A day trip concluded with Thirupporur and Siruthavur. So what did I do in the morning? Well, the morning was filled with 3 temple visits. The first one of it was the twin temple of Vaayalur Thirupuleeswarar Vaikunda Perumal temples.
First things first. The temple comes under ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), so its well maintained. Its said to be built by Raja Simha Pallava in 723 AD. However some historians believe it was built prior to that. When I reached there, the temple was locked and the local kids were playing near the gate. They informed me that the ASI watchman should come any time now and he did!
Just past the temple entrance, to the right was a little mandapa which must have been constructed in a later period (may be Vijayanagara). What totally attracted me to this mandapa was the row of little dancing figures in the lower part!!! Isn't it stunning??!!!
Similar to Thirumayam, this too is a twin temple of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu within the same compound wall. The Lord Shiva here is called Thiruppuleeswarar or Vyakrapuleeswarar. His consort here is called Angayar Kanni Ammai. In the Sanctum Sanctorum, behind the Siva Lingam is the relief sculpture of Somaskanda. The Shiva temple section has a Gaja Prushta Sivalayam architecture, similar to Dhenupureeswarar temple. It means that the rear part of the Sactum Sanctorum is curved forming a semi circle. The Lord Vishnu here is called Vaikunda Perumal. However the priest here said He has the features of Adi Kesava Perumal. He's here with both his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Separate shrines for Lord Muruga and Lord Vinayaka are situated behind the Siva and Vishnu Shrines.
All around the temples, the foundation inscription was present at the base of the temple (adhistanam).
The most important feature of the temple is the pillar to the right at the temple entrance. Its filled with names of the Pallava kings beginning from Lord Brahma - the creator, written all around the pillar beginning from the bottom, in Pallava Grantha script!!!
Ofcourse, my animal luck worked here too. I spotted a cute little puppy near the temple entrance and as soon as I entered the main gate, the huge lawn before reaching the temple entrance did impress me.
There was big banyan tree and the grass around were completely in full bloom that attracted thousands of butterflies. I stood there for some 15-20 minutes and spotted atleast hundred butterflies and some 10 different species of them!!!
TO GET THERE:
From Chennai:
Ph. no. of the ASI watchman Mr. Annamalai - +91 89391 33769 (Wednesday holiday).
Dedicated to Gopu, Siva, VSS
Good narrative. I i visit a Vaikuntha Perumal temple at Kancheepuram but this one looks different. The one I visited had a mosque next to it an the temple pond was shared by both (no water now)
ReplyDeleteThe one you saw is in Kanchipuram town. This one is in OMR, almost near Mahabalipuram. Just Kanchipuram district, not Kanchi town...
DeleteHi Bhusha
ReplyDeleteNice charming temple. Liked the Gajaprushta architecture. Great to see that you are continuously discovering new temples. Hope your Navaratri was well spent. Best Wishes. Ram
Thank you so much Ram Cheta! Its all your blessings!!! :)
DeleteLovely temple. Thanks for sharing this, Bhusha.
ReplyDeleteIts my pleasure Niranjan! :)
DeleteBeautifully narrated Bhusha. My dad had just been to Thiruporur temple and he gave me a similar bit of info. I've also heard about Vaikunta perumal temple.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Anu! :)
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