Vaikuntavasa Perumal Temple, Koyambedu – Legends
Lord Rama darshan as
Vaikunda Vasa to Sage Valmiki:
After ascending the throne in Ayodhya, Sri Rama came to
know that some of his subjects spoke ill of Sita’s fidelity and immediately
ordered her to be sent to forests though she was pregnant. Mother
was taken care of by Sage Valmiki where she gave birth to the twins Lava and
Kucha. During this period, Lord Sri Rama conducted the Ashwamedha
Yaga. The Horse dedicated for the Yaga came to Lava-Kucha’s place. They
captured the Horse. Shatrughna, youngest brother of Lord Rama
demanded the boys to release the horse. They refused.
In the war that followed, the boys defeated Shatrughna. Even
Lakshmana, who came then to release the horse was also defeated by Lava and
Kucha. Surprised Lord Rama sent a messenger to the forest to invite
Sage Valmiki, Sita and the boys. Sita was so happy to see her Lord
again. Sage Valmiki explained the story to the boys that Lord Rama was their
father and the circumstances that caused the separation.
Sage Valmiki begged the pardon of Rama for his disciple
boys. Lord Rama granted darshan to the sage as Vaikuntavasa. As
requested by the Sage, Lord stayed in this place as Vaikuntavasa in this place.
To support the stay of Sage Valmiki here, there is an anthill in the prakara of
the temple. Lord Kurungaleeswarar, worshipped by Lava-Kucha is
nearby.
Raghavapuri:
When Lord Sri Rama took Sita to Ayodhya, Mother thought
that she has come to this place and her Lord Rama was in her eyes, hence the
place has the name Raghavapuri.
Koyambedu:
The name of the place Koyambedu is derived from the
story that Lava-Kusa tied the Ko, the horse of Sri Rama with Ayam (iron) fence
– Ko-Ayam-Pedu. Ayam is iron and Pedu the fence.
Other Names:
This place in ancient days were as known as Kusa Lava Puram,
Kusalavapuri, Kuchalavapuri, Kosai Nagar, Koyattipuram and Prayachithapuram.
