Thiruppukuzhi Sri Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Thiruppukuzhi Sri Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple, Thiruppukuzhi, Tamil Nadu 631551,Phone: 044 2724 6501

Deity

Vijayaraghavaswamy, Amman: Maragadhavalli

Introduction

The Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple is a Hindu Vishnu temple located in Thiruputkuzhi, a village in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu, India. It lies approximately 7 miles west of Kanchipuram, near Baluchetti Chattiram on the Chennai-Vellore highway. Built in the Dravidian architectural style, the temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, which are sacred temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Here, Vishnu is worshipped as Vijayaraghava Perumal, and his consort, Lakshmi, is revered as Maragathavalli Thayar.

The temple is of ancient origin, believed to have been established by the Pandya kings, with later contributions from the Cholas and Thanjavur Nayaks. It contains inscriptions from the Chola period, indicating its long history. The temple features a five-tier Rajagopuram (gateway tower) and is enclosed by a granite wall, with the temple tank situated to the west.

Puranic Significance

According to Ramayana, the temple is closely linked to the legendary story of Jatayu, the king of birds. Jatayu fought valiantly with the demon Ravana to save Sita from his abduction. During the battle, Jatayu lost his wings but managed to meet Rama and Lakshmana to inform them of Sita’s capture before his death. Rama, moved by Jatayu’s devotion, performed the last rites here. The Vijayaraghava Perumal deity is depicted in a sitting posture holding Jatayu on his thigh, symbolizing the importance of Jatayu’s devotion.

The temple also contains Jatayu Theertham, a spring believed to have been created by Rama’s arrow, which is significant for those seeking children. Women used to take a holy dip here and perform rituals with fried pulses tied to their sarees, believing that if the pulses germinated, their wishes for children would be fulfilled.

Beliefs

• Devotees perform Tharpanam (ritual offerings to ancestors) on new moon days here, with the belief that doing so brings great spiritual merit.
• Childless couples visit the temple and partake in rituals at Jatayu Theertham, where it is believed that the blessings of Vijayaraghava Perumal can help them conceive.

Special Features

• The temple features a Moolavar (main deity) statue of Vijayaraghava Perumal with four hands, holding Jatayu and performing the last rites. Sridevi and Bhudevi, his consorts, are depicted alongside him, with their faces turned towards the Earth in sorrow.
• Margathavalli Thayar has a separate shrine within the temple, and there is also a Sri Ramanuja shrine.
• Jatayu Theertham is a sacred pond behind the temple, where devotees take a dip to fulfill their wishes.
• The temple also holds historical significance, as Ramanuja, the founder of Visishtadvaita philosophy, is believed to have received his early education here.

Festivals

• Brahmotsavam: Celebrated during the Tamil month of Masi (February – March), this is one of the most prominent festivals in the temple.
• Theppotsavam: The float festival, held in Thai (January – February), is another major celebration at the temple.

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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