| Description Tiruvidandai is
located at a distance of 42 km from Chennai, enroute to Mamallapuram. It is also known as Varahapuri and Sripuri. Deities:
Lakshmi Varaha Perumaal in a standing posture facing east and the Utsavar is Nityakalyana
Perumaal; Taayaar here is Komalavalli or Akilavalli Naachiyaar. The Moolavar Aadi Varaaha
Perumaal is portrayed as a 9 feet high image, with his consort on his left thigh; Aadi
Seshan and his consort are seen supporting him.
Legend has it that a sage by name Galavamuni had 360 daughters, and he
offered them in marriage to Vishnu, who appeared in front of him as a Bhrammachari of the
Kasyapa gotram. One after the other was given in marriage to him each day. On the final
day, Vishnu appeared in the form of VarahaMurthy, combined all the 360 brides into one
person, Akilavallinachiyar, and placed her on his left side (ida vendai), in
contrast to Mamallapuram Aadi Varaha temple, where the goddess is to the right of Aadi
Varaaha (Tiruvalavendai).
The processional image came to be known as Nityakalyana Perumal, and the village
Nityakalyanapuri. Komalavalli the first of his brides is enshrined in a separate
sanctum. The vimanam here is called Yagna vimanam, or Kalyana Vimanam. Markandeya,
Mahabali and Galava rishi are believed to have worshipped Vishnu here.
History: Tirumangai Alwar (8th century AD) has sung of this
shrine. The present structure dates back to the 10th and 11th centuries. Inscriptions from
Kulottunga Chola I's period (1070-1120) here speak of the existence of the Kalichchingan
Mutt, to which endowments were made. Earlier during the period of Vijayendra Chola (early
11th century), gifts were made by the Cholas for the upkeep of the temple. Inscriptions
speaking of Raja Raja Cholan's contributions are also seen here. The mahamandapam in
front of the sanctum has several carved pillars from the 15th century.
The temple faces the east; it is considered to be one of the few
Vishnu temples retaining the features of early Chola temples. The niche images around the
sanctum include those of Vinayaka, Achyuta, Satya, Purusha and Vishnu Durga. This temple
covers a 2.5 acre area.
Festivals: The annual Bhramotsavam is celebrated in the month of
Chittirai. Other festivals include Vaiiuntha Ekadasi in the month of Margazhi; Garuda
Sevai is held in the months of Aani, Aadi, Thai and Maasi. The ivory palanquin here
is of great workmanship. |
