Yathothkari Temple Kanchipuram- 47th Divya Desam

07/06/2023 Indrani Ghose

I had the good fortune of visiting the 15 Divya Desam Temples in Kanchipuram. In this post I bring you all information about Sri Yathothkari Temple which is numbered 47th Divya Desam among the 108 Divya Desam Temples. In Hindu texts, these temples are often referred to as Bhuloka Vaikuntham, which in Tamil means Heaven on Earth.

Each of the Divya Desam Temples has its own significance related to Sri Vaishnava legend. Here are my travel blogs on other Divya Desam Temples of Kanchipuram

Yathothkari Perumal Temple History

The temple is believed to have been built by the Pallavas of the late 8th century AD, with later contributions from Medieval Cholas and Vijayanagara kings.
Other names of Yathothkari Temple
Thiruvekka Temple, Sri Son Vannam Seitha Perumal Temple

Architecture

The temple was constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. Yathothkari Temple is spread over an area of about 4 acres, has two prakarma (open courtyards), a three tier rajagopuram (massive gateways) facing west.

The temple has three inscriptions on its walls, two dating from the period of Kulothunga Chola I (1070–1120 CE) and one to that of Rajadhiraja Chola (1018-54 CE).

The roof above the sanctum is Vedasara Vimanam.

Yathothkari Temple Kanchipuram

Yathothkari Temple Legends

There are two legends associated with Yathothkari Temple, the first is related why and how Lord Vishnu is worshiped in reclining position and the second legend is about how Lord Vishnu got the name Sri Yathothkari.

Legend One

Here is the legendary tale that unfolded in the celestial realm, starring two prominent goddesses – Saraswati and Lakshmi. They are sisters, daughters of Goddess Durga. These divine beings were renowned for their extraordinary attributes and abilities, and both believed they possessed the greatest merit.

However they were embroiled in a heated dispute, each asserting her superiority over the other.

Despite their attempts to find a resolution, the argument only intensified. Realizing the need for an impartial judgment, they decided to seek the intervention of Gods, Lord Indra and Lord Brahma.
Both favored Lakshmi’s merit over Saraswati’s, proclaimed her to be the greater of the two. This declaration of Lakshmi’s superiority filled Saraswati’s heart with intense anger and frustration, leaving her questioning her own worth.

The discontentment of Goddess Saraswati wasn’t forgotten. When Lord Brahma embarked on his journey to Kancheepuram to perform the grand Aswamedha Yagna for divine glimpse of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Saraswati resolved to take drastic measures. Determined to disrupt the Aswamedha Yagna and voice her discontentment she unleashed her divine powers and transformed into the mighty Vegavathi River, surging forth with immense force.

Foreseeing the imminent disruption to the yagna, Lord Vishnu lay in a serene repose upon his magnificent serpent couch, stopping the turbulent waters of the Vegavathi River. As Goddess Saraswati approached the sacred site, she was overcome with a deep sense of embarrassment and shame. She humbly halted her progress. She understood that she could not proceed beyond the divine lord, who commanded utmost reverence and respect.

In that moment of profound realization, Saraswati made a pivotal decision. She transformed herself into an underground stream, slipping into a hidden fissure within the Earth’s surface, determined to reach the other end of the sacrificial site. Saraswati’s decision to join Brahma signified her acceptance of the situation and her readiness to move forward in unity.

Lord Vishnu in this reposing form or lying posture came to be known as Sri Bhujaga shayana meaning the Lord lying on the serpent couch (bhujaga meaning serpent, shayana meaning reclining or sleeping).

Bhujaga Shayana Perumal

Legend Two

In the realm of ancient tales, another legend unfolds, highlighting the encounter between two devotees of Lord Vishnu in the sacred city of Kancheepuram.

Bakthisarar, (Thirumazhisai Azhwar) a revered sage and poet, known as one of the esteemed Alwars, embarked on a journey to Kanchipuram. He found solace within the sanctified confines of the temple dedicated to Lord Bhujaga sayana, a divine manifestation of Lord Vishnu.

Meanwhile, in a different part of the city, resided Kanikannan, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. When he got the news of Bakthisarar’s presence in Kancheepuram he was filled with a fervent desire to become the sage’s disciple. Kanikannan felt a deep longing to learn from him. Touched by the young devotee’s earnestness and devotion, Bakthisarar gracefully accepted Kanikannan as his disciple.

However, their harmonious existence took an unexpected turn when the ruler of Kancheepuram,

Pallavaraya, summoned Kanikannan to his regal palace asking him to bring sage Bakhtisara along to seek a personal favor from Bakthisarar. Kanikannan respectfully declined the king’s request, explaining that Bakthisarar never ventured outside his abode to meet anyone.

The king, incensed by Kanikannan’s refusal stubbornly persisted, demanding Kanikannan to compose and sing a song in praise of his own royal glory. Once more, Kanikannan respectfully declined, stating that his songs were solely dedicated to the divine and not meant for mortal beings.

Furious at this second refusal, the king’s wrath intensified. In his anger, he imposed a severe punishment upon Kanikannan, banishing him from the sacred city of Kancheepuram. Kanikannan returned to the abode of his revered master, Bakthisarar, and recounted the distressing turn of events.

Saddened by the turn of events, Bakthisarar resolved to accompany Kanikannan in exile. Bakthisarar turned to the deity, Lord Bhujagasayana, whom he had served with utmost devotion for solace and guidance.

Lord Bhujaga sayana, in an act of profound compassion, decided to forsake his abode in Kancheepuram and accompany Bakthisarar and Kanikannan in their exile.

This act earned Lord Bhujaga shayana the names: Lord Yadokthakari or Sonnavannam Seida Perumal, signifying the deity who acted according to the wishes of his devotee.

The absence of their divine presence of the trio, Bakthisarar, Kanikannan, and Lord Bhujaga shayana, left the land engulfed in shadows; a profound darkness fell upon the city. Witnessing the plight of his city, the Pallava king, filled with remorse, decided to seek the forgiveness. He approached the exiled devotees, beseeching them to reconsider their decision and grace Kancheepuram once more.

With grace and humility, the divine trio turned their steps back towards Kancheepuram, their return bringing a renewed sense of hope and light to the city. As they re-entered the sacred precincts, the darkness receded, replaced by an aura of divine radiance and joy.

The Pallava king, who was grateful for the forgiveness bestowed upon him and his city, pledged to honour the divine trio for eternity.

Idols of Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman

Idols worshiped in shrines of Yathothkari Temple

Uniqueness of Lord Vishnu idol in this temple – he is reclining on the serpent couch in Bhujanga Sayanam, facing west. Here the idol of Ranganatha is depicted as recumbent on his left hand, unlike other temples where he is recumbent on his right. It is a rare representation of reclining Vishnu form. He did so only to make the world know by this difference in his posture how faithfully he carried out the wishes of Bakthisara, the sincere devotee.
Goddess Saraswati can be seen at his feet.
His consort is Goddess Komalavalli in a separate shrine.
Rama, Sita, and Hanuman, and Poigai Azhwar are housed in separate shrines.
There is a shrine for Garuda just opposite the main shrine.
There is also a beautiful idol of Goddess Andal or Bhooma Devi, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu who conquered Vishnu by her love and devotion.

Garuda Statue in Yathothkari Temple

The Temple is famous for following

Yathothkari Perumal Temple is famous for these sacred events and happenings:

Goddess Saraswati and Thirumazhisai Azhwar were said to have got the darshan of the Lord Vishnu here.
The lotus tank of the temple that lies outside the complex is believed to be the birthplace of Saint Poigai Azhwar.
This holy place is also known as Thiruvekka in traditional accounts.
Since Lord Vishnu listened and obliged his devotees here, it is believed that Perumal listens to prayers of his devotees and blesses them with the fulfilment of their desires.

Festivals celebrated in Yathothkari Tiruvekkaa Temple

Aippasi Thiruvonam day is celebrated as the Saturumurai day of Poigai Azhwar in this temple on a grand scale in the month of Asvija (September – October). A golden palanquin is used during festivals here.
Vaikuntha Ekadasi is celebrated for 22 days in the Tamil month Margazhi (December- January).
Brahmotsavam of Lord Yathothkari is celebrated in asterism Revathi in the month of Panguni (March – April).

Thiruvekka Temple – Divya Desam 47

Yathothkari Temple Information

Timings: Temple is open from 8 AM to 10.30 AM and 4.30 PM to 7.30 PM. Puja are offered twice a day in this temple.
Address: RPF6+JWX, Ennaikaran, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501
Coordinates: 12.824581315504359, 79.7123686

Yathothkari Perumal Temple Dress Code

The temple follows a strict dress code for men, women and for foreigners.
For Men: Shirt, Trouser, Dhoti or Pyjamas with upper cloth.
For Women: Saree or half-saree with blouse, Kurti with churidhar or salwar and upper cloth.
Bare shoulders and above the knee dressing are strictly not allowed.

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Indrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.