Vaikundavasa Perumal
Sri Vaikundavasa Perumal Temple
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Sri Vaikundavasa Perumal temple is situated in Koyambedu,Chennai,adjacent to Sri Kurungaaleeswarar temple.It is also another one of the oldest temple in Chennai and according to inscriptions, it is 1500 years old. During 12th century this temple was developed by Kulothunga chozha and Vijayanagar kings.It is seen from the ancient scriptures that this place in ancient days was known as Kosai Nagar, Koyattipuram and Prayachithapuram.
When Lord Rama sent the pregnant Sita away suspecting her fidelity based on rumours by a dhobi, Sita went away to some forest called Veesharanyam far away. Sage Valmiki's ashram was said to have been here. She was then taken care of by sage Valmiki. She gave birth to twins Lava and Kusa. They were leading a normal life of hermits.
One day, for conducting Aswamedha Yagna, Lord Rama at Ayodhya sent the Aswamedha horse towards the south. The horse reached this place then known as Kosai Nagar, which is presently called Koyembedu.Lava and Kucha captured the horse and refused to let go. Rama sent a battalion in search of the horse and when the battalion encountered Lava and Kusa, the strong battalion was defeated by the boys and they returned empty handed. Rama's brother Bharatha ,Shatrughna came and were also defeated. Finally an enraged Lakshman came and he was also defeated. A very much puzzled Lord Rama then came and started a fierce battle with the boys Lava and Kusa.Sage Valmiki then revealed to the children the identity of Sri Rama as their own father and Sri Rama also realised that they are his sons. Sage Valmiki requested Rama to stay there and Maha Vishnu's reincarnation Sri Rama agreed and stayed here as Vaikundavasa. There are several sculptures in this temple highlighting the fact.
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| Inside the temple |
The Temple:
The east side of the temple has an unfinished Rajagopuram.
As you enter the temple,there is a bali peedam, a tall copper plated Kodi Maram in the east entrance, and Garudazhwar sannidhi in front of that.
In the praharam you can see three closely arranged trees. Apart from two neem trees there is a Vilvam tree in between these two. People beleive these represent Siva,Parvathi and Narayana and as if Narayana is giving away his sister Parvathi to Siva in the wedding. Vilva tree in a Vaishanvite temple is very rare.
| The three trees Neem,Vilvam,Neem. |
Moolavar Vaikundavasa Perumal with ashta bhujam (four arms) is seen in Nindra thirukolam (standing posture) along with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. There is an idol of Vaikanasa maharishi inside the sanctum. ( He is the one who is beleived to have framed the rules for architecture and worship practices in Vaishnavite temples). This idol of Vaikanasa maharishi is very rarely seen in other Vaishanvite temples. There is a seperate sannidhi for Sri Rama and Sita in front of the moolvar sannidhi. The specialty of Rama and Sita is, they are seen without Lakshmana and Hanuman, dressed in a very simple attire which they were wearing in forests during their Vanavasam and.
In the sannidhi you can the idols of Alwars in a line. Near to that is an idol of pregnant Sita with a lotus on her left hand and next to her is the idols of Lava and Kusa with Sage Valmiki. This is a rare sight which you can not see in any other temples. Thayaar Sri Kanagavalli has a seperate sannidhi on the outer prakaram at the left of the Vaikundavasa Perumal sannidhi. Sri Aandaal shrine is located at the right side.
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| Sthala Puranam |
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| About the trees |
Faith & Beleifs
1.It is beleived that worshipping the tree for 5 weeks and offering a blouse bit to the tree on the fifth week and also giving auspicious things like tamboolam,Kumkum,blouse bits etc to five married women will bring prosperity.
2. Circumbulating the tree for 108 times (or 48 or 27 minimum) is considered auspicious.
3. Tying a Thiru Mangalyam (Mangal Sutra) to the tree on Tuesdays will result in good marriage alliance for the unmarried.
4. Tying a cradle on fridays and worshipping for six weeks, childless parents are blessed with a child.
Temple location It is situated near the market in Koyambedu, Chennai.
Temple Timings The temple is open from 6:30 AM till 12:00 noon and from 4:30 pm till 8:30 pm.
How to reach? Koyambedu is the hub of transport facilities and well connected by Metro rail, buses and easily accessible by cars and autos.
Where to Stay? Chennai has many star hotels,deluxe,semi deluxe and economy hotels.
Contact
Executive Officer
Arulmigu kurungaleeswarar & vaikundavasa perumal Temple,
Sivan koil street,
Koyambedu.
chennai 600107
Phone : 044 24796237
E.mail. kannaiyaheo.chn@gmail.com
Useful data
State: Tamil Nadu
District: Chennai
Famous for: Pilgrimage
Languages: English,Tamil, Telugu
Best Season: Throughout the year. Summer( from May to July) could be very sultry when the mercury shoots to 40 degree celsius.
Weather: Summer 33-42°C, Winter 16-28°C
Altitude: Sea level
