Villivakkam Sowmya Damodhara Perumal Temple, Chennai

Address

Konnur, Villivakkam,

Chennai – 600 049

Phone: +91 44 2617 3306 / 2617 0456 Mobile: +91 94448 07899

Moolavar

Sowmya Damodhara Perumal

Amman

Amirthavalli.

Introduction

The Sowmya Damodhara Perumal Temple, located in Villivakkam, a well-known locality in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Puranic Significance

Historical Significance:

Possible Pandya Connection: While there are no definitive historical records about the temple’s origin, it is believed to have been constructed during the 10th century A.D. Some speculate that the Pandya kings may have been involved in its construction due to the presence of fish symbols on the temple’s roofs.
Dedication to Damodara: The temple is distinctive in that it is dedicated specifically to Lord Vishnu with the name “Sowmya Damodhara Perumal.” The name Damodara holds a special significance in Vaishnava philosophy, as it refers to Lord Krishna’s willingness to be bound by a mother’s love. The name “Sowmya” means “ever-smiling” and “handsome,” reflecting Lord Vishnu’s benevolent and charming nature.

Dwadasa Nama Stotra: The name Damodara is one of the twelve special names of Lord Vishnu listed in the “Dwadasa Nama Stotra.” This particular name signifies Lord Krishna’s childhood pastime when Mother Yasodha attempted to bind Him with a rope, and He allowed Himself to be bound.

Sage Agastya and the Temple: The temple is also associated with a legend involving Sage Agastya. The story goes that two demons, Vilvan and Vatapi, were causing havoc by consuming sages they hosted and then tearing their way out. When Sage Agastya visited them, he cleverly digested Vatapi before Vilvan could call him back, putting an end to their malevolent deeds. As a result, Agastya prayed for Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu to provide darshan at this location. In the Shiva temple, Agastya is known as Agastheeswarar, and in the Vishnu temple, Lord Vishnu is worshiped as Sowmya Damodaran.

Villivakkam’s Origin: The name “Villivakkam” is derived from the names of the two asura brothers, Vilvan and Vatapi, who were slain in the region. The place was initially known as “Konnur” before adopting this specific name, “Villivakkam.”

The temple, with its rich history and architectural beauty, serves as a place of devotion and worship for Lord Vishnu and continues to be a revered religious site in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Beliefs

It is the faith of the devotees that Lord Soumya Damodara Perumal would grant their prayer for a wise child boon. Devotees perform special Tirumanjanam to Perumal and offer Milk Porridge and butter as Nivedhana.

Special Features

Architectural Features:

The temple complex is extensive and includes four large and four small Mada streets surrounding it.
It features a three-tiered Rajagopuram, a beautiful garden on the right, and a sacred tank called Amirtha Pushkarani on the left.
The temple showcases the Pallava style of architecture and occupies an area of approximately 1.35 acres.
Festivals in the temple typically commence in the four-pillared Mahamandapam located outside the temple.
The main deity, Sowmya Damodhara Perumal, faces east and is accompanied by his consorts, Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi, in a standing posture. The deity has a scar on the stomach, symbolizing Lord Krishna’s pastime with Mother Yasodha.
The temple’s Vimana (tower above the sanctum sanctorum) is known as Ananda Vimanam, and it also houses idols of Nammazhvar and Ramanujar, as well as niche images of Azhwars and Ganesha.
There is a separate shrine for the Mother, Amirthavalli, along with shrines for Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. The temple also has a shrine dedicated to Andal, the revered saint-poetess.
Unique engravings of huge fishes are found on the ceilings, and there is a separate Anjaneya (Lord Hanuman) sannidhi near the main entrance.