Kanchipuram Divyadesams

The Divya Desams are the 108 Vishnu temples glorified in the poems of the contemporary Vaishnava Alvars of Tamil Nadu, India. Divya means "premium" and Desam indicates "place" (temple). This itinerary takes you to the divya desams around Kanchipuram region. Get a comprehensive darshan of Vishnu through this itinerary.

Package Includes

  • Accommodation

  • Food

  • Cab

  • Sthalapuranam

Itinerary Temples

  • Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Thirukkachchi
  • Sri Yathothakaari Temple, Thiru Vekka
  • Sri Aadhikesava Perumal Temple, Ashtabhuyakaram
  • Singaperumal, Thiruvelukkai
  • Sri Deepa Prakasar Perumal Temple, Thiruthanka
  • Sri Vaikunda Perumal Temple, Thiruparameshwara Vinnagaram
  • Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Thiru Ooragam
  • Sri Jagadeeshwarar Temple, Thiru Neeragam
  • Sri Karunakara Perumal Temple, Thiru Kaaragam
  • Sri Thirukkaar vaanar Temple, Thiru Ooragam
  • Sri Aadhi Varaha Perumal Temple, ThirukKalvanoor
  • Sri Pavala Vannar Temple or Pachai Vanar temple, Thiru Pavala Vannan
  • Sri Nilathingal Thundathan Perumal Temple or Ekambareshwar temple, Thiru Nilathingal Thundam
  • Sri Pandava Thoodhar Temple or Pandava Perumal temple, Thiru Paadagam
  • Sri Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple, Thiruputkuzhi

Full Itinerary


Morning
Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Thirukkachchi
  • Varadharaja Perumal Temple also known as Hastagiri or Attiyuran.
  • Kanchipuram Varadaraja Perumal temple is known as the ‘Perumal Koil’.
  • Another significant thing about the temple is beautiful carved lizards and platted with gold, over the sanctum.
  • Lord Varadharaja Swamy resides in the upper prakaram. There are two long Mandaps under the tank north of the 100 pillar mandap in the temple, where the 40 feet long Athi Varadaraja Perumal in his reclining posture is placed. The 40 feet long idol of Lord Athi Varadaraja Perumal in reclining posture is made of Athi wood. This is brought out once in 40 years for the darshan of devotees, for a period of 48 days. The next viewing of this deity is scheduled for the year 2019.
  • People pray to Perumal for achieving excellence in education and family welfare and prosperity.
  • Lord Sudarshana Azhwar removes the obstacles in wedding proposals of the devotees.
  • Women facing health problems and seeking child boon pray to Mother Perundevi Thayar.
  • As Perumal granted a boon – Varam in Tamil - to Lord Brahmma pleased with His Yajna, He is praised as Varadaraja Perumal. The Legend is that Lord Brahma worshipped Lord Varadharaja Swamy in Krita Yuga, Gajendra in Treta Yuga, Brihaspati in Dvapara Yuga and Ananta Shesha in Kali Yuga.
  • It is believed that Airavata, the elephant of Indra in the form of a hill bears the image of Lord Varadharaja Swamy.

Morning
Sri Yathothakaari Temple, Thiru Vekka
  • The Moolavar of this sthalam is Sri Yathothakaari. Other names are Sonnavannam seitha Perumal and Vegasethu. Moolavar is Kidantha Kolam (Bhujanga Sayanam), facing in West direction. Thaayar is Komalavalli Nachiyaar.
  • This perumal is found in Sleeping posture from right side to left. This is also one of the speciality of this Shetram.
  • Once ThirumazhisaiAzhvaar’s disciple KaniKannan was heard singing praise of the Lord. Pleased with his voice, the king ordered that KaniKannan sing praise of him too. KaniKannan refused stating that he would sing praise only of the Lord and not of others.An upset king banished him from the kingdom. KanniKannan narrated the happening to his guru Thirumazhisai Azhvaar who decided to accompany him out of the kingdom.Thirumazhisai Azhvaar went up to the Lord and requested him too to join them on their journey. And the three left the place- This action plunged the entire kingdom into darkness.Realizing his mistake, the king reached out to Thirumazhisai Azhvaar and requested that the three of them come back to the kingdom. Thirumazhisai Azhvaar asked the Lord to return to his residing place. The Lord is said to have followed this instruction immediately and in this hurried return is said to have slept in the opposite direction. As the Lord listened, in strict obedience, to the instructions of Thirumazhisai Azhvaar and did as the Azhvaar wanted, he is called ‘Sonna Vannam Seitha Perumal’.

