Tiruvelukkai Sri Azhagiya Singa Perumal Temple- Kanchipuram

Address

Tiruvelukkai Sri Azhagiya SingaPerumal Temple, Singaperumal Sannidhi St, Ennaikaran, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501Phone: 096291 82520

Deity

Narasimhar, Amman: Amirtha Valli

Introduction

• Tiruvelukkai Temple, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is celebrated in the Divya Prabandha, a Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD.
• It is one of the 108 Divyadesams, the sacred temples dedicated to Vishnu. In this temple, Vishnu is worshipped as Azhagiya Singar, with his consort Lakshmi worshipped as Amruthavalli.
• Theertham (sacred water) associated with the temple are Kanaga Saras and Hema Saras.

Puranic Significance

• The temple is believed to have been constructed by the Pallavas in the late 8th century AD, with subsequent contributions from the Medieval Cholas and the Vijayanagara kings.
• The temple walls feature three important inscriptions: two from the reign of Kulothunga Chola I (1070–1120 CE) and one from Rajadhiraja Chola’s period (1018–1054 CE).
• A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing the shrines and two bodies of water, with a prominent 3-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower) marking its entrance.
• The name “Velukkai” is derived from two Tamil words: “Vel” (desire) and “Irukkai” (place of stay), meaning the place where Vishnu desired to stay, which later evolved into “Velukkai.”
• The original image of the temple is said to depict Vishnu in an east-facing standing posture as he appeared to Bhrigu Maharishi. Later, he manifested as Azhagiya Singar.
• According to Hindu legend, an argument once broke out between Saraswati, the consort of Brahma, and Lakshmi over superiority. Indra, the king of the celestial deities, sided with Lakshmi, and even Brahma, after hearing Saraswati’s complaints, declared Lakshmi as superior. Saraswati, upset by the decision, withdrew from Brahma, and he performed penance to seek Vishnu’s intervention.
• As Vishnu protected Brahma’s penance, Saraswati sent demons to disrupt it, including the demon Kapalika. To destroy the demon, Vishnu assumed the form of Narhari (half-man, half-lion), ultimately saving the ritual.

Beliefs

• Devotees pray to Perumal (Vishnu) for relief from life’s struggles and challenges.
• It is believed that by performing Tirumanjanam (ritual bathing and offerings) to Perumal and Amruthavalli, devotees can realize their wishes.

Special Features

• The presiding deity in the temple is Narasimhar (also known as Mukunda Nayaka), depicted in a seated posture facing west.
• The temple is located near the Tiruththanka Temple in Vishnu Kanchipuram.
• There are three shrines within the temple: one dedicated to the presiding deity, Azhagiyasingar; one for his consort Amruthavalli; and one for Garuda, the mount of Vishnu.

Festivals

• The Vaikunda Ekadasi festival, celebrated during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January), is observed with great devotion at Tiruvelukkai Temple.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Tiruvelukkai

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipurem

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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