Yathothkari Perumal Temple,
Kanchipuram – The Temple
This temple is facing towards west with five tiered
rajagopuram. The temple has two prakarams and is enclosed within compound wall.
Dwaja Sthambam, Balipeedam and Garuda Shrine can be seen immediately after the
rajagopuram facing towards the sanctum. The sanctum sanctorum consists of
sanctum, ardha mandapam, maha mandapam and mukha mandapam. The maha mandapam
has intricately carved pillars dating back to Vijayanagara period of 15th
century CE.
The sanctum enshrines the stucco image of presiding
deity, Yathothkari Perumal / Sonna Vannam Seitha Perumal / Vegasethu. He is
depicted in Bhujanga Sayana posture. He is seen in a different sleeping posture
from right to left (Maaru Sayanam) with his head resting on the left hand.
Generally, in other temples, Lord Vishnu is represented in a sleeping from left
to right with his head resting on his right hand. The image of Saraswathi praying
at his feet is also present in the sanctum.
The vimana over the sanctum is called as Vedasara Vimana.
There is a separate east facing shrine for goddess Komalavalli Nachiyar in the temple premises. There is a shrine for Andal in the temple premises. This
shrine is considered as parihara sthalam for child birth and marriage. Shrines
of Poigai Azhwar, Rama along with his consort Sita, Lakshmana & Hanuman and
Pillai Lokacharyar can be seen in the temple premises. Theertham associated
with this temple is Poigai Pushkarini. It is located outside the
rajagopuram parallel to the shrine.
