Vaikundavasa Perumal Koyambedu

Vaishnavite Temples, Chennai District

God

Vaikuntavasa Perumal, facing east

Goddess

Kanakavalli Thaayar, facing east

Other Deities

Sage Valmiki with Lava and Kusha, Pregnant Sita, 12 Azhwars, Ramanujar, Manavala Mamunigal, Senai Mudalvar, Ganesha, Aandal, Anjaneya, Garuda

Vaikundavasa Perumal Koyambedu is an ancient east facing temple. The main deity here appears in standing form with Sreedevi and Bhoodevi unlike the sitting form usualy depicted of him in Vaikunta. Lord Rama is seen here with Sita and without Lakshmana and Hanuman. He is robed with plants and leaves. Later an Anjaneya shrine has been constructed here. A carving of Sage Valmiki, Sita, Lava and Kucha are seen in a pillar. Arunagirinadar has mentioned this place as Kosainagar in Thirupugazh. The name Koyambedu is derived from the story that Lava and Kucha tied the Ko (the Horse of Rama) to the Ayam (Iron) Pedu (Fence). Saint Arunagiriar has described this place as Kosai Nagar in his Tirupugazh. A Neem tree is seen here merged with two Vilwa trees symbolizing the wedding of Shiva and Parvathi in the presence of Lord Vishnu and is called Parvathi Swayamvara Vruksha.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Lava Kusha Theertham

Holy Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Vilwam (Aegle marmelos) and Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Vimaanam – Chaya Vimanam

History

Vaikundavasa Perumal Koyambedu is an ancient temple and it is believed to have been constructed during Kulothunga Chola’s period in the 12th Century.

Legend

After ascending the throne in Ayodhya, Rama sent sita to the forests even though she was pregnant. Sage Valmiki took her in in his Ashram where the twins Lava and Kusha were born. As they grew up Rama’s Ashwameda Yaga Horse which came around here was captured by them. In the ensuing battle the twins defeated everyone including all of Rama’s brothers. In the meantime Valmiki explained their background to them and seeked the apology of Rama. Vaikundavasa Perumal Koyambedu is the place where this is said to have taken place and where the Lord appeared to satisfy Valmiki and upon his request stayed here at Vaikundavasa Perumal Koyambedu.

Directions

The temple adjoins the area north of the Koyambedu Market and can be accessed from the outer ring road just after crossing the signal junction after the bus terminus towards the Bangalore highway. Visit the nearby Shiva temple.

Stay and Food

Lodges are around, but the noise, chaos and lack of parking will discourage you to stay here. For food you have the Adyar Ananda Bhavan, Grand Sweets & Snacks and other fast food chains in the main road.

Vaishnavite Temples

Tamilnadu Temples