Deepa Prakasa Perumal Temple Kanchipuram

Legends Associated with This Shrine

As per Hindu legend, once there was an argument between Saraswathi, the consort of Brahma and Lakshmi on superiority. They went to Indra, the king of celestial deities. Indra judged Lakshmi as superior and not satisfied with his argument, Saraswathi went to her husband, Brahma. He also chose Lakshmi to be the superior one. Saraswathi was unhappy with the decision and decided to stay away from Brahma. Brahma did a severe penance praying to Vishnu and did an Aswametha Yagna. Saraswathi was still angry that the yagna, which usually is done along with consorts was done alone by Brahma. She tried to disrupt the penance, but Vishnu interfered. Another version of the legend states that Saraswathi sent raakshakas to spoil the penance, which was spoiled by the stream of light from Vishnu.

Since Vishnu appeared as light to overcome the darkness of the situation, he was termed Deepa prakasa Perumal. Vedanta Desika was an ardent devotee of Deepa Prakasa Temple at Thoppul. The devotion of Desika is mentioned in Varadaraja Panchasat in 50 verses.

Architectural Relevance of This Shrine

The temple is located in Vishnu Kanchi along with most other Vishnu temples in Kanchipuram. The temple has a three-tiered rajagopuram, the gateway tower. The temple has a rectangular plan surrounded by brick walls and has two precincts. The central shrine of the temple has the image of the presiding deity, Deepa Prakasa Peruam in sitting posture. There are shrines for Lakshmi Hayagriva, Andal, Vedanta Desika and Alwars. It is the birthplace of Vedanta Desika. There is a separate shrine for Lord Hayagreeva along with Vedanta Desika. The temple tank, Saraswathi Theertham, is located on the premises.

A shrine is dedicated to Vedanta Desika facing South is seen in the temple. The icon of Desika is believed to be installed by his son Nayinar Varadhachariar. The image is seen sporting Abhaya Mudra. The temple practises Vaigasana Agama.

Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There

By Road

The city of Kanchipuram is well connected with the other part of the states and it is few km from the Quadrilateral National Highway.There are frequent bus services from Chennai and it takes 2- 3 hours to reach.The Chennai Metropolitan and the state express transport operate the services.

By Rail

Kanchipuram is connected with the southern part of the rail network and few trains are running through Kanchipuram. Suburban trains are running between Kanchipuram and Chennai beach on specified intervals.

By Air

Chennai is the nearest international airport, is situated around 75 km away from Kanchipuram. Both public and private transport facilities are available at the airport.

Shrine Timings

7A.M to 10 P.M

Events Celebrated at This Shrine

Brahmostavam festival September or October

Garuda Savai May or June

Extra Information About this Shrine

Nearby Temple

Kanchi Kamakshi Devi Temple

Kailasanadhar Temple

Sri Simha Dhakshinamoorthi Vyagrapuriswarar Temple

Madambakkam Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple