Saturday, June 14, 2008

Koyambedu Sri Vaikundavaasa Perumaal

Koyambedu is situated at the north western side of Chennai. An ancient temple for Lord Vishnu is located in Koyambedu where the main deity is Sri Vaikundavaasa Perumaal and Goddess Sri Kanagavalli Thaayaar. This temple lies adjacent to Sri Kurungaaleeswarar temple and both forming twin temples in Koyambedu.

It is also said that the names of this place in ancient days were as Kosai Nagar, Koyattipuram and Prayachithapuram. Kulothunga Chozha is said to have ruled in the 12th Century and hence it is said that the temple was constructed during his period.

It is said that Lava and Kusa, sons of Sri Rama stayed with Sage Valmiki in his Ashram here, along with their mother Sita Devi. It is said that Sri Vaikundavaasa Perumaal here was worshipped by Sage Valmiki, Lava and Kusa.

Usually, Vaikunda Perumaal temples will have the presiding deity in sitting posture. But here Perumaal is seen in standing posture along with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi.

This temple is also famous for its shrine for Sri Rama and Sita Devi. Sri Rama and Sita are found just outside the sanctum unusually on normal clothing instead of being dressed like King and Queen. Sita Devi is seen on a regular Saree with her hair do (called Kodaali Kondai) as an ordinary woman. It is made to signify their posture when they spent 14 years in the forest.

In another place, Sita Devi is also seen as a pregnant woman, as She gave birth to Lava and Kusa at Sage Valmiki’s Ashram, after She was exiled to forest.

Goddess Sri Kanagavalli Thaayaar is present in a separate shrine on the outer praakaaram at the southwest side of the temple. Goddess is so beautiful, decorated with all Her ornaments.

Sri Aandaal shrine is located at the northwest corner of the temple.

There are 3 trees uniquely grown very close to each other. There is one Vilvam tree between 2 neem trees on its either sides. It is said that Vilvam signifies Lord Shiva and one of the Neem tree represents Sri Parvathi and another Neem tree signifies Her brother Lord Vishnu. It is believed that it is like the wedding posture of Lord Shiva where Lord Vishnu presides over their marriage by joining their hands together. A Vilvam and Neem tree inside a Vaishnavite temple is a very rare sight.

There is a separate shrine for Sri Anjaneyar at the opposite side of the temple, where Sri Anjaneyar is seen facing west towards the temple.

The theertham for this temple is ‘Lava Kusa Theertham’ which is believed to have been created by the two sons of Sri Rama. The same tank serves as Theertham for Sri Kurungaaleeswarar temple, which lies just adjacent to this temple.

There are many beautiful sculptures all around the temple.

Koyambedu, apart from CMBT has these great twin temples, to form a divine pilgrimage center.

10 comments:

  1. hi

    Pictures and the details of the temple are really good. i only hope
    i will be able to visit the temple if god permits.

    ReplyDelete
  2. hi saravanan,

    1 more temple view we got.s, it is really unbelievable a VILVA tree in a VISHNU temple. the reason should be the same as u gave.
    go ahead. ty.

    ReplyDelete
  3. hi

    Each and every details of temple are really good.
    Could you please insert more images of this Sri Vaikundavaasa Perumaal
    Temple. Especially "Kodali Kondai" sita. I heard Lava and kusa born this temple. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi
    Really good details for us.
    Could you please insert picture of Sita Devi which she seen as a pregnant woman.
    People said who pray this pregnant woman Sita Devi will get baby. I need her picture to pray. Regards hm

    ReplyDelete
  5. The address of this temple is
    SRI KARUNGALEESWARAR VAIKUNDAVASA PERUMAL TEMPLE WEST MADA ST,KOYAMBEDU,CHENNAI,600107 .

    The contact phone numbers of this temple are
    24796237 & 24799238.
    Directions to this temple:-
    On the 100 feet road, just opposite to andar alaghar kalyana mandapam, take left. The road will take us to the temple.

    Have darshan & get the blessings of the vaikunda perumal & kanagavalli thayar and seetha ramar (wth out lakshmana & anjaneya).

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi All,

    Me and My friend investigating some temples around chennai (Lost temples - Shiva) we found one in periyapalayam, please get us some glue how can we find the age

    ReplyDelete
  7. Forgot to mention my blog
    http://unknownindianhistory.blogspot.com/

    please visit and let me know your feedback
    jaikumarads@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. hi

    I am very happy to see my native place in the net.it is a pleasure to look at all pictures.
    R.Devi
    18/22 Siven koil Street,
    koyambedu
    chennai-107

    ReplyDelete
  9. I visited the temple today.. Wonderful deity. We have great temples in and around chennai.. And each temple has a great history and incidents.. Like this temple and Marundeeswarar temple, Tiruneermalai temple, Kapali temple..

    ReplyDelete
  10. Dear all,

    Kindly watch video of this temple in my youtube channel "snanacha"

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvYlG6IBewM

    ReplyDelete