| Description: This
Divyadesam is located in Kanchipuram close to the Ashtabhuyakara
Divya Desam, a mile west of the Varadaraja
Perumal temple. It has been glorified by six of the 12 Alwars. There are
references to shis shrine in tamil sangam works such as Tolkappiam and Silappadikaaram. The
Divya Desams revered by the Alwars in Vishnu Kanchi are Attigiri
(the vast Varadaraja Perumal temple), Ashtabuyakaram,
Tiruttankaa, Tiruvelukkai and Tiruvegkaa, while those in Shiva Kanchi are Tiru Oorakam (Ulagalanda Perumaal Koyil) , Tiru Neeragam, Tiruppaatakam, Nilaattingal Tundam, Tirukkaaragam, Tirukkaarvaanam, Tirukkalvanur, Tiruppavalavannam and Parameswara
Vinnagaram. The vast Ekambreswarar
temple(Prithvi Stalam) revered by the Tevaram hymns, is located in
Periya (Shiva) Kanchi, as are the Kamakshiamman
and the Kumara Kottam temples.
Deities: The Moolavar here is Yatotkaari or Yatotkaara Perumaal also
known as Sonnavannam Seida Perumaal, in a reclining posture facing east. Taayaar here is
Komalavalli. The 'sayana' posture is reversed here, with the head to the devotee's right,
unlike other shrines. Saraswati is also seen in the sanctum.
Legend has it that Poikai Alwar, among the first of the Alwars, was
discovered on a lotus flower in the Poikai Pushkarini. Legend also has it that the
Vegavati (Saraswati) river, came flowing in spate, to destroy the yagna (ritual) being
performed by Bhrama. Upon being implored by the Devas and Bhrama, Vishnu, manifested
himself in a reclining position , across the river, damming it. The word Vegavati Anai
(dam), is the root of the name Vegkaa. The same legend is told at the Varadarajar temple
too.
Legend has it that a disciple of Tirumazhisai Alwar transformed an aged woman to a
young damsel, so that her services would be available to the temple for a longer period
here. Hearing of this, a Pallava king approached his disciple to have him transform him
(the king) into a youthful personality. Upon his refusal, he was banished from the
kingdom, and Tirumazhisai alwar followed him, leaving Kanchipuram. Vishnu upon hearing the
pleas of Tirumazhisai Alwar, followed him out of Kanchipuram, and upon Vishnu's departure,
the entire city became one of darkness. The king requested Alwar and his disciple to
return to the ciity, and Vishnu returned too, and reversed his position in the temple. The
name Sonnavannam seida Perumaal came into being because Vishnu 'listened' to the Alwar and
left the temple, and again listened to his pleas and returned. It is believed that
Poikaialwar (among the first three Alwars) was discovered in the Poikai pushkarini in a
lotus flower.
This temple occupies an area of about 4 acres and has two prakarams
and a five tiered rajagopuram facing west.. Two worship services are carried out
each day here. Vaikuntha ekadasi is celebrated for 22 days in Margazhi. Poikaialwar's
birth is celebrated in the month of Aippasi. A golden palanquin is used during festivals
here.
Tirumazhisai Alwar refers to seven shrines featuring Vishnu in a reclining position
- Tirukkudandai, Tiruvegkaa, Tiruvallur,
Tiruvarangam, Tiruppernagar,
Anbil and Tirupparkadal
in a paasuram. |
