Tiruththanka Sri Vilakoli Perumal Temple- Kanchipuram

Address

Tiruththanka Sri Vilakkoli Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram -631 501. Phone: +91- 98944 43108

Deity

Vilakkoli Perumal – Deepa Prakasar, Amman: : Maragathavalli

Introduction

• Tiruththanka (also known as Tooppul or Deepaprakasa Perumal Temple) is located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• The temple is constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture and is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, an early medieval Tamil canon by the Azhwar saints (6th–9th centuries AD).
• It is one of the 108 Divyadesams, dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped here as Deepa Prakasar (Lord of Light), with his consort Lakshmi as Maragathavailli.
• The sacred water associated with the temple is Saraswathi Theertham.

Puranic Significance

• The temple is believed to have been expanded during the reign of the Medieval Cholas and the Vijayanagar kings.
• The temple has inscriptions on its walls from the period of Rajaraja Chola III (1223 CE).
• A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all the shrines and two bodies of water.
• The temple has a two-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower).

Hindu Legend

• According to Hindu legend, there was a dispute between Saraswathi, the consort of Brahma, and Lakshmi over their superiority.
• Saraswathi, dissatisfied with Indra’s judgment that she was inferior to Lakshmi, went to Brahma. Brahma also declared Lakshmi superior, which angered Saraswathi.
• Saraswathi then decided to stay away from Brahma, leading him to perform severe penance and an Aswametha Yagna to appease her.
• Saraswathi tried to disrupt the yagna, but Vishnu intervened, appearing as light to dispel the darkness of the situation.
• As Vishnu appeared as a light source to resolve the conflict, he was named Deepaprakasa Perumal (Lord who shines as light).

Vedanta Desika

• Vedanta Desika (1268–1369 CE), an ardent devotee of Deepa Prakasa Perumal, is mentioned in the temple’s history.
• Desika’s devotion is celebrated in the Saranagathi Deepika, a text composed by him in 59 verses.

Beliefs

• Devotees believe that praying at this temple helps in seeking blessings for children and achieving excellence in education.
• Devotees also perform Tirumanjanam (ritual purification) to Lord Deepaprakasa Perumal and Mother Lakshmi, offering vastras (clothes) upon realizing their wishes.

Special Features

• The temple is situated in Vishnu Kanchi, a significant area in Kanchipuram that houses several other Vishnu temples.
• The temple has a three-tiered rajagopuram, the gateway tower, and a rectangular plan surrounded by brick walls with two precincts.
• The central shrine of the temple houses the presiding deity, Deepaprakasa Perumal, in a sitting posture.
• There are additional shrines for Lakshmi Hayagriva, Andal, Vedanta Desika, and the Alwars.
• The temple is the birthplace of Vedanta Desika and contains a separate shrine dedicated to Lord Hayagreeva, alongside a shrine for Desika.
• The Saraswathi Theertham, the temple tank, is located outside the temple premises.
• A special shrine is dedicated to Vedanta Desika, facing south, with an image in Abhaya Mudra (palm raised in a gesture of protection).
• The temple follows the Vaikhasana Agama.

Festivals

• Lord Varadaraja Perumal’s darshan on His Garuda Vahan to Saint Vedanta Maha Desikan during Vaikasi (May–June) is grandly celebrated.
• The Aavani festival (August–September), where Lord Vilakkoli Perumal visits Desika’s shrine, and the Margazhi festival (December–January), where Perumal honors Desika, are major festivals that attract many devotees to witness the Lord’s grace.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Airport

Chennai

Videos

lightuptemple