Vittalapuram Premika Vittala Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Vittalapuram Premika Vittala Temple, Vittalapuram, Kanchipuram District Mobile: +91 – 92458 94065

Deity

Premika Vittala (a form of Lord Krishna) Amman: Rukmini and Satyabama

Introduction

The Premika Vittala Temple at Vittalapuram is an important historical site under the Archaeological Survey of India. Located near the famous tourist town of Mamallapuram in South India, the temple is dedicated to Vittaleshwarar (also known as Premika Vittala), a form of Lord Krishna. The temple is associated with Muralidhara Swamigal, who played a significant role in its restoration and upkeep. Another notable location nearby is Bairahi Madam, about 3 km away, which is linked to the temple through legends, and has ties to the Perumal Temple of Sathurangapatnam. The temple is situated on the ECR (East Coast Road), 2 km from Pudupattinam, after Mahabalipuram.

Puranic Significance

The Premika Vittala Temple was constructed during the reign of Krishnadeva Raya, the Vijayanagara emperor, in the early 16th century CE. It was built by the emperor’s representative, Kondaiya Chola Maharaja.
The main deity, Premika Vittala, is depicted with both hands resting on his hips. A unique feature of this temple is the presence of both Rukmini and Satyabhama, the two consorts of Lord Krishna. Unlike most Vittala temples, which typically feature only Rukmini, this temple enshrines both consorts alongside the deity.
The temple follows the Vijayanagara architectural style and houses several sub-shrines dedicated to Goddess Santana Lakshmi, Ramanujar, Vishwaksenar, Srinivasa Lakshmi, and Varadarajar Lakshmi.
The temple has the traditional elements of a flag post, Bali Peeta, and Garuda idol, all positioned facing the main shrine.
The idol of the main deity is renowned for its exquisite beauty.
The Vittala Temple is most famous in Pandarpur (Maharashtra), where Panduranga Vittala is worshipped. This temple, however, has a distinct focus on the worship of Vittala as a manifestation of Shiva (Shiva’s version of Vishnu), and as such, Shivaratri holds more significance here than Vaikunda Ekadashi.
The temple is also known for its emphasis on Nama Sankeerthanam (devotional singing and chanting) and features bronze idols of Vittala, Rukmini, Sathyabama, and Santana Lakshmi, along with Gopala Krishna.

Special Features

The temple faces east and features a Mottai Gopuram (a simple, dome-like entrance).
Opposite to the main temple is the Anjaneyar Sannadhi.
Behind the Mottai Gopuram are the Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam (flag post), and Garuda.
The main deity, Moolavar Vittalar, is enshrined with his consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama.
The temple’s prakaram (outer courtyard) houses several important deities and figures, including Sri Santana Lakshmi Thayar, Sri Srinivasa Perumal, Sri Varadharaja Perumal, Sri Ramanujar, and Sri Vishwaksena. There are also old, headless statues of Rukmini and Satyabhama.
The sanctum sanctorum consists of the sanctum, antarala (vestibule), artha mandapam (anteroom), and mukha mandapam (front hall). The sanctum is elevated about 4 feet above the ground level, with steps on both the south and north sides of the mukha mandapam.
The mukha mandapam is supported by four pillars and features kapothabandha adhisthana (a style of foundation).
The main sanctum is built on an upana and Padmabandha adhisthana, with kostas/niches on the walls that house additional idols.
The temple has a two-tier stucco vimana (tower) above the sanctum, made of brick and mortar, with minimal stucco images.

Festivals

The temple celebrates Ekadasi with grand poojas every month. On these days, the temple hosts Sampradhaya Nama Sankeerthanam Bhajans from 9 AM to 1 PM, filling the temple with devotional songs and music.