Vilakkoli Perumal Temple (Tiruththanka or Thoopul),
Kanchipuram – The Temple
The Temple
is located in Vishnu Kanchi along with most other Vishnu Temples in
Kanchipuram. The temple has a three-tiered Rajagopuram, the gateway tower. The temple has a rectangular plan
surrounded by brick walls and has two precincts. The central shrine of the
temple has the image of the presiding deity, Deepa Prakasa Perumal in standing posture.
There are shrines for Lakshmi Hayagriva, Andal, Vedanta
Desika and Alwars.
This
Temple in Kanchipuram centre is also called Tirutanka or Thoopul. The Lord here
is called 'Deepaprakasar' or 'Vilakkoli Perumal' (One who had given light).
Thayaar is worshipped as Maragathavalli Thayaar. It is the birthplace of Vedanta
Desika. There is a separate
shrine for Lord Hayagriva along with Vedanta
Desika. The temple tank,
Saraswathi Theertham, is located outside the premises.
A shrine
is dedicated to Vedanta Desika facing South is seen in the temple. The icon of
Desika is believed to be installed by his son Nayinaar Varadhachariar. Murals
depicting Vedanta Desika can be seen on the prakarams. The image is seen
sporting Abhaya Mudra (palm displayed in attitude of protection). The
temple practises Vaigasana Agama.
The
Vimana above the Sanctum Sanctorum is called Srikara Vimana. There
are shrines in the temple for Mother Sri Mahalakshmi, Sri Andal, Lord
Hayagriva, Vilakkoli Perumal, Azhwars, Garuda Bhagwan and Acharya Sri Vedanta
Maha Desikaswami. The temple Vagana Mandapam is very huge.
The
presiding deity is Sri Deepa Prakasa perumal or Vilakkoli perumal in a
standing posture. The temple is among the 108 divyadesams of Sri
Vaishnavas under Tondai Naatu divyadesams. There is a separate Sannadhi for
Maragathavalli Thayar. Sri Deepa Prakasa Perumal Temple is glorified
in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the great canon, and the hymns were sung by
the saints Azhwars.
Moolavar and Thaayar:
The Moolavar of this Sthalam
is Sri Deepa Prakasa Perumal. He is also called as "Vilakkoli Perumal,
Divya Pirakasar". Moolavar is in standing position facing West
Direction. Thaayar is Maragathavalli Thayaar.
·
Prathyaksham
for Lord Saraswathi
·
Vedantha
Desikar
·
Lakshmi Hayagrivar
·
Deepaprakasar
perumal
·
Maragathavalli
Thayar
·
Andal
·
Alwars
and Acharyas
Mangalasasanam:
·
Thiru
Mangai Alwar - 2 Paasurams.
Pushkarani:
·
Saraswathi
Theertham.
Vimanam:
·
Srikara
Vimanam.
