Sri Azhagiya Singar
Perumal Temple – Kanchipuram
The Sri Azhagiya
Singar Perumal Temple, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is one of
the 108 Divyadesam temples of Lord Vishnu. Here, Lord Vishnu is
worshipped as Azhagiya Singar Perumal (Narasimha), seated in a west‑facing
posture, with Goddess Amuthavalli as his consort.
Legends &
Significance
- Narasimha Avatar:
According to temple lore, Saraswati and Lakshmi once argued over
superiority. When Saraswati tried to disrupt Brahma’s yajna, Vishnu
appeared as Narhari (Narasimha) to destroy the demons she sent,
including Kapalika.
- Velukkai Meaning:
The name derives from Tamil – Vel (wish) and Irukkai (stay),
symbolizing the Lord’s divine presence here.
- Alwar Hymns:
Saints Peyazhwar and Tirumangai Alwar praised the temple in
their Mangalasasanam hymns.
- Devotee Belief:
Worship here is said to relieve devotees from life’s difficulties.
Temple Architecture
- Built in Dravidian style
during the 8th century.
- Three‑tier Rajagopuram
at the entrance.
- Shrines:
- Presiding deity Azhagiya Singar
(Narasimha).
- Consort shrine for Amuthavalli.
- Shrine for Garuda.
- Vimanam:
The sanctum tower is called Kanaka Vimanam.
- Smallest Divyadesam Temple:
This is the smallest among the Divyadesam temples in Kanchipuram.
Festivals
- Vaikunta Ekadasi:
The most celebrated festival here.
- Sri Krishnashtami:
Celebrated with devotion and rituals.
Temple Timings
- Morning:
7:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Evening:
4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Getting Here
- Location:
Vishnu Kanchipuram, close to the Tiruththanka temple.
- By Road:
Well connected by buses and taxis from Chennai (~75 km).
- By Rail:
Nearest station – Kanchipuram.
- By Air:
Chennai International Airport (~70 km).
Tips for Devotees
- Visit during Vaikunta Ekadasi
for grand celebrations.
- Explore nearby Divyadesam temples
in Kanchipuram for a complete spiritual circuit.
- Pray to Lord Narasimha for
relief from obstacles and protection.
- Respect temple traditions and dress
modestly.
Why Visit Sri Azhagiya
Singar Perumal Temple?
- One of the 108 Divyadesam temples.
- Unique legend of Narasimha’s
manifestation to protect Brahma’s yajna.
- Smallest Divyadesam temple in
Kanchipuram, yet spiritually powerful.
- Rich Dravidian architecture
with Kanaka Vimanam and three‑tier gopuram.