Morning
Sri Aadhikesava Perumal Temple, Ashtabhuyakaram
  • The Moolavar of this Sthalam is Sri Aadikesava Perumal. Other names are Gajendravaradhan, Chakrathaarar. Moolavar in standing position facing West direction. The goddess is Alarmelmangai Thayaar. Other name is Padmasani.
  • The Perumal in this sthalam is Sri Aadhikesava Perumal and he is seen with 8 hands. He holds Chakaram, Sword, a Flower and an Arrow on the 4 right hands and Sangu, Bow, Kedayam and Gadha.
  • As per Legend, After all the demons were killed by Sriman Narayanan, who were sent by Saraswathi to destroy the yagam done by Brahma devan, she finally sent a ferocious Sarbham (snake). Sriman Narayanan to kill the dangerous snake , took the form of Ashtabhuja Perumal holding 8 different weapons to kill the snake. And using all those 8 weapons, he killed the snake sent by Saraswathi. The snake is found on the Vaayu end of the yaaga sala as "Sarabeswaran" in this temple.
  • It is also believed that this is the place where Lord rushed to the rescue of elephant Gajendra, when its leg was caught by a crocodile.

Evening
Singaperumal, Thiruvelukkai
  • The Presiding deity is Patalathri Narasimhar graces with conch and the discus, his right lower hand gracing (abhaya hastha) the devotees and the lower left on His hip. He is facing east with His three eyes.
  • The deity has three eyes where it is shown during the "Aarti".
  • The famous Lord Narasimha Temple is on top of the small hill known as 'Pataladri". The Lord Ugra Narasimha (Fourth Avatar) resides inside a cave in Yoga Posture. This is the posture in which the Lord gave Darshan to Jabali Rishi as per his wishes.
  • The entire temple and the deity was constructed from a single rock of the mountain. This is the speciality of the temple.
  • There is a separate shrine for the Goddess Lakshmi known as Ahobila Valli. One can go around the temple using small steps. On the way, Lord Srinivasa is also worshipped.
  • The temple tree is a wish tree where people tie knots to gain wishes. For relief from debt burden, success in litigations, those under adverse aspect of Mars affecting their marriage, those born of Swathi and Tiruvadirai stars, those undergoing Rahu Period and those suffering from Saturn aspects pray to Lord Patalathri Narasimha for relief.
  • According to legend, Sri Vishnu assumed the form of Narasimha to fight with a kapalika and protect a yagya of Lord Brahma. Earlier, Lord Brahma was performing a yagya of Sri Vishnu but Goddess Saraswati (due to a dispute with Lord Brahma) tried to create obstacles to the yagya by sending a kapalika. Sri Vishnu assumed the form of Narasimha and killed the kapalika. Velukkai means the place where the Lord stays out of His own desire.

Evening
Sri Deepa Prakasar Perumal Temple, Thiruthanka
  • The Moolavar of this sthalam is Sri Deepa Prakasar. He is also called as "Vilakkoli Perumal, Divya Pirakasar". Moolavar in Standing position facing West Direction.
  • Vilakkoli Perumal granted darshan to Mother Saraswathi in this temple.
  • The place is also known by the name Thoopul as it was dense with Dharba grass .
  • There is a separate shrine for Sri Desika in the temple. Lord Lakshmi Hayagriva idol worshipped by Sri Desika is still in the temple.
  • Devotees pray for child boon and to achieve excellence in education.
  • According to a legend, Sri Vishnu appeared here as a lamp (deepa), hence the name Deepaprakasa.
  • According to another legend, Sri Vishnu transformed a destructive fire into a lamp (deepa) in orderto protect a yagya of Brahma. Lord Brahma was performing a yagya to have a darshan of Sri Vishnu but Goddess Saraswati (due to a dispute with Lord Brahma) was creating hurdles in that yagya by her supernatural powers. When she created a destructive fire to destroy the yagya, Sri Vishnu transformed that fire into a lamp, hence the name Deepaprakasa. The lamp is considered as the onset of divine illumination as a result of worship. The God is Sri Deepa Prakasar Perumal and the Goddess is Sri Maragathavalli Thayar. As Perumal gave light – Vilakku Oli in Tamil- He is called Vilakkoli Perumal and Deepa Prakasar.

