Thirumalai Vaiyaavoor Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram
Address
Thirumalai Vaiyaavoor Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Kancheepuram
Then Thirupathi – Thirumalai Vaiyaavoor,
Madurantakam, Chengalpet,
Kancheepuram district – 603308
Phone: +91- 44 – 6747 1398
Moolavar
Prasanna Venkatesa
Amman
Alarmel Mangai Thaayaar
Introduction
Location and Accessibility:
- Located at Thirumalai Vaiyaavoor in Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu.
- Positioned on a hill, known as Then Thirumalai, with 500 steps to climb.
- Alternative access by road for vehicles.
- Approximately 75 km south of Chennai, near Padalam on GST Highway.
Historical and Mythological Significance:
- Ona Dheepam:
- Lamp lighting on Thiruvonam star day recalls a rat rekindling a temple lamp in its past life, leading to rebirth as Emperor Mahabali.
- Mahabali was blessed by Lord Vishnu on Thiruvonam star day, and the tradition of lighting Aganda Dheepam continues.
- Aadhisesan’s Wish:
- Aadhisesan desired to serve Lord Vishnu as an umbrella. His wish was fulfilled here, earning the place the name “Dhakshina Seshagiri.”
- King Thondaiman’s War Victory:
- Lord Vishnu helped King Thondaiman with His Conch and Chakra to win a war.
- Imprints of the chariot and horse are visible on the rocks here.
- Hanuman and Sanjeevi Hill:
- Hanuman worshipped Lord Vishnu here while carrying the Sanjeevi Hill to Lanka.
- The place derives its name “Thirumalai Vaiyaavoor” from Hanuman shifting the hill between hands.
- Brahma’s Lamps:
- Lord Vishnu granted Brahma’s wish for eternal lamps during Kaliyugam, symbolizing continuous Jyothi Darshan here on Thiruvonam days.
- Rama’s Worship:
- Lord Rama worshipped here at Varaaha Theertham after the war with Ravana.
- Sri Ramanuja’s Meditation:
- Ramanuja meditated here, naming the place “Vaikundagiri” and connecting it with his spiritual journey.
Deities and Shrines:
- Main Deity: Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal (Srinivasa Perumal), facing west.
- Goddess: Alarmel Mangai Thaayaar in a separate shrine.
- Aadhi Varaha Perumal:
- Seen with Lakshmi, worshipped first as per temple traditions.
- Separate flagpost and prominence in rituals.
- Additional Shrines:
- Sri Andal, Ramanuja, Chakrathazhwar, Venugopalar, and Lord Rama.
- Anjaneya shrine at the hill base in a flying posture.
Special Features:
- Believed to be 1800 years old.
- Scenic hilltop location offering a view of Varaaha Theertham.
- Unique traditions:
- Offerings to Varaaha Perumal precede others.
- Netra Darshan (eye darshan) on Thursdays without decoration.
- Dwarapalakas feature distinctive earrings: Simha (lion) for Jayan and Gaja (elephant) for Vijayan.
- Procession deities: Srinivasa (Purattasi festival) and Kallarpiran (Chithirai festival).
- Stone carvings and vast prakaram with Garuda Bhagavan as guardian.
Theertham:
- Varaaha Theertham, located at the hill’s base.
- Pilgrims visiting Tirupati are encouraged to worship here for a complete pilgrimage.
Festivals:
- Bhrammotsavam: Celebrated in Chithirai (April-May) and Purattasi (September-October).
- Thiruvonam Star Days:
- Monthly Deepa Dharisanam and Arul Vaakku by the Swamiji.
- Grand celebrations in Aavani and Purattasi with offerings and pujas.
- Annual Padayathra from Chennai to Thirumalai Vaiyaavoor in Purattasi.
Devotional Beliefs:
- Prayers for marriage and children include lighting ghee lamps and offering vastras.
- Relief from bad effects through worship of Aadhi Varaha Perumal.
- Devotees believe the pilgrimage to Tirupati is incomplete without visiting this temple.
This has been extracted from,
Century/Period
1800 Years Old
Managed By
Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)
Nearest Bus Station
Thirumalai vaiyanoor
Nearest Railway Station
Chengalpattu
Nearest Airport
Chennai