Sri Pandava Dhootha Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram – Divya Desam of Krishna’s Viswaroopa

Location

Situated in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, a major temple city known for its Divya Desams.
The temple is also called Thirupadagam Divya Desam.

Presiding Deities

Main Deity: Sri Pandava Dhootha Perumal (Lord Krishna) in a 25‑foot tall seated Viswaroopa form, facing east.
Consort: Goddess Rukmini.
The deity here is unique as Krishna is worshipped in his Universal Form (Vishvarupa), symbolizing his cosmic power revealed in the Kaurava court.

Subshrines

Shrines for Rukmini Thayar (consort of Krishna).
Other subshrines dedicated to Alwars (Vaishnava saints) and Vishnu’s forms.
The temple follows Dravidian architecture, with inscriptions dating back to the Pallava period (8th century CE).

Temple Significance

The temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by Alwar saints, making it one of the 108 Divya Desams.

Pilgrims believe worship here grants blessings of peace, protection, and divine vision.
King Janamejaya (great‑grandson of Arjuna) is said to have performed penance here and received Krishna’s blessings.

History

The temple, also called Thirupadagam, dates back to the 8th century CE, constructed during the Pallava dynasty.
It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, praised in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by Alwar saints like Peyazhwar, Bhoodhathazhwar, Thirumazhisai Alwar, Nammazhwar, and Thirumangai Alwar.
Inscriptions in Tamil from the Pallava period attest to its antiquity and patronage.

Legends

Krishna came as the Pandava Dhootha (messenger) to the Kaurava court to negotiate peace.
Duryodhana tried to humiliate and kill Krishna, but the Lord revealed his Viswaroopa (Universal Form).
Even the blind King Dhritarashtra was granted divine vision to witness this cosmic form.

Sage Vaisampayana narrated this legend to King Janamejaya (great‑grandson of Arjuna).
Janamejaya performed penance here, and Krishna appeared in his divine form to bless him.

The temple thus commemorates Krishna’s role as the divine envoy of the Pandavas, symbolizing truth, protection, and cosmic vision.

Architecture

Style: Built in Dravidian architecture, typical of Pallava temples.
Main Idol: A 25‑foot tall seated Krishna in Viswaroopa form, one of the largest Vishnu images in South India.
Sanctum: Houses Krishna as Pandava Dhootha Perumal, facing east.
Subshrines: Dedicated to Goddess Rukmini Thayar and Alwars.
Temple Layout: Features a traditional gopuram, mandapams, and inscriptions that highlight Pallava craftsmanship.

Daily Rituals

Standard Vaishnava Agama Practices: The temple follows the Pancharatra Agama, with daily worship offered to Krishna.
Six Daily Pujas: Morning Suprabhata Seva, Alankara (decoration), Archana (chanting of names), Naivedya (food offering), Deepa Aradhana (lamp offering), and Ekanta Seva (night rituals).
Special Offerings: Devotees often perform Satyanarayana Puja and offer butter, tulsi leaves, and flowers to Krishna.

Major Festivals

Vaikunta Ekadasi: A grand celebration with special darshan, recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama, and temple processions.
Krishna Jayanti (Janmashtami): Marked with midnight puja, chanting of Krishna’s names, and enactments of his childhood leelas.
Guru Purnima: Honoring Krishna as the supreme teacher, with discourses and special pujas.
Deepavali & Pongal: Observed with temple decorations, special naivedyam, and community feasts.
Annual Brahmotsavam: The temple conducts a grand festival with Dwajarohanam (flag hoisting), Vahana Sevas (processions on Garuda, Hanuman, and other mounts), and Theerthavari (holy water immersion).
Alwar Tirunakshatras: Birth anniversaries of Alwar saints are celebrated with recitations from Divya Prabandham.

Beliefs & Significance

Mahabharata Legend: Devotees believe Krishna’s Viswaroopa darshan here symbolizes protection against injustice and evil.
Blessings of Peace: Worshippers seek harmony in family and society, inspired by Krishna’s role as a peace envoy.
Divine Vision: It is believed that sincere prayers here grant clarity of mind and spiritual insight, just as Dhritarashtra was granted vision to witness Krishna’s cosmic form.
Fulfillment of Wishes: Offering butter and tulsi leaves to Krishna is said to bring prosperity and remove obstacles.
Pilgrimage Merit: As a Divya Desam, visiting this temple is considered highly meritorious, equivalent to gaining Krishna’s direct blessings.

Temple Hours

Morning: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Evening: 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Photography: Not allowed inside the sanctum.
Best Season: All year, though festivals like Janmashtami and Vaikunta Ekadasi draw large crowds.

Getting Here

By Road: Kanchipuram is ~75 km from Chennai. Regular buses and taxis connect Chennai, Vellore, and Tirupati to Kanchipuram.
By Rail: Kanchipuram railway station is well connected to Chennai and nearby towns.
By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (~70 km).
Local Access: The temple is located near Ekambareshwarar Temple in Big Kanchipuram, making it easy to combine visits.

Tips

Combine Visits: Kanchipuram houses several Divya Desams (Varadaraja Perumal, Deepa Prakasa Perumal, etc.). Plan a circuit for a full pilgrimage experience.
Festival Crowds: During Janmashtami, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and Brahmotsavam, expect heavy crowds. Arrive early for darshan.
Dress Code: Traditional attire is recommended (dhoti/saree). Avoid shorts or western casuals inside sanctum.
Offerings: Butter, tulsi leaves, and flowers are considered auspicious for Krishna here.
Accessibility: Narrow streets around the temple; parking may be limited. Prefer walking or auto‑rickshaws once inside the town.
Nearby Attractions: Silk saree shopping in Kanchipuram, Ekambareshwarar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, and Varadaraja Perumal Temple.