Vijayaraghava Perumal Thiruputkuzhi

Vijayaraghava Perumal Thiruputkuzhi in Kanchipuram is one of the 108 Divya Desams (Holy abodes) of Lord Vishnu. This temple stands 57th in place of the 108 abodes.

Vijayaraghava Perumal Thiruputkuzhi Legends

Legend dates back to Ramayana times, When Jatayu, the king of birds who fought fiercely with the demon Ravana to save Mother Sita from his abduction. Rama and Lakshmana who were in search of Sita met the Jatayu, who lost his wings in the battle and in final moments. Jatayu who informed whatever happened and prayed the Lord to grant His magnificent form ( Viswaroopam). Lord blessed Jatayu with his divine form and performed last rites here. Unable to bear the heat of the pyre, Sridevi moved to the left and Bhudevi moved to the right.

To perform final rites, Rama shot an arrow on the Earth and created a spring, which is now called Jatayu Theertham

The main deity Vijayaraghava Perumal will be seen here in a sitting posture holding Jatayu on his thigh and facing East, to mark the importance of Jatayu’s devotion. Processional deity atop Jatayu Vahanam (Vehicle) will be taken out in a procession on Jatayu Vahanam during the annual festival. There is a separate shrine for Margathavalli Thayar within the temple complex.

Interesting facts associated with this temple

Women used to take a holy dip in Jatayu Theertham and sleep here in this temple for a night with fried pulses tied at the tip of their saree. Next day morning, if there pulse germinated, then it is believed that their wish for children is granted. Childless couples used to perform this.

Devotees offer Tharpanam to their ancestors on a new moon day here. It is believed that offering Tharpanam on new moon day will double the credit.

Vijayaraghava Perumal Thiruputkuzhi History

This temple was rebuilt and received major contributions from Sundaraja Pandyan during the 12th century C.E. Later, this temple was renovated during the times of Vijayanagara Kings.

Amazing fact associated with this temple is, there is a stone horse Vahanam (vehicle) with moving limbs. To respect the devotion of the sculptor, on the 8th day of the annual festival, processional deity atop Aswa Vahanam (Horse Vehicle) will be taken out in a procession around the street which was named after the sculptor.

It is said that Yadava Prakasa, the Guru of Sri Ramanuja Acharya lived here.

It is said that Lord Sri Rama offered funeral rites to Jatayu here.

Temple Timings

Morning Hours: 7 am – 12 pm
Evening Hours: 4 pm – 7 pm

Temple address

Vijayaraghava Perumal Koila, Thiruputkuzhi, Via Balu Chettu Chattiram, Kanchipuram District – 631551

Temple Annual Festivals

10 days Brahmotsavam will be celebrated during Masa Sri Rama Navami (Feb/ Mar)

Teppotsavam (float festival) will be celebrated during Thai Masam (Jan/ Feb)

Temple near Vijaraghava Perumal Temple

Ekambareswarar Temple is 10 km away.
Kailasanathar temple is 10.4 km away.
Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple is 12 km away
Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple is 14.2 km away
Kumarakotttam Subramanya Swamy Temple is 10.6 km away
Pandava Dhootha Perumal Temple is 9.9 km away
Karchapeswarar Temple is 10.7 km away

How to reach Vijayaraghava Perumal Thiruputkuzhi?

Temple is 117 km from Tirupati. Direct bus to Kanchipuram is available from Tirupati Central Bus station
Temple is 11 km from Kanchipuram Bus station and 10 km from Kanchip Railway station
From Chennai to Vellore, bus stops at Balu Chetty Chattiram, from there temple is at a walkable distance.