Yadodkari

• Yathothkaari / Sonnavannam seidha perumal/ Tiruvekka
• Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
• Presiding deity: Vishnu
• Consort: Komalavalli Thayar
• Constructed by: The temple is believed to have been built by the Pallavas of the late 8th century AD, with later contributions from Medieval Cholas and Vijayanagara kings.
• Years of construction: The temple has three inscriptions on its walls, two dating from the period of Kulothunga Chola I (1070–1120 CE) and one to that of Rajadhiraja Chola (1018-54 CE).
• Notes:
  • Yathothkaari Perumal is believed to have appeared for Saraswati and Thirumazhisai Alvar. He is reclining in Bhujanga sayana posture (resting his head on his hand)
  • The sthala puranam (legend) of this temple is associated with the legend of Varadharaja temple. When Lord Brahma conducted a Aswamedha yagnya without his consort Saraswathi, she creates hurdles for him in different ways. When she becomes a river named Vegavathi, Vishnu takes a slanting pose (veghha) and stops the force of water, the deity is also known as Veghasethu. Saraswathi is seated at feet of the moolavar statue.
  • Another legend of this temple is connected to Tirumazhisai Alwar and his disciple Kanikannan both of whom lived here during Pallava rule. Once due to a dispute with the King, Kanikannan was asked to leave the kingdom. He did so. His guru, Tirumazhisai Alwar also decided to follow him. He approached the perumal and asked him also to leave. The deity did so. The whole village was engulfed in darkness. The King came running to bring back Kanikannan. Now Tirumazhisai Alwar also returned along with perumal. This incident is described in divya prabandha paasuram songs. Poigai Alvar, one of the Alvars, poet saints of 7-10th century was born in this temple lotus tank.
  • Panguni Brahmotsavam celebrated during April – May and Poigai Alvar birthday during Aipassi Thiruvonam star are the two major festivals celebrated in the temple.

Text compiled by Dharanya

Total number of photos (9)