Sowmyadamodara Perumal Villiwakkam

Vaishnavite Temples, Chennai District

God

Sowmya Damodara Perumal with Sreedevi and Bhoodevi, facing east

Goddess

Amirthavalli Thaayar, facing east

Other Gods

Garuda, 12 Azhwars, Aandal, Nammazhwar, Ramanujar, Chakrathazhwar, Thumbikkai Azhwar, Krishna, Rama, Anjaneya

Sowmyadamodara Perumal Villiwakkam is a large east facing temple with a 3 tier Rajagopuram at the eastern entrance. To the north of the temple is a large temple tank. At the east outside the Rajagopuram is the Vasantha Mantapam. The Lord, Krishna, has a smile on his face with a scar in his stomach where he was tied to the urn by his mother when he was a child. Goddess and Aandal are in separate shrine to his right and left respectively. There are beautiful small shrines in a row for the 12 Azhwars in front of the goddess shrine in the south of the temple. The shrine of the lord has beautiful carvings of fish in the ceiling and the top beams are carved with rows of images. The pillars are also carved with floral symbols including one with an image of Lord Shiva as a Lingam.

Vimaana – Ananda Vimaanam

Holy water (Theertham) – Amirtha Pushkarini

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Sowmyadamodara Perumal Villiwakkam is said to be more than 700 years old. Supporting this is the ancient stone carvings and the legend connecting it with the nearby Shiva Temple where stone inscriptions are present.

Legend

Sage Agastya is said to have killed two demons Vilvalan and Vatapi who disturbed his penance here. To rid himself of Brahmahatodosha (curse incurred from Brahma for killing people) he worshiped Lord Shiva in the nearby Agastheeswarar Temple and also Vishnu here at Sowmyadamodara Perumal Villiwakkam, both of them consenting to stay here at the request of the Sage.

Directions

Sowmyadamodara Perumal Villiwakkam is north of the Villiwakkam Bus Terminus and walking distance from it. Parking facility is not available.

Stay and Food

Chennai has many hotels and restaurants across all tiers.

Vaishnavite Temples

Tamilnadu Temples