Aadhi Kesava Perumal Temple, Vada Madurai, Thiruvallur
Aadhi
Kesava Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at
Vada Madurai Village near Periyapalayam in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu.
This Temple is believed to be built by Rajendra Chola. This temple has
inscriptions dating back to the period of the Great Chozha King- Rajendra I and
Rajendra Chozha II as well as several sculptures relating to the Ramayana and
Narasimha Avathars.
History
The
temple was built by King Rajendra Chozhan in commemoration of his victory over
the kingdom of Kosala, near Punjab, Delhi. Kosala Desa belonged to Lord Rama.
It is believed that the Chozha King installed Vadivazhagiya Rama as the
presiding deity of this temple constructed during his regime. The beauty of the
Rama idol is discernible even though rulers after Rajendra Chozhan did not pay
much attention to the image developing the temple as the abode of Adhikesava
Perumal. The renovation of the temple was done in 2001.
The
Temple
The
entrance does not have the typical temple tower and it is unfinished and called
as Mottai Gopuram. The 3 Tier Garuda Sannidhi found at the Vada Madurai is a
special feature. Presiding Deity is called as Adi Kesava Perumal and is
facing east. Lord is in Standing Posture with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. Lord
upper hands hold chakra and sankam and lower ones are in Abhayahastha and
Varadahasta. Besides there is the idol of Krishna in the main shrine, either
side of which are the Dwarapalakas.
The
Vimanam above the shrine is attractive with colourful images of Dasavatharam. Utsavar
is ancient Idol of Rama alongside Baratha. This Utsava Idol is placed for
worship in the sannidhi mandapam. The song "Antharama Sowndaryam"
composed by Arunachala Kavi in Tamil perfectly suits the idol. While the image
of Bharatha seems to be as old as that of Sri Rama the idols of Sita, Lakshmana
and Anjaneya could have been later additions. Vishwaksenar and Lord Srinivasa
have also shrines next to Rama.
Shrine
of Bhakta Anjaneyar can be seen near the entrance makes it apparent that the
temple was dedicated to Sri Rama. Mother is called as Adi Lakshmi Thaayar and
she is housed in a separate shrine. She is in sitting posture. The Thayar Shrine
mandapam has images of the lion on the roof signifying the temple's association
with the Pallava Kings. The Utsava Thayar is known as Vedavalli.
There is
a Pallava connection to this temple. There are 5 Rajasimha Stone Sculptures at
the entrance. welcoming the devotees. There are many artistic sculptures in the
Temple. Most interesting ones are the fight between Rama/Lakshmana and
Lava-Kucha, Rama and the 10 headed Ravana depicting the very end of the battle
in Lanka.
The entire
story of Ramayana is depicted in beautiful little artistic sculptures inside
the Mandapam. Inscriptions indicate that Rajendra I (Gangai Konda Chozhan)
donated 50 acres of land for betel leaves & nuts cultivation to be
dedicated to Lord Rama as a wedding gift to the Lord. Agastheeswarar Temple is
located just opposite the Perumal Temple.
Temple
Opening Time
The
Temple remains open from 06.30 AM to 12.00 Noon and 05.00 PM to 08.00 PM.
Festivals
Rama
Navami, Kalyana Utsavam, Sri Jayanthi, Vaikunda Ekadesi, Puratasi Saturday and
Karthigai Deepam are the festivals celebrated here with pomp and glory.
Contact
Adi
Kesava Perumal Temple,
Vada
Madurai,
Othukottai
Taluk,
Thiruvallur
District – 601 102
Mobile: +91 97887 81862
Connectivity
The
Temple is located at about 300 meters from Vada Madurai Bus Stop, 3.5 Kms from Periyapalayam,
6 Kms from Vengal, 21 Kms from Uthukottai, 10 Kms from Thamaraipakkam, 25 Kms
from Redhills, 28 Kms from Tiruvallur, 41 Kms from Chennai and 54 Kms from
Chennai Airport. Take Chennai to Thiruvallur Route via Thamaraipakkam. At
Thamaraipakkam Junction, take right towards Periyapalayam. Vada Madurai is
situated 3.5 Kms before Periyapalayam.