Thiruvetka

108 Divya Desam Temples

God

Sonna Vannam Seitha Perumal (Yadothkari Perumal), facing west

Goddess

Komalavalli Thaayar, facing east

Other Deities

Garudan, Aandal, Poigai Azhwar, Thirumazhisai Azhwar, Ramar, Manavala Mamunigal

Thiruvetka could be one of the oldest temples in Kancheepuram as it finds mentions in the Sangam Age literature of Perumpanatru Padai (2nd Century CE). The temple is approached through a 5 tiered beautiful Rajagopuram on the west. There are 2 Prakarams. This is the birthplace of Poigai Azhwar, one of the 12 Azhwars. The huge idol of the lord is in reclining posture facing west with his head towards south, rested on his left hand unlike other idols where the head is rested on the right hand. The Vimaanam over the sanctum sanctorum is with 5 Kalasams and with the idols of Vishnu, Garuda and Nammazhwar. This temple was built with bricks in the ancient days and converted to a stone structure in the Chola Period (10th Century CE). The large Mantapa outside was built in the Vijayanagar period (14th or 15th Century CE) and includes beautifully carved pillars. A large temple tank, Poiya Kulam, is seen north of the temple.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Poigai Pushkarini (Poiyya Kulam)

Vimaanam – Vedasara Vimaanam

History

Poigai Azhwar, Pei Azhwar, Thirumazhisai Azhwar, Nammazhwar and Thirumangai Azhwar (5th to 10th Century CE) have rendered Mangalasasanam here at Thiruvetka. There are 12 stone inscriptions here at Thiruvetka, the oldest being that of the period of Parantaka Chola I (944 CE). This mentions the lord as ‘Ananda Narayana Perumal and Thiruvekka – Anai Kidantharuliya Paramaswamy’. Inscriptions of Rajendra Chola (1032 CE), Kulothunga Chola III (1184 CE) and others. Inscriptions belonging to the Vijayanagar Kings mention the lord’s name as ‘Sonna Vannam Seitha Perumal’ and are found in the Rajagopuram and second Prakaram.

The inscriptions talk about various donations and offerings by kings, their families and the general public.

Legend

To disrupt the Yaaga of Brahma, Goddess Saraswati took the form of a river and came down. To stop the flood, upon Brahma’s request, the Lord reclined across as a dam. Saraswati felt ashamed and hence the name Thiruvetka.

Thirumazhisai Azhwar had to leave Kancheepuram because his disciple Kanikannan was banished by a King of Kanchi when he refused to sing his praise. Thirumazhisai Azhwar in his song requested the lord also to go along with them and the town plunged into lot of sufferings. The King of Kanchi realized his folly, located them and requested them to come back. They obliged and hence the name of the lord Sonnavannam Seitha Perumal (one who heeded the request of his devotee). The lord however came back and reclined here with his head rested on his left hand and not the right as usually seen. The one night he spend outside the temple is another temple in nearby Orikkai – Or Iravu Thangia Perumal.

Directions

Thiruvetka is located in the Rengasamy Kulam area and near the Vilakkoli Perumal Temple in Kancheepuram town.

Stay and Food

Kancheepuram town has innumerable temples which could be combined as preferred. Refer our map to plan your day. Good hotels and restaurants are available.

108 Divya Desam Temples

Kancheepuram Temples

Tamilnadu Temples