Adikesava Perumal temple, Sriperumpudur
The Adikesava Perumal temple, also known as Ramanujar Temple, is a Hindu temple located in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Vishnu. It is constructed in the Dravidian architectural style and is considered a significant site as the believed birthplace of the philosopher Ramanuja. The temple also venerates Vishnu's consort, Lakshmi, as Ethiraja Nadhavalli.
Key Facts
- ›Dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu, worshipped as Adi Kesava.
- ›Believed to be the birthplace of the philosopher Ramanuja.
- ›Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture with influences from Chola and Vijayanagara periods.
- ›Houses a gold-plated vimana, a feature noted as the earliest in South Indian temples.
- ›Administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
- ›Considered one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams of the Vaishnavate tradition.
Vishnu, Lakshmi
- Believed Birthplace of Ramanuja, Exponent of Vishishtadvaita Philosophy
- One of the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of Vaishnavate Tradition
- Features Chola and Vijayanagara Architectural Influences
- Holds Historical Inscriptions From the Vijayanagara Empire
Chola, Vijayanagara Empire
Chitirai Brahmotsavam, Masi Pooram, Panguni Uthiram, Thiruavadara Utsavam of Ramanuja, Chella Pillai Utsavam
Granite
Maharaja of Mysore, Sriranga I, Aliya Rama Raya
Sriperumbudur Lake, Narasimha Kulam
About Adikesava Perumal temple, Sriperumpudur
Adikesava Perumal Temple, Sriperumbudur
The Adikesava Perumal temple, also referred to as the Ramanujar Temple, is a significant Hindu place of worship located in Sriperumbudur, within the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu, India. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped in the form of Adi Kesava, and his consort Lakshmi, known as Ethiraja Nadhavalli, the temple is a revered site within the Vaishnavate tradition, recognized as one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams.
Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple exhibits architectural elements from the Chola and Vijayanagara periods, with inscriptions dating back to the 16th century. A notable feature is its gold-plated vimana, which was added in 1912 and is considered the earliest of its kind in South Indian temples. The temple complex occupies approximately 1.5 acres and is enclosed by high walls, featuring a seven-tiered gopuram.
The Adikesava Perumal temple holds profound importance as the believed birthplace of Ramanuja (1017–1137 CE), a pivotal Hindu theologian and philosopher celebrated as a leading exponent of Vishishtadvaita philosophy. Legends associated with the temple recount events from Ramanuja's life, including his escape from a king with the help of his disciple Koorathalvar, and his recovery of an idol. The temple celebrates several prominent festivals throughout the year, including the Chitirai Brahmotsavam, Masi Pooram, and Panguni Uthiram, along with specific celebrations commemorating events from Ramanuja's life.
Daily worship is conducted with multiple rituals throughout the day, and the temple is maintained by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The temple complex includes a sanctum for the presiding deity, a shrine for Garuda, a worship hall, and a shrine for Yathiraja Nadhavalli. Recent efforts have focused on reviving the temple tank, Narasimha Kulam, and establishing a canal connection from the Sriperumbudur lake to the temple's kitchen.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What Hindu deity is the Adikesava Perumal temple dedicated to?
The Adikesava Perumal temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. He is worshipped here as Adi Kesava, and his consort Lakshmi is venerated as Ethiraja Nadhavalli.
