Raj, India’s system of local governance in villages.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Background: Uthiramerur has been ruled by various dynasties, including the Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas, Sambuvaraya, Vijayanagara Rayas, and Nayaks.
• Pallava Inscriptions: The temple’s inscriptions indicate that Pallava king Nandivarman II (Pallavamalla) established the village around 730–795 CE and donated it to Vedic Brahmins from the Srivaishnava community.
• Chola Period: The region was later dominated by the Cholas in the late 9th century, with inscriptions from rulers such as Parantaka Chola I, Rajaraja Chola I, Rajendra Chola I, and Kulothunga Chola I highlighting various temple donations.
• Democratic Practices: The temple is noted for inscriptions documenting the democratic election of local representatives through a system called Kudavolai during Parantaka Chola’s reign.
• Vijayanagara Contributions: Emperor Krishnadevaraya also contributed to the Vaikunta temple and other temples in the village.

Special Features

• Temple Area: Vaikunta Perumal Temple covers approximately 0.5 acres (0.20 hectares).
• Sanctum Details: The sanctum houses an image of Vaikuntanatha in a seated posture, flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi.
• Assembly Hall: The temple features a 2,500 sq. ft. (230 m²) assembly hall without pillars, supported by the walls. It is believed that this hall collapsed during Kulothunga Chola’s regime and was subsequently rebuilt.

Festivals

• Major Festivals: The temple celebrates several important festivals, including:
  • Purattasi Brahmotsavam
  • Panguni Uthiram
  • Masi Makam
  • Vaikasi Visakam
  • Thiru Karthikai
  • Vaikunda Ekadashi
  • Sravana Deepam

Century/Period/Age

730–795 CE

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Uthiramerur

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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