Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple

Getting there

• By road

  The temple lies on the Chennai to Mahabalipuram East Coast Road, 38 km from Chennai city.

Why devotees come here

Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple stands on the East Coast Road in South Chennai, at Thiruvidanthai in Chengalpattu district. It is dedicated to Vishnu in his boar avatar, Varaha, and is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the Vishnu temples praised in the Tamil hymns of the Alvar saints.

Thirumangai Azhwar, one of the Alvar poet saints, sang hymns in praise of this temple. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the Vishnu temples praised in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham. Legend says Vishnu's gatekeepers, Jaya and Vijaya, were cursed by sages and born as asuras. Another legend tells of a king named Harikesarivarman, who visited the temple every day from Mahabalipuram and wished to settle here.

Legend also says sage Kalava married the daughter of sage Kuni and had 360 daughters. At his request, Vishnu came as a bachelor and married them, one each day, over 360 days. The town's name is linked to the deity appearing with Lakshmi on his left side.

The sanctum is approached through a sculpted hall with sixteen pillars. Vishnu appears in a standing form, facing east. Raja Raja Chola is believed to have set up the Panguni Uthiram festival, in 1003 CE. The consort is Komalavalli Nachiyar, also called Akhilavalli Nachiyar.

Festivals

• Tamil month of Chittirai, April to MayChittirai Brahmotsavam

  The most prominent festival of the temple.

• Margali, December to JanuaryVaikuntha Ekadashi

  Another prominent festival of the temple.

Tips for your visit

• The large tank in front of the temple is called Kalyana Theertham.
• The postal address is Sannathi Street, Thiruvidanthai, Chengalpattu 603112.
• The village lies on the East Coast Road, about 4 km from Covelong.

Questions people ask