Yathothkari Perumal Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Chennai International Airport (Meenambakkam) is about a 2 hour drive away.

• By train

  Trains reach Kanchipuram from Chennai Central and Arakkonam railway stations.

• By road

  Kanchipuram is 75 km from Chennai and is well connected by road. Buses run to Chennai, Bangalore, Pondicherry, Tirupati and Tiruvannamalai.

Why devotees come here

Yathothkari Perumal Temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the temples dedicated to Vishnu. It stands in Chinna Kanchipuram, on the eastern side of the town. Its reclining Ranganatha image lies on his left hand, which is rare.

Yathothkari Perumal is Vishnu, and his consort Lakshmi is worshipped here as Komalavalli. Poigai Alvar, one of the Alvars, was born at the temple's lotus tank. The name Yathothkari is explained as one who grants what is requested. Legend says Saraswati accepted defeat on meeting Vishnu on her path and became the river Vegavathi.

The temple is believed to have been built by the Pallavas in the late 8th century, with later work by the Medieval Cholas and Vijayanagara kings. It is considered one of the three oldest Vishnu temples in Kanchipuram, and it holds 12 inscriptions from the Chola and Vijayanagara period. The architecture is Dravidian: the second precinct is enclosed by granite walls pierced by a five-tiered gateway tower.

Inside, a rare image of Ranganatha lies on his left hand, where most temples show him on his right. The sanctum roof, called the Vedasara Vimana, has five kalasams and stucco images of various legends.

Festivals

• April to MayPanguni Brahmotsavam

  One of the two major festivals celebrated at the temple.

• Aipassi Thiruvonam star, by the Tamil calendarPoigai Alvar's birthday

  The second major festival, held each year on the saint's birth date.

• Tamil month of Thai, January to FebruaryThai Magam

  The festive images of Yathothkari, Tirumalisai Alvar and Kanikkannan are taken in procession to Orikkai village for a short stay.

Tips for your visit

• Look for the five kalasams on the Vedasara Vimana, the roof over the sanctum.
• Poigai Alvar's birthday festival follows the star Aipassi Thiruvonam, so check the Tamil calendar for the date before you plan a visit.

Questions people ask