Tiruvelukkai temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th?9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divya Desam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Azhagiya Singar and his consort Lakshmi as Amruthavalli.
Shrine’s History
The Vimana above the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Narasimha is called Kanaka Vimanam. Sage Brugu had worshipped Perumal in this temple. Sri Sudarsana Chakkarathazhwar the deity of Lord Vishnus discus graces from a shrine in the outer corridor-prakara. Sri Garuda Bhagwan in the Narasimha shrine appears with his head slightly on a side as if unable to bear the fury of the Lord. This is a strange and different style of Garuda in this temple.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
Velukkai is derived from Vel (desire) and irukkai (place of stay), meaning the place where Vishnu desired to stay, which became Velukkai from Velirukkai. It is believed that the original image of the temple was east facing standing posture of Vishnu as he appeared for Bhrigu Maharishi and later appeared as Azhagiya Singar. 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 in various ways, but Vishnu interfered in all her attempts. After all the demons were killed by Vishnu, who were sent by Saraswati to destroy the yagna(penance) done by Brahma, she sent Kapalika, a demon. Lord Vishnu took the form of Narhari to kill the demon.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
The presiding deity is Narasimhar is depicted in a seated posture facing West. The temple is located close to the Tiruththanka temple in Vishnu Kanchipuram. The temple has three shrines, one each for the presiding deity Azhagiyasingar, one for his consort Amruthavalli and other for Garuda.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
From Kanchipuram, there are many auto-rickshaws that drive you to the temple. Kanchipuram is well connected by several bus services from Chennai and other places in Tamil Nadu.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Kanchipuram Railway Station. From Kanchipuram Railway Station private taxis are available to reach this temple. Kanchipuram rail-line is connected to Chennai, Pondicherry and Madurai.
By Air
Chennai is the nearest airport. From Chennai, the temple in Kanchipuram is 75 km’s away.
Shrine Timings
7.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Vaikunda Ekadasi is devotionally celebrated in the temple in December-January.
Extra Information About this Shrine
The temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7th?9th century Vaishnava canon, by Peyalvar, Bhoothathazhwar, Thirumazhisai Aazhwar and Thirumangai Alvar. The Azhwars have sung praise on the different forms of Pandava Thoothar. The temple is classified as a Divyadesam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the book. Many Acharyas have also written songs on the various forms of God in this Temple.
