Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple (Thirupadagam),
Kanchipuram – Literary Mention
The
temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7th–9th century Vaishnava canon, by Peyalvar, Bhoothathazhwar, Thirumazhisai Aazhwar and Thirumangai
Alvar. The Azhwars have sung
praise on the different forms of Pandava Thoothar. The temple is classified as
a Divyadesam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in
the book. Many Acharyas have also written songs on the various forms of
God in this Temple.
Swami
Arulala Perumal Emperumanar also called Yajnamurthy visited here. There is said
to have been an 18 day debate between Ramanuja and a Saivite Scholar. Having
lost the debate to Ramanuja, the Saivite Scholar is said to have become his
discipline and changed his name to Arulala Perumal Emberumaanar. His
descendants are the ones currently managing the temple. Acharya Manavala
Mamunigal also had visited this place. Manavala Maamuni also did Mangalasasanam
here.
Azhvaars:
Four
Azhvaars have praised the Lord here. Thirumazhisai Azhvaar refers to 3 temples
in Kanchipuram as representative of the 3 postures of Lord Vishnu. Among the
Divya Desams, this temple (Thiru Paadagam) was just referred to as ‘Lord in
Sitting Posture’ in those days, while Thiru Ooragam was referred to the Lord in
standing posture and Thiru Vekka as the Lord in Sleeping Posture. It was only
later that other Azhvaars referred to Lord Vishnu and his 3 postures.
“நின்றதேந்தை
ஊரகத்து, இருந்ததேந்தை பாடகத்து
அன்று வேக்கனை கிடந்தது எண்ணிலாத முன்னெல்லாம்
அன்று நான் பிறந்திலேன் பிறந்தபின் மறந்திலேன்
நின்றதும் இருந்ததும் கிடந்ததும் என் நெஞ்சுள்ளே ”-
Thirumazhisai Azhvaar
Just in
the way Krishna protected the Pandavas, it is believed that the Lord here will
protect devotees who pray with sincerity and unflinching devotion.
Mangalasasanam:
·
Thirumazhisai
Alwar - 2 Paasurams
·
Thiru
Mangai Alwar - 2 Paasurams
·
Bhoodhatalwar
- 1 Paasuram
·
Peiyalwar
- 1 Paasuram
·
Total -
6 Paasurams