Evening
Sri Vaikunda Perumal Temple, Thiruparameshwara Vinnagaram
  • The Moolavar of this sthalam is Sri Paramapatha Nathan also called as "Vaikunthanathan" and the godeess is Sri Vaikuntha valli. The Moolavar in sitting position facing west direction. There isSeparate sannathi for Thaayar.
  • According to legend, Sri Vishnu gave darshan to his two dwarapalas Pallavan and Villavan who were performing a yagya. Pallavan and Villavan were born as sons of Virosana maharaja of Vidarbha desam, when he prayed to Lord Kailashanatha of Kanchi. When these two were doing Ashwametha Yagnam for Punniyakoti vimanamat Vaayu end, Perumal Sri Emperumaan gave his seva in Irundha thirukkolam. He gave his seva as "Paramapadha - Sri Vaikundanathan". Because of this, the sthalam is said as "Vaikunda Perumal Koil".

Morning
Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Thiru Ooragam
Sri Jagadeeshwarar Temple, Thiru Neeragam
Sri Karunakara Perumal Temple, Thiru Kaaragam
Sri Thirukkaar vaanar Temple, Thiru Ooragam
  • Ulagalandha Perumal Temple also known as Thiru ooragam. The presiding deity is Ulagalantha Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Amudavalli. The temple is found in Big Kanchipuram.
  • The temple also houses four other Divya Desams namely Thirukkarvaanam, Thirukaaragam, Thiruooragam and Thiruneeragam.
  • The central shrine of temple is most commonly referred as Peragam, while the smaller shrine where the image of the snake god Adisesha is houses is called Tiruoorgam.
  • According to legend, Sri Vishnu assumed the form of Trivikrama (Ulagalanda Perumal) from the dwarf form of Vamana Avatara during the yagna of king Mahabali.
  • The Ulagalanda Perumal idol is nearly 35 feet in height. The Lord is known as Peragathan. To enable king Bali to see Him in smaller size, the Lord assumed a diminutive form resting on the Adisesha. This shrine is known as Ooragam (Snake). The two shrines Peragam and Ooragam (Lord Peragathan and Uragathan) are always taken together and represent a single Divya Desam.
  • Thiru Neeragam Divya Desam has only Utsavar but no Moolavar.The temple has no presiding deity, but just a festive image probably brought from other shrine. The images of the festival deity, Jagadiswara, facing East and having four arms, is housed in a hall in the second precinct.
  • The God is Sri Neeragathan or Jagadeeswara Perumal and the Goddess is Sri Nilamangai Nachiar Thayar.
  • According to legend, Sri Vishnu appeared before Markandeya Rishi in the form of a small child sitting on a banyan leaf during pralaya. Markandeya Rishi performed penance on the banks of Badra Nadhi and prayed to Sri Vishnu to show him the pralaya sight. This Divya Desam is within the Ulagalanda Perumal temple.
  • Thiru Kaaragam.The God is Sri Karunakara Perumal and the Goddess is Sri Padmamani Thayar. The shrine is located on the third precinct of the temple.
  • He is giving his seva on facing South direction, which is said to be the direction that belongs to the cool breeze. He is found along with Padmamani Naachiyaar and explaining to the world that he is the Megham (Clouds) which brings rain to this world to enrich the wealth of the world.Without expectating any return, the clouds give the rain to the world. Since, Karunakara Perumal resembles as Kaar, the clouds, he doesnt expects anything from his bhaktas but he only the pure bhakthi from them. Since, the Perumal is not expecting from anything but only, the pure bhakthi and show Karunai (Courtesy), the Perumal is called “Karunakara Perumal”. This Divya Desam is located within the Ulagalanda Perumal temple.
  • Thirukkaar Vaanam.This temple located inside the temple premises of Ulagalandha Perumal Temple.The shrine is located in the second precinct.
  • The presiding deity is called Kalvar also known as Sri Thirukkaar Vaanar Perumal (Navaneeta Chora) and faces north, while his consort is Kamalvalli Thayar. There is a separate for Aranavalli Thayar.

