Tiruvekkaa
Temple (Yathothkari Perumal Temple) – Sonnavannam Seitha Perumal
Introduction
The
Tiruvekkaa Temple, also known as Yathothkari Perumal Temple or Sonnavannam
Seitha Perumal, is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord
Vishnu. Located in Chinna Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, this temple is
revered in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham and praised by the Alvar
saints. It is considered one of the three oldest Vishnu temples in
Kanchipuram, alongside Ulagalantha Perumal Temple and Pandava
Thoothar Perumal Temple.
History
& Literary Mentions
- Antiquity:
The temple finds mention in ancient Tamil works such as Perumpāṇāṟṟuppaṭai
(300 BCE–100 CE), Silappatikaram (2nd–3rd century CE), Patanjali
Mahabharatham, and Tolkāppiyam (3rd century BCE).
- Vedanta
Desika: The great acharya dedicated the Vegasetu
Stotram to this temple.
- Dynastic
Contributions: Built by the Pallavas (8th
century CE), with later contributions from the Cholas and Vijayanagara
kings. Inscriptions from Parantaka I, Rajadhiraja Chola, and
Kulothunga Chola record gifts of gold, land, and villages.
- Alvar Praise:
Poigai Alvar, Peyalvar, Bhoothathalvar, and Thirumalisai Alvar have sung
hymns in praise of Yathothkari Perumal.
Legends
- Saraswati
& Lakshmi: Vishnu intervened in their dispute,
lying across the Vegavathi river, giving rise to the name Vekka.
- Thirumalisai
Alvar & Kanikkannan: When the Pallava
king banished Kanikkannan, Perumal left Kanchipuram with him and
Thirumalisai Alvar, plunging the city into darkness. On the king’s
repentance, Perumal returned, earning the name Yathothkari Perumal
(“the one who fulfills requests”).
- Poigai Alvar:
Born in the temple’s lotus pond, making the temple his birthplace and a
sacred site for Vaishnavites.
Deity
& Architecture
- Presiding
Deity: Sonnavannam Seitha Perumal,
reclining from right to left, resting on his left hand – a rare
depiction.
- Consort:
Goddess Komalavalli Thayar.
- Rajagopuram:
Five-tiered gateway tower with five kalasams.
- Sanctum:
Houses the stucco image of Vishnu in Bhujanga Sayanam posture.
- Shrines:
Separate shrines for Poigai Alvar, Rama with Sita and Hanuman,
Garuda, and Komalavalli Thayar.
- Mandapam:
Vijayanagara-era sculpted pillars in the Mahamandapa.
Festivals
& Rituals
- Daily
Rituals: Six poojas – Ushathkalam (7 am),
Kalasanthi (8 am), Uchikalam (12 pm), Sayarakshai (6 pm), Irandamkalam (7
pm), Ardha Jamam (10 pm).
- Major
Festivals:
- Panguni
Brahmotsavam (April–May)
- Poigai
Alvar’s Birthday (Aipassi Thiruvonam)
- Thai Magam
Festival (Jan–Feb): Procession of Perumal,
Thirumalisai Alvar, and Kanikkannan to Orikkai village.
- Other
Rituals: Weekly, monthly, and fortnightly
sevas, float festival, and summer festival.
Temple
Timings
- Morning:
8:00 am – 10:30 am
- Evening:
4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
How
to Reach
- Distance:
3 km from Kanchipuram, 70 km from Chennai.
- By Road:
Well-connected by buses and taxis from Chennai and nearby towns.
- By Rail:
Kanchipuram Railway Station is the nearest.
- By Air:
Chennai International Airport (~70 km).
Nearby
Temples
- Sri
Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram – 4 km
- Sri
Subramanya Swamy Temple, Kundrathur – 7 km
- Sri Vaikunta
Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram – 25 km
- Sri
Balasubramanian Temple, Uthiramerur – 27 km
- Sri
Subramanya Swamy Temple, Vallakottai – 33 km
- Sri Adikesava
Perumal Temple, Perumbudur – 37 km
- Bhutapureeswarar
Temple, Perumbudur – 37 km
- Sri
Vedagiriswarar Temple, Tirukalukundram – 49 km
- Sri
Dhenupureeswarar Temple, Madambakkam – 58 km
- Sri Kamakshi
Amma Temple, Mangadu – 62 km
Tips
for Devotees
- Best Time to
Visit: September – February for pleasant
weather.
- Dress Code:
Traditional attire is recommended.
- Festivals:
Visit during Brahmotsavam or Poigai Alvar Utsavam for
vibrant celebrations.
- Darshan:
Morning hours are less crowded compared to evenings.
Conclusion
The
Tiruvekkaa / Yathothkari Perumal Temple is a timeless sanctuary of
devotion, history, and legend. With its rare reclining image of Vishnu, deep
connections to the Alvars, and mentions in ancient Tamil literature, it
stands as a spiritual jewel of Kanchipuram. For devotees and heritage seekers,
this Divya Desam offers both divine blessings and a glimpse into the grandeur
of Tamil temple traditions.