Aadhi Varaha Perumal Temple (Thirukkalavanur),
Kanchipuram
Sri
Aadhi Varaha Perumal Temple is located inside the temple complex of Kanchi Kamakshi Amman temple, Kanchipuram, Tamilnadu and also revered
as one of the 108 Divya Desam temples, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Sri Aadhi Varaha Perumal temple is glorified in
Nalayira Divya Prabandham, a Vaishnava canon, and Mangalasasanam (devotional
songs) were sung by the 12 azhwar saints.
It is
situated on the right side of the Garbagraham of Ambaal (Moolavar Sannadhi). In
the shrine of Kamakshi Amman close the sanctum, the Thirukkalavanur Divya
Desam, the temples dedicated
to Lord Vishnu glorified by the
7th-10th century Alwars (Tamil saint poets) is present. The temple faced
west went to ruins and the deity is now placed inside the Kamakshi Amman
temple. There are shrines over the vimana.
Legends
Story behind the name Thirukkalvanoor:
The
legend says that when Goddess Kamakshi, one of the forms of Goddess Parvati,
and Goddess Lakshmi were taking bath in Kama Koshtam pond, Lord Sriman
Narayanan was said to be hiding behind a pillar and hearing on what they were
speaking about. Goddess kamakshi found that Lord Sriman Narayanan is hearing to
them by hiding himself. As a result, Goddess kamakshi gave him a playful
punishment by making him stand, then sit and finally to reside down.
Because
of this, he is found in all the 3 Sevas (i.e) Nindra, Irundha and Kidantha Seva
on the North side of the pond of this koil. And hence near to that temple tank
the images of Lord Vishnu in the standing posture (Nindra Kolam), sitting posture
(Irundha Kolam) and sleeping posture (Kidantha Kolam) are traceable. Since,
Sriman Narayanan saw them taking bath without knowing them, Parvathi kept him
the name as "Kalvan" and this Divyadesam is called as
"Thirukkalvanoor".
Parvathi penance on Lord Vamana:
As per
Purana, Shiva cursed Parvati due to some differences of opinion, and Parvati
prayed and meditated on Lord Vamana at this place standing on one foot.
Parvati, absolved of the curse was named Kamakshi.
The
Temple
The Lord
was named Kalva by Parvati as he overwhelmed Lakshmi speaking to Parvati on the
banks of Pancha Theertham. The Lord took the form of Nindra (Standing), Irundha
(sitting) and Kidanda (Sayana) postures acceding to Parvati’s plea. These
Sannidhis on three tiers are on Northern end of the tank at Kamakotipuram. The
presiding deity of Sri Aadhi Varaha Perumal temple is Lord Aadhi Varaha Perumal
(Lord Vishnu), found in a standing posture. And the goddess of this temple is
Anjilai Valli Naachiyar.
The
other important deities of this temple are Lord Anjaneyar, and Garuda, the bull
mount of Lord Vishnu. The Pushkarani (temple tank) of Sri Aadhi Varaha Perumal
temple is called as Nithiya Pushkarani and Vimanam (tower above the sanctum
sanctorum) of this temple is called as Vaamana vimanam.
Moolavar:
The
Perumal of this sthalam is Aadhi Varaha Perumal. He is found in standing
position facing West direction. Prathyaksham is given for Ashvattha
Naarayanan.
Thaayar:
Anjilai
Valli Naachiyar. Found in next maadam in the next wall to Aadhi Varaha
Perumal.
Mangalasasanam:
Thiru
Mangai Alwar - 1 Paasuram.
Pushkarani:
Nithiya
Pushkarani.
Vimanam:
Vaamana
Vimanam.
Pooja
Timings
The
temple remains open in the morning from 5.30 AM to 12.00 noon and in the
evening from 4.00 PM to 9.00 PM.
Festivals
·
Annual
festival (chariot and float festival) – March to April
·
Navarathri
– October
·
Aadi
Pooram – July to August
·
Aippasi
Pooram – October to November
·
Sankara
Jayanthi – May to June
·
Vasanta
Utsavam – May to June
Connectivity
By Bus:
Kanchipuram
which is 75-km away from Chennai is well connected by a network of roads. There
are frequent buses from the city to Chennai, Bangalore and other places. For
local transportation bicycles can be hired from the shops near the bus stand. Cycle
Rickshaws and auto rickshaws are also available on hire to move in and around
the city.
By Train:
The
nearest railway station is Kanchipuram station. There are various Trains for
Kanchipuram which are available from Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tirupati, and
Bangalore.
By Air:
The
nearest airport to reach Sri Aadhi Varaha Perumal temple is Chennai
International airport.