Vaikunta Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram – Second Tier Opens only on Ekadasi – Third Tier Opens only on Vaikunta Ekadasi
Vaikunta Perumal Temple is located near the world famous Kailashnatha
Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The
temple has three tiers. The second tier is open only twice in a month during
the Ekadasi tithi (11th day during the fortnight) and the third tier
is only open on the Vaikunta Ekadasi (December – January – the Ekadasi during
the waxing phase of moon in Tamil Margazhi month.)
The temple is one among the 108 Divya Deshams and is also known as Thiru Parameswara Vinnagaram. Lord Vishnu
is worshipped here as Vaikunthanathan or Sri Paramapadanathan and Mother Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped
as Vaikunthavalli.
Believed to be the first of the Divya Desam temples in Kanchipuram.
Believed to be the first of the Divya Desam temples in Kanchipuram.
Vishnu in Standing – Sitting and Reclining Posture
The first tier of the shrine is open on all days. The
sanctum sanctorum here houses a standing murti of Lord Vishnu
The second tier, which is open only on Ekadasi, houses the
murti of Vishnu in sitting posture.
The third tier, which is open only on Vaikunta Ekadasi,
houses the murti of Vishnu in reclining posture.
Architecture
The shrine is a typical example of Dravidian temples found
in Tamil Nadu. The temple was built by the King Pallava in 690 CE and renovated
during the Vijayanagar period.
The covered passages inside the outer walls of this temple
are supported by lion pillars. The sculptures within the temple depict the
history of the temple. The walls have breathtaking sculptures associated with Vishnu.
The seventh century script used in the walls and pillars of
the temple helped archeologists to learn about the Pallava dynasty.
Legend of the Temple
Legend has it that Srihari Vishnu appeared here to bless the
sons of a famous king. The sons – Pallavan and Vallavan – had performed
Ashwamedha Yajna. It is believed that Pallavan and Vallavan were the
incarnations of the doorkeepers of Vaikunta – Jaya and Vijaya.
Vaikunta Perumal Temple Timing
Morning – 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Evening – 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM