The Hindu deity Vishnu is worshipped at Tiruvelukkai, which is situated in Kanchipuram, in the Tamil Nadu state of South India. The Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the sixth to the ninth centuries AD, extols the temple, which was built in the Dravidian architectural style. Vishnu, who is revered as Azhagiya Singar and his spouse Lakshmi as Amuthavalli, is the object of one of the 108 Divya Desam. Theertham: Hema Saras and Kanaga Saras.
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More Information
- History/Legend of the Temple The name "Azhagiya Singar" translates to the "Beautiful Lion" or "The Handsome Lion," which is a reference to Lord Vishnu in his Narasimha (man-lion) form, who appeared to protect his devotee Prahlada. According to the legend, once, the city of Kanchipuram was ruled by a demon king named Hiranyaksha, who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu but became arrogant and prideful due to his powers. However, his devotion was only out of fear and not out of true love for the Lord. The king began troubling the people and was creating havoc in the region. In response to his misdeeds, Vishnu manifested in the form of a majestic lion (Narasimha) to subdue the demon king. The divine lion fought and vanquished the demon, bringing peace to the city. The temple is dedicated to the Vishnu deity in this form and is said to be the place where Vishnu took the Narasimha avatar to protect the devotees from evil forces. The temple's main deity is Azhagiya Singar Perumal, who is depicted in a beautiful form, unlike the terrifying Narasimha form. This form of the Lord is believed to grant devotees with wealth, health, and prosperity, while also offering protection from dangers.
- Name of the Deities Alagiya Singar (Vishnu) & Amuthavalli (Lakshmi).
- Nearby Cities and Distance Chennai (Tambaram) (50.9 km). Vandavasi (40.8 km). Vellore (71.9 km).
- Mode of Transport(from the nearest city) Car. Bus. Train. Bike.
- Duration (from the nearest city) Chennai (Tambaram) 1 hr 1 min.
- Estimated cost of the travel (from the nearest city) car,auto,bus... Car- Rs.2000-2500 Bus- Rs.100-150 Train- Rs.50-100
- Temple Instructions Devotees should dress cleanly and conservatively. Western clothes are not allowed.
- Special Days and Special Happenings One of the most important festivals at Thiru Velukkai Sri Azhagiya Singar Perumal Temple is "Brahmotsavam," a multi-day event with elaborate processions, cultural performances, and religious ceremonies. Another significant event at the temple is "Vaikunta Ekadashi," which commemorates the celestial opening of the Vaikunta Dwaram (the gate to Lord Vishnu's dwelling) for devotees to gain redemption. The temple also holds several other festivals, including Janmashtami (Lord Krishna's birth anniversary), Rama Navami (Lord Rama's birth anniversary), and Diwali (the festival of lights), each with its own set of rituals and traditions. Narasimha Jayanti: The birth of Lord Narasimha is commemorated with special prayers and processions.
- Rituals Available Not Available.
- Offerings One of the most significant rituals at the temple is the “Abhishekam,” a sacred bathing ceremony performed on the main deity using holy water, milk, ghee, honey, and sandalwood paste. Devotees perform Thirumanjanam to Perumal and Mother on realizing their wishes.
- Prasadham During grand celebrations like Vaikunta Ekadasi, Brahmotsavam, and Narasimha Jayanti, the temple prepares a variety of offerings in large quantities to distribute among devotees. The prasadhams are often served on banana leaves, enhancing their traditional and spiritual appeal. If you are visiting, the temple authorities or prasadam counters will guide you on how to obtain the offerings after darshan. These sacred offerings are not just food but carry the divine blessings of the Lord.
- Benefits of Visiting Grace of Lakshmi (Amuthavalli Thayar): Prayers to Goddess Lakshmi bring prosperity, harmony, and material well-being. Praying to Perumal can help people with their troubles in life.
- Is this temple a Paadal Petra Sthalam? No
- Who Sang | Song and its Meaning | Year No
- Other things to do / places of interest Kanchi Kudil (3.3 km). Sankara Mutt (3.5 km). Shakuntala Jagannathan Museum (4.0 km).
- Nearby Temples Sri Varadharaja Temple. Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple. Sri Jagadishwara Temple. Sri Adikesava Perumal Temple. Sri Yathothakaari Temple.
- Nearby Eateries Saravana Bhavan. Sree Venkateshwara Bhavan. Adyar Ananda Bhavan (A2B). Kanchipuram Saravana Hotel. Hotel Kamakshi Bhavan.
- Hotels / Home stays: Hotel SSK Grand. Regency Kanchipuram by Grt Hotels. MM Hotels. Rams Residency. Sree Sakthi Residency.
- Standard Weather Climate that is both dry and wet. Kanchipuram experiences hot, muggy weather most of the time.
- For the best experience / Must know Couples visit the temple to seek blessings for a harmonious and happy married life. The goddess Amuthavalli Thayar (Lakshmi) resides in a separate shrine within the temple complex, symbolizing prosperity and well-being. The ruling deity is housed inside the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha).
- Not to miss The temple’s environment, infused with the sound of mantras and the aroma of incense, fosters positivity and spiritual cleansing. The temple tank is believed to have purified properties, symbolizing the removal of sins and enhancing spiritual purity. The temple is built in the traditional Dravidian architectural style, featuring intricate carvings, sculptures, and a majestic gopuram (tower).
- Note for Travelers Kanchipuram is around 75 kms from Chennai off the Chennai- Vellore/ Bangalore highway via Sriperumbudur. Kanchipuram is well connected by several bus services from Chennai. There is a railway station in Kanchipuram with a few train services from Chennai in the mornings. The temple is open to tourists all year, with set times for darshan and religious rituals.
Opening Hours
Monday:
7:00 AM - 11:30 AM & 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday:
7:00 AM - 11:30 AM & 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday:
7:00 AM - 11:30 AM & 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Thursday:
7:00 AM - 11:30 AM & 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Friday:
7:00 AM - 11:30 AM & 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Closed
Saturday:
7:00 AM - 11:30 AM & 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Sunday:
7:00 AM - 11:30 AM & 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
FAQ's
What is the significance of the Sri Azhagiya Singa Perumal Temple?
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Narasimha avatar, also known as "Azhagiya Singar" (The Beautiful Lion). It is one of the 108 Divya Desams glorified in the Tamil hymns of the Alvars.
What is the location of the temple?
The temple is situated in Thiruvelukkai, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
What are the temple timings?
Morning: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM Evening: 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM (Timings may vary during festivals.)
Is there an entry fee to visit the temple?
No, there is no entry fees.
What is the best time to visit?
Early mornings or evenings for a peaceful darshan. During Vaikunta Ekadashi and other Vishnu-related festivals for vibrant celebrations.
Are there specific dress codes?
Devotees are advised to wear traditional attire (e.g., saree, dhoti, or salwar kameez for women, and dhoti or kurta for men) as a mark of respect.
Is there a special darshan facility?
Special darshan or seva options may be available during festive occasions.
Is parking available near the temple?
Limited parking facilities are available near the temple premises.
Are accommodations provided for devotees?
There are several lodges and dharmshalas in Kanchipuram. The temple does not have its own accommodations.
How old is the temple?
The temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old and has historical significance tied to the Pallava dynasty.