Morning
Sri Aadhi Varaha Perumal Temple, ThirukKalvanoor
  • This Divyadesam is situated inside Sri Kamakshi Amman temple in Big Kanchipuram.
  • It is placed on the right side of the Garbagraham of Ambaal (Moolavar sannadhi).
  • In this Sthalam the Moolavar is Sri Aadhi Varaha Perumal. Lord Vishnu is found in Standing position facing West direction. Thayar of this sthalam is Anjilai Valli Naachiyar. Thaayar is found in next maadam in the next wall to Sri Aadhi Varaha Perumal.
  • Legend,Once, when Lord Shivan and Devi Paarvathi had a Quarrel between them and as a result Lord Shivan gave Sabham to Paarvathi. And, after getting pleased by Paarvathi, Lord Shivan asked her to make Tapas by standing in one leg. After satisfied with the severe tapas of Paarvathi, Lord Shivan accepted her once again.
  • Since, Sriman Narayanan saw them taking bath without knowing them, parvathi kept him the name as "Kalvan" and this Divyadesam is called as "Thirukkalvanoor". Becaue of this, he is found in all the 3 sevas (i.e) Nindra, Irundha and Kidantha seva on the North side of the pond of this koil.

Morning
Sri Pavala Vannar Temple or Pachai Vanar temple, Thiru Pavala Vannan
  • Tiru Pavala Vannam or Pavalavanam temple. The Moolavar of this sthalam is Sri Pavala Vannar. Also called as "Paramapatha Nathan" - Moolavar in Irundha Thirukkolam on Aadhiseshan facing his thirumugham towards West Direction.
  • It is said that both the Pacchai and Pavala Vannan perumal has to be worshipped, without leaving any one of them. Opposite to Pavala Vannar Sannadhi, is the Pacchai Vannar Sannadhi found. Pacchai vannar, who is also called as "Maragatha vannar" explains in this sthalam that he is the hamsam of Lord Shiva and Pavala Vannar as the hamsam of Para sakthi. So it is said that by worshipping these two sthalams at the same time, we worship both Lord Shivan and Parashakti.
  • According to legendBhrigu Maharshi had performed penance at Kanchipuram to atone his sins of kicking Sri Vishnu on the chest while testing the trinity. Sri Vishnu Himself suggested Bhrigu Maharshi to go to Kanchipuram to perform penance. , Sri Vishnu gave darshan to Bhrigu Maharshi as Pavalavannar, the form of Sri Vishnu at Vaikuntha, resting on Adisesha.

Evening
Sri Nilathingal Thundathan Perumal Temple or Ekambareshwar temple, Thiru Nilathingal Thundam
  • This is a temple in a temple – Vishnu temple in Shiva temple.
  • The one significant and rare feature in the temple is, Mother Mahalakshmi graces from the naval chord Lotus of Lord which, according to scriptures belongs to Lord Brahmma the Creator.
  • As Mother Mahalakshmi grants Her blessings to the devotees with the attribute of Lord Brahamma, it is believed that this darshan will change the adverse destinies of the devotee.
  • According to legend, Lord Maha Vishnu took the form of Tortoise (Koorma Avatara) to the hold the Meru Mount used as the stick (Mathu in Tamil) to churn the milk ocean. Serpent Vasuki was used as the rope. Vasuki, exhausted during this exercise, split its venom which fell on the Tortoise Vishnu under the milk ocean blackening His skin originally alluring pale blue. Treatments were of no avail. Lord Brahmma suggested that worshipping Lord Shiva will remove the blackness and restore His original shade. Perumal performed penance on Lord Shiva, who granted darshan. Crescent Moon on the head of Lord Shiva spread his rays on Perumal. Black disappeared. He recovered His own alluring blue shining better than before. As the rays of crescent moon – Nila Thundu – fell on Him, Lord is named Nilathunda Perumal. He is also praised as Chandrachooda Perumal.
  • Those suffering from skin and stomach diseases and any adverse evil effects and excessive heat in the body pray to Perumal and for child boon.

