Sri Deepaprakasa Perumal Temple Kanchipuram – History, Legends, Timings & Travel Guide

 

Sri Deepaprakasa Perumal Temple – Tiruththanka Divyadesam of Kanchipuram

Nestled in the sacred town of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, the Sri Deepaprakasa Perumal Temple, also known as Tiruththanka, is one of the revered 108 Divyadesams of Lord Vishnu. This temple is celebrated for its unique legends, Dravidian architecture, and its association with the great philosopher Vedanta Desika.

Historical & Architectural Highlights

  • Built in Dravidian style of architecture, the temple features a three-tier Rajagopuram.
  • The central shrine houses Lord Vishnu as Deepaprakasa Perumal (Vilakoli Perumal) in a sitting posture.
  • Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped here as Maragathavalli.
  • The temple complex includes shrines for Lakshmi, Hayagriva, Andal, Vedanta Desika, and Alvars.
  • The Saraswati Tirtham temple tank lies outside the premises.
  • A shrine dedicated to Vedanta Desika, believed to be installed by his son Nayinar Varadhachariar, marks this temple as his birthplace.

Legends & Mythology

According to Hindu legend:

  • A dispute arose between Saraswati and Lakshmi over superiority. Both Indra and Brahma judged Lakshmi superior, angering Saraswati.
  • Brahma performed a yagna without Saraswati, which she tried to disrupt by sending darkness.
  • Lord Vishnu appeared as a stream of divine light, dispelling the darkness. Hence, he is called Deepaprakasa Perumal (Vilakoli Perumal) – “the light from the lamp.”
  • Another version narrates that Vishnu destroyed rakshakas sent by Saraswati with his radiant light.

This legend ties the temple to the broader Brahma penance stories associated with four Vishnu temples in Kanchipuram:

1.     Yathothkari Perumal Temple

2.     Ashtabhujagara Perumal Temple

3.     Varadaraja Perumal Temple

4.     Deepaprakasa Perumal Temple (Tiruththanka)

Festivals & Rituals

  • Brahmotsavam: Celebrated annually during the Tamil month of Puratassi (Sep–Oct).

Temple Hours

  • Morning: 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
  • Evening: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Getting Here

  • By Road: Kanchipuram is well connected by buses and taxis from Chennai (75 km), Vellore (60 km), and Tirupati (105 km).
  • By Rail: Kanchipuram Railway Station has direct trains from Chennai and other nearby towns.
  • By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (~70 km).
  • Local Access: The temple is located in Vishnu Kanchi, the cluster of Vishnu temples in Kanchipuram. Autos and cycle rickshaws are available for local transport.

Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or evenings for peaceful darshan.
  • Festival Highlight: Attend Brahmotsavam in Puratassi for grand celebrations.
  • Dress Code: Traditional attire is recommended; modest clothing is expected.
  • Combine Visits: Plan a circuit with nearby Vishnu temples – Varadaraja Perumal, Yathothkari Perumal, and Ashtabhujagara Perumal.
  • Carry Essentials: Water bottles and light snacks, as temple premises are simple and devotional.
  • Spiritual Note: This temple is the birthplace of Vedanta Desika, making it a significant pilgrimage for Vaishnavites.

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