Thirupadagam Sri Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple- Kanchipuram

Address

Thirupadagam Sri Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple- Thirupadakam (Kanchipuram) Periyakanchipuram – 631 502.

Deity

Pandavaduthar Amman: Rukmini

Introduction

• The Pandavathoothar Perumal Temple, also known as Thirupadagam, is located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
• This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, worshipped as Pandava Thoothar Perumal, with his consort Rukmini.
• Built in the Dravidian architectural style, it is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, a Tamil canon composed by the Azhwar saints from the 6th to 9th centuries AD.
• The temple is one of the 108 Divyadesams and is considered one of the three oldest Vishnu temples in Kanchipuram, alongside the Ulagalantha Perumal Temple and Yathothkari Perumal Temple.
• The temple is believed to have been constructed by the Pallavas in the late 8th century AD, with later contributions from the Medieval Cholas, Vijayanagar kings, and the Madurai Nayaks.
• Theertham (sacred water) associated with the temple is Matsya Theertham.
• The temple features three inscriptions: two from the period of Kulothunga Chola I (1070–1120 CE) and one from Rajadhiraja Chola (1018-54 CE).
• The temple has a four-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower) and is enclosed by a granite wall, encompassing the shrines and two bodies of water.

Puranic Significance

• The Pandavathoothar Perumal Temple is regarded as one of the three oldest Vishnu temples in Kanchipuram, alongside Ulagalantha Perumal Temple and Yathothkari Perumal Temple.
• The temple was originally constructed during the Pallava period.
• Inscriptions from the Chola period describe donations and gifts made to the temple, such as the establishment of a flower garden and land purchases by a merchant for the benefit of temple gardens.
• Another inscription from Kulothunga Chola I’s 39th year records gifts of two kalanjus (tax-free gifts) to the temple priest, who was to supply curd daily.
• Rajadhiraja Chola II’s inscriptions from 1166-78 CE document the donation of 32 cows for lighting lamps in the temple.
• The temple is currently maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Beliefs

• Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Krishna at this temple can relieve hardships, especially for those born under the Rohini star.
• It is said that Lord Krishna’s presence here with Viswapada Yoga powers helps energize the 72,000 veins in the body, aiding devotees in overcoming life’s struggles.
• It is recommended to pray on Wednesdays, Saturdays, during the Rohini star days, Ashtami (the eighth day from new moon or full moon), and on the 8th of each month.

Special Features

• The temple is located in Big Kanchipuram, near the Ekambareswarar Temple.
• The main entrance of the temple faces east, and the temple has a rectangular layout enclosed by walls.
• The four-tiered rajagopuram is one of the temple’s architectural highlights.
• The Maha Mandapa is believed to have been built by the Cholas, while the adjacent hall dates from the Vijayanagara Empire period.
• The central shrine features a 25 ft (7.6 m) image of the presiding deity, Pandava Thoothar. This large and historical image of Krishna is depicted in the Arda Padmasana posture, with his right leg bent toward the base.

Festivals

• Two major festivals are celebrated at the temple:
  • Brahmotsavam during the Tamil month of Thai (January–February).
  • Vamana Jayanthi during the Tamil month of Avani (August–September) on the Sravanam star.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thirupadakam

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipurem

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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