Thirukkalvanur Sri Kalvaperumal Swamy Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Thirukkalvanur Sri Kalvaperumal Swamy Temple, Thirukkalvanur Kamakshi Amman Sannathi St, Periya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502,Phone number: +91 44-3723 1988, 93643 10545

Deity

Kalvaperumal, Amman: Anjali Valli

Introduction

The temple is dedicated to Mother Kamakshi and Lord Kalva Perumal, with rituals and pujas influenced by Mother Kamakshi’s supremacy in the region.
Special rituals include performing the Abishek to Kalva Perumal with a unique oil called Sambiranai Thailam.
The temple holds significant ties to stories of Emperor Dasaratha, who worshipped Mother Kamakshi and Kalva Perumal before his yajna seeking a son, as advised by Kalva Perumal.
Sage Durvasa, a Lord Shiva devotee, also worshipped Lord Kalva Perumal here.
The temple complex includes the Gayatri Mandap in the Kamakshi shrine, which is where devotees can sit and worship together to promote harmony in relationships, especially for brothers and sisters.

Puranic Significance

A conversation between Lord Vishnu and Mother Mahalakshmi leads to a significant story about beauty and pride. While Mahalakshmi prided herself on her beauty, Lord Vishnu advised her that true beauty lies within the mind, not external appearances. In her pride, she is cursed to become formless.
To regain her original form, Mahalakshmi performs penance in Kancheepuram, where she becomes incredibly beautiful, catching Lord Vishnu’s attention.
The name “Kalva” for Lord Perumal originates from a story where Lord Vishnu overheard a conversation between Kamakshi and Mahalakshmi, leading to His hiding and then calling Kalva (hiding like a thief).
Lord Kalva Perumal is worshipped in the Gayatri Mandap, while Mahalakshmi appears in a two-armed form on one wall, symbolizing the shedding of her pride. Another formless Aroopa Lakshmi form is found behind the Kamakshi Sanctum.
Devotees are encouraged to first worship the Aroopa Lakshmi Thayar form to conquer pride before proceeding to worship Lord Kalva Perumal and Mahalakshmi.

Beliefs

Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Vishnu and Mother Mahalakshmi together brings prosperity and professional growth.

Special Features

The presiding deity, Lord Kalva Perumal, graces in a standing form, while Mother Mahalakshmi appears in a worshipping posture.
The temple’s vimana-tower is of Vamana design, adding to the temple’s unique architectural features.

Festivals

The annual festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of Masi (mid-February to mid-March), with prominent events like the Chariot Festival (Ther) and Float Festival (Theppam).
Other festivals include Navaratri, Aadi and Aippasi Pooram, Sankara Jayanthi, and Vasanta Utsavam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi.
Fridays are considered sacred, with special emphasis on the Fridays of Adi and Thai months.