Thiruvekka Sri Sonnavannam Seitha Perumal (Yathothkari )Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Thiruvekka Sri Sonnavannam Seitha Perumal (Yathothkari )Temple, Thiruvekka ,Ennaikaran, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501

Deity

Sonnavannam Seitha Perumal, Amman: Komalavalli

Introduction

• Tiruvekkaa Temple, also known as Yathothkari Perumal Temple (locally called Sonnavannam Seitha Perumall), is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
• The temple follows the Dravidian architectural style and is celebrated in the Divya Prabandha, the Tamil canon of Azhwar saints from the 6th to 9th centuries AD.
• It is one of the 108 Divyadesams dedicated to Vishnu, with Lord Vishnu worshipped as Yathothkari Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Komalavalli.

Puranic Significance

• Tiruvekkaa Temple is one of the three oldest Vishnu temples in Kanchipuram, alongside the Ulagalantha Perumal Temple and Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple.
• It is believed to have been constructed by the Pallavas in the late 8th century AD, with later contributions from the Medieval Cholas and Vijayanagara kings.
• The temple walls bear three inscriptions, two from the reign of Kulothunga Chola I (1070-1120 CE) and one from Rajadhiraja Chola (1018-1054 CE).
• The temple is enclosed by a granite wall, with a three-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower).
• A popular legend associated with the temple tells of an argument between Saraswathi, the consort of Brahma, and Lakshmi over superiority. Indra, the king of celestial deities, judged Lakshmi as superior, and Brahma also supported this decision. Saraswathi, displeased, withdrew and caused a disturbance during Brahma’s penance. Vishnu intervened, and Saraswathi ultimately accepted her defeat, submerging herself as the river Vegavathi. The river’s path was obstructed by Vishnu, which led to the naming of the temple’s deity as Vegasetu (a name linked to the river’s course).

Beliefs

• Devotees believe that Yathothkari Perumal (Sonnavannam Seitha Perumal) listens to their grievances and grants them fulfillment of prayers, following the tradition of the Alvar saints.

Special Features

• The central shrine features the image of the presiding deity, Sonnavannam Seitha Perumal, in the Bhuganja Sayanam posture.
• The sanctum faces west and is accessed through a flagstaff and pillared halls, including the Mahamandapam and Ardhamandapam.
• The unique stucco image of the presiding deity depicts Ranganatha reclining on his left hand, a rare posture in contrast to the common right-hand posture seen in other temples.
• According to legend, Perumal originally reclined on his right side but turned to the left after hearing the hymns of Thirumalisai Azhwar.

Festivals

• The temple follows the traditions of the Thenkalai sect of Vaishnavism and the Vaikanasa aagama.
• Priests perform daily rituals and special poojas during festivals, including those honoring the deity’s significance and the temple’s traditions.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thiruvekka

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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