Thirupadagam Sri Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple – Rohini Nakshatra

Address

Thirupadagam Sri Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple, Thirupadagam, Kanchipuram – 631 502.

Diety

Pandava Dhoodha Perumal Amman: Satyabama, Rukmini

Introduction

The temple for pandava doota perumal (Sri krishna) is situated in the heart of Kanchipuram (periya kanchi), very near Ekamranatha temple. The main sanctum enshrining pandava doota perumal is very large, in keeping with the huge size of the deity. It is rectangular in plan with a very high barrel-shaped roof known as bhadra vimana. The original shrine was probably built of brick and later remodelled in stone during the chola period, about the 11th-12th centuries . The maha-mandapa in front of the main shrine also belongs to the chola age as seen from the pattern of the pillars. There is a mukha-mandapa in front, which was constructed, probably later, during the vijayanagara age. This temple is auspicious for people who were born in Rohini star. Rohini devi worshipped at this temple and married the God of moon (chandran). Chandran first married Rohini ( who is representation of knowledge) and then karthigai (representation of fire) out of the 27 stars that he married. Mythological belief is Rohini is coming every day to worship Sri krishna here who has showed her the knowledge and vishwaroopa dharshan. * Rohini Stares: Devotees who were born on Rohini star should visit this temple on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Rohini starrers seek association with learned scholars and are majestic in appearance. They are fond of touring. They are religious, follow rituals and love fine arts as music and dance. They are popular. Lord Sri Krishna graces sitting under the Badra Vimana (tower above the sanctum).

Puranic Significance

The story that Darmaputra lost his land to Duryodhana in gambling is popular even among lay men in India. According to a compromise reached then, Pandavas had to get back their share after 13 years of a life in exile including one year incognito. Duryodhana refused to comply with the conditions of the pact when Pandavas claimed their right after fulfilling the conditions. To ensure peace and avoid perennial enmity, Lord Krishna took up a mission to Duryodhana to have at least five houses for Pandavas. Duryodhana was adamant and refused Krishna’s suggestion. Also, as advised by Sakuni, he dug a deep pit, placed wrestlers in, covered the pit with blankets and placed a chair for Krishna. When Lord Krishna sat on the seat, as expected, the chair went in and the wrestlers began to work. But they were even collectively unable to bear the weight of Krishna and were killed. Krishna grew taller with anger and revealed His furious Vishwarupa to the blind Dritharashtira, father of the wicked Duryodhana and warned them of the consequences. Thus the Lord became Pandava Dhooda. After the Kurukshetra war, Pandavas’ grandson Pareekshit ascended the throne and begged Acharya Vysampayana to tell him the story of his ancestors. Sage Vysampayana explained this Vishwarupa episode to the king. He also sought the advice of the sage to have this darshan of the Lord. He came to this place, performed penance on Lord Krishna in Kancheepuram and achieved his wish – the Vishwarupa darshan – in this sacred land.

Beliefs

It is a rarest of the rare form in this temple that 25 feet tall Lord Krishna graces from the sanctum sanctorum in a sitting form.

Special Features

It is the belief of the devotees that Rohini starrers would cross over any problems if they pray Lord Pandava Dhoodha in the temple. Rohini starrers are believed to have bright future and great fortune if they visit this temple during Ashtami Rohini and Krishna Jayanthi festivals.