Adikesava Perumal Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport.

• By train

  Kanchipuram Railway Station is the nearest railway station.

• By road

  Sriperumbudur is about 40 km southwest of Chennai, on National Highway 4.

Why devotees come here

The Adikesava Perumal Temple stands in Sriperumbudur, a town in Kanchipuram district. The saint Ramanuja, a key figure in the Sri Vaishnavism tradition, was born here. Vaishnavas count it among the 108 Abhimana Kshetrams.

Legend says Adi Kesava appeared to a king and relieved him of a curse. Another legend tells of Koorathalvar, a disciple of Ramanuja, who helped the saint escape from a king. A festival still marks that event: Ramanuja appears in a white cloth for Koorathalvar.

The temple has a rectangular plan, enclosed by walls 10 ft high. The gateway tower is a seven-tier gopuram. The gold plated hall in front of the Ramanuja shrine was endowed by the Maharaja of Mysore.

Inscriptions from the Vijayanagara Empire date back to 1572, in the rule of Sriranga I. An inscription from 1556 records gifts of 36 villages to the temple. The roof over the sanctum, called the vimana, was gold plated in 1912. Sources describe it as the earliest South Indian temple to have this feature.

Festivals

• February or MarchMasi Pooram

  One of the most prominent festivals held at the temple.

• March or AprilPanguni Uthiram

  Also among the most prominent festivals at the temple.

• April and MayChariot festival

  The temple celebrates a chariot festival in these months.

• After the Chittirai BrahmotsavamThiruavadara Utsavam

  Ramanuja's birthday festival, held after the Chittirai Brahmotsavam.

• On Vaikunta EkadasiVaikunta Ekadasi

  The sacred entrance way is opened during this festival.

Tips for your visit

• The Chella Pillai Utsavam is held every year, commemorating the event of Ramanuja and the idol.
• To see the sacred entrance way opened, plan a visit on Vaikunta Ekadasi.

Questions people ask