Tamilnadu Tourism: Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple (Thirupadagam), Kanchipuram

Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple (Thirupadagam), Kanchipuram

Pandava Thootha Perumal Temple or Thirupadagam located in Kanchipuram in the South Indian state of Tamilnadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Pandava Thoothar Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Rukmini.

The temple is considered one of three oldest temples in Kanchipuram, the other two being Ulagalantha Perumal Temple and Yathothkari Perumal Temple. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pallavas of the late 8th century AD, with later contributions from Medieval Cholas and Vijayanagar kings. 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). A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all the shrines and two bodies of water. There is a four-tiered Rajagopuram, the temple's gateway tower, in the temple.

Pandava Thoothar is believed to have appeared to Pandavas. Six daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Krishna Janmashtami festival, celebrated during the Tamil month of Aavani (August–September), being the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu.

It is a rarest of the rare form in this temple that 25 feet tall Lord Krishna graces from the sanctum sanctorum in a sitting form. This Divyadesam is also considered to be an important Divyadesam in Kanchipuram. It is situated near to Ekambareswarar temple in Big Kanchipuram. It is near to Gangai Kondaan Mandapam.

This temple is 49th among the 108 Divya Desams. Boothath Azhwar, Peyazhwar, Thirumazhisai Azhwar and Thiru Mangai Azhwar were the sages who sung about this temple. This temple is auspicious for people who were born in Rohini star. Rohini Devi worshipped at this temple and married the god of Moon (Chandran). Chandran first married Rohini (who is representation of knowledge) and then Karthigai (representation of fire) out of the 27 stars that he married. Mythological belief is Rohini is coming every day to worship the Sri Krishna here who has showed her the knowledge and Viswaroopa Dharshan. Devotees who were born on Rohini star should visit this temple at Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The entrance to the temple through the very old looking temple tower is rather sedate. This leads one to a very small sized sanctum However, this modest entry sets one up for quite an unexpected surprise - A gigantic over 25 feet tall Lord Krishna in a majestic sitting posture (facing East), almost suggestive of the Lord’s Vishvaroopam.