Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, Mangadu, Chennai
Vaikuntha
Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Mangadu in
Chennai City in Tamilnadu. This temple is situated near to Kamakshi AmmanTemple. The Temple was believed to be built by the Pallava kings. It is said
that it is mandatory for Pilgrims visiting to Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple
must also visit this Temple along with the Velleeswarar Temple and offer their
prayers. Maha Kumbabhishekams to this temple were performed in 1985 and in
2001.
Legends
Seer Perumal:
There is
an interesting story behind this temple. When Lord Shiva came to this place to
acknowledge the penance of Mother, Lord Vishnu too came here with gifts to his
sister the bride. When Lord Shiva and Mother Kamakshi left for
Kancheepuram, Lord Vishnu too was to accompany them. But Maharshi
Markandeya begged Perumal to stay in the place. Obliging the Rishi, Perumal
stayed here as Vaikunta Perumal with his discus and a ring in a finger showing
his coming with gifts for his Sister. He is praised as Seer Perumal – Gift
Perumal.
Mangadu:
The term
Mangadu means "Mango Forests or Mango Grooves" and as the term
implies this must have been a thickly wooded Mango groove in times of yore.
The
Temple
The
temple is very small and located in a calm atmosphere. The temple has four
entrances out of which the east entrance has a huge 5-tiered Rajagopuram and
the lord sits facing this entrance. Presiding Deity is called as Vaikunda
Perumal. He is flanked by his consorts Sridevi and Boodevi. All three of them
are in the sitting posture. Perumal is holding conch and discus in his upper
arms. The Discuss and the Conch are carved out in a similar design to the
Discuss and Conch in the Velleeswarar Temple, suggesting both the temples have
origins around the same time.
The idol
of Moolavar is made of stone and that of Urchavar is made of brass. He is also
seen sporting a ring which he was planning to present to his sister Kamakshi.
The sage Markandeya is found in the sitting posture worshiping the deity inside
the sanctum. Mother is called as Kanaka Valli Thayar. She is having a separate
shrine facing east on the outer prakaram. Aandal shrine is found on the
northwest corner of the temple, facing east.
There is
a Shrine for Thirukachi Nambi, Saint Philosopher and Guide to Sree Ramanujacharya in a seated posture. An idol of Ramanujacharya has also been installed. There are also separate
shrines for Chakkarathalwar (Sudarshana) and Anjaneya. There is an idol
for Rama, Seetha and Lakshman and Anjaneyar on the left-hand wall of the
temple.
It is
administered by a trustee and the HR & CE departments of the Government
of Tamil Nadu. The
temple has a fairly large Goshala (Cow Care Center) housing more than 15 cows
and calves. Goshala is situated behind the temple. Daily poojas are conducted
according to the Vaikhanasa Agama as laid out by Sree Viganasha Acharya. The
temple is well maintained and fully air conditioned.
Connectivity
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