Evening
Sri Pandava Thoodhar Temple or Pandava Perumal temple, Thiru Paadagam
  • Pandavathootha Perumal Temple or Thirupadagam located in Kanchipuram. The presiding deity is Pandava Thoothar Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Rukmini.
  • The temple is considered one of three oldest temples in Kanchipuram.
  • It is a rarest of the rare form in this temple that 25 feet tall Lord Krishna graces from the sanctum sanctorum in a sitting form.
  • It is the belief of the devotees that Rohini starrers would cross over any problems if they pray Lord Pandava Dhoodha in the temple.
  • This is the place where the Lord graces His devotees with His Viswapadhayoga powers pressing His feet on earth. Step by step and Angapradakshina circumbulating award the devotee with many benefits.
  • It is said that Rohini Devi is worshipping the Lord in this temple invisibly every day.
  • According to legend, Janamejaya (great grandson of Arjuna) and Rishi Hareeta performed penance here to have a darshan of Sri Vishnu as Pandavadootha, the form in which the Lord went as an envoy to Kauravas to prevent the war between the Pandavas and Kauravas.

Evening
Sri Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple, Thiruputkuzhi
  • The Lord is Vijaya Raghava Perumal blesses the devotees with Jatayu on His lap and the goddess is Maragathavalli Thayaar. She has her own temple.
  • There is a seperate sannadhi for Jatayu.
  • This is the place where Lord Rama performed the last rites for Jatayu the eagle who fought with Ravana to rescue Sita from him and sacrificed his life in the service of the Lord.
  • People pray for child boon.
  • This is also one of the holy places to offer Tarpan to ancestors.
  • Women use to have a dip in Jatayu Theertham, go to sleep at night with fried pulse tied in the sari. If they find the pulse germinated when they wake up in the morning, it indicates child boon granted.
  • People believe that performing tarpan to ancestors on the new moon day in this place would bring them double benefit, as Lord Rama performed last rites to Jatayu in this place.
  • Breakfast for 2 persons.
  • Transportation in AC Etios/Dzire cabs.
  • Hotel accommodation based on type of package (standard/deluxe/premium) chosen. The price mentioned in this package is for family of two members sharing a single room. For extra person, please place a separate request with us.
  • Room type is Standard A/C Room in 2 star hotel.
  • Toll charges and driver's allowance.
  • Upon booking confirmation, the sthalapuranam of temples mentioned in the itinerary will be sent through email.
  • No extra charges for one child below the age of five.
  • Package does not include lunch and dinner.
  • The pickup and drop point information will be provided to the customer before booking. It is customer's responsibility to reach the pickup point of the trip at specified time. On request basis, GoSthala will arrange pickup from customers place of choice at any applicable nominal charges.
  • All other expenses (temple entry ticket charges, parking charges, etc.) that are not specified in the package inclusions.
  • Any loss/expenses incurred by unforeseen circumstances e.g. flight delays/cancellations, road blockages, vehicle breakdown, strikes, etc.
  • Expense of personal nature such as laundry, etc.
  • Any applicable service tax charges.
  • Transportation provided will be as per itinerary only (not at disposal).
  • The package price is indicative and based on seasonal demands the price is subject to change and will be informed prior booking.
  • The package does not include guide services where not mentioned. Guide services can be availed from us at an additional cost.
  • Payment method as follows: 25% payment on confirmation; 50% payment before starting the trip; Balance payment before end of the trip.
  • 15% of package cost will be charged as penalty on canceling, 31 or more days before departure.
  • 35% of package cost will be charged as penalty on cancellation between 22 to 30 days before departure.
  • 50% of package cost will be charged as penalty on cancellation between 15 to 21 days before departure.
  • 100% of package cost will be charged as penalty on cancelling, 15 days before departure.
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