Chennai: Vaikunda Vasa Perumal temple at Koyambedu has a rich history that dates back to epic Ramayana period. The temple is located opposite Kurungaleeswarar Temple.
According to the temple inscriptions, the shrine is more than 1,500 years old.
Anandakrishna Bhattar, the temple priest, says, “The temple is said to have been built during Kulothunga Chola II period. However. the temple has a connection to the Ramayana. It is here where Sitadevi stayed in the ashram of rishi Valmiki and it is also the birthplace of Luv and Kush.”
In the main sanctum, Lord Vaikunda Vasa Perumal is found in standing posture alongside Bhoomadevi and Sridevi on either side, facing east. Goddess Sri Kanagavalli Thaayaar is present in a separate shrine on the outer praakaaram.
The speciality of the temple is that usually in a Rama temple, Lakshmana is seen alongside him, but here only Lord Rama and Sita are present. “Another speciality is the appearance of the processional deity, Bhakthavatsala. He appears inviting devotees with His left hand and blessing them with His right,’ says Anantha Krishna Bhattar.
The sthala vruksham of the temple is very unique. There is a neem tree in the middle with two vilva trees on either side. The tree is called Parvati Swayamvara tree. “It is believed that the neem tree represents Parvati and the two vilva trees represent Shiva and Vishnu. The trees depict the marriage between Siva and Parvati with Vishnu presiding over it,” says the priest.
“People wishing to get married will have their wish granted if they worship the tree every Tuesday. Childless couples worship the tree by tying cradles to it every Friday consecutively for six weeks,” he adds.
During Vasanthotsavam in the month of Chithirai, Vaikunda Vasa Perumal Brahmotsavam in Aani, nine-day Navarathri Utsavam and during every Purattasi Saturday, special decorations are done and poojas conducted for the main deity.
Karthigai Utsavam, Aandal Thirukalyanam, Hanumath Jayanthi and Rama Navami are some of the special occasions during which special poojas are performed in the temple.
The temple pond bears the name Lava Kushal Theertham and there is also a separate shrine for Anjaneyar outside the temple near the pond.
The temple is open from 7 am to 12 noon and from 5 pm to 8 pm.