Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple (Thiruputkuzhi),
Kanchipuram – The Temple
The
temple is believed to have been built by the Pandya kings during the 13th century, as seen from the
stone inscriptions in the temple. The temple here is one among the 108 Divya
Desams and is dedicated to
Lord Vijayaraghavaswamy (Moolavar). There is a separate temple for Thayar in
the form of Maragathavalli Thayar and a Sannidhi for Sri
Ramanuja as well.
Lord
Vijaya Raghava Perumal blesses the devotees with Jatayu on his lap. Both the
Nachiyars are found on both the sides, but in opposite manner. During all
Perumal processions, due regard is offered to Jatayu also. As this is the place,
where Lord Rama performed the last rites for Jatayu the eagle, who fought with
Ravana to rescue Sita from him and sacrificed his life in the service of the
Lord, as a mark of honour to him, the flag post and the Balipeeta are outside
the temple.
Vijayaraghava
Perumal temple houses a separate shrine for Goddess Maragathavalli Thayar.
The Pushkarani (temple tank) of Vijayaraghava Perumal temple is called
as Jatayu Pushkarani. The Vimanam (the tower above the sanctum sanctorum)
of Vijayaraghava Perumal temple is called as Vijaya Koti Vimanam. The
temple has been revered as Nalayira Divya Prabandham, a Vaishnava canon,
and hymns were sung by Thirumangai Azhwar, the saint of south India.
Sundara
Pandyan, the Pandya King, was one of the earliest rulers to have renovated this
temple. Rayas, known for their attachment to Vishnu temples, are also said to
have contributed to the renovation of this temple. While the temple
currently comes under the endowment board, it is completely run by the Maragathavalli
Trust (MSVRP Trust), which has done a commendable job in recent years.
The
Vijayaraghava temple wears a clean and neat look, with the Trust management
cleaning the prakaram on a regular basis. The temple tank, which had worn a
barren look several years ago (the Theppam fest had been stopped temporarily in
1974), is now brimming with water.
Lord
Vijaya Raghavan on Horse Vahanam is a special feature. There is a separate Sannidhi
for Jataayu opposite the temple tank. On all festive occasions, Lord first
visits the Jataayu Sannidhi during his street procession. Raama is said to have
sent an arrow that created a pit here to bring sacred water into this place
(this is where the temple tank is currently).
Moolavar & Thaayar:
The Perumal of this
sthalam is Sri Vijayaraghava Perumal. Moolavar in found in sitting position
facing East direction. Prathyaksham for Jadayu (Eagle).
Thaayar: Maragathavalli
Thayaar. She has her own temple.
Sannadhis:
·
Jadayu
·
Ramanuja
·
Maragathavalli
Thayaar
Pushkarani:
Jadayu
Pushkarani.
Near
this Theertham, in Thai month Theppa utsavam is done in a very big manner and
special poojas are done on every Amavasai.
Vimanam:
·
Vijaya
Koti Vimanam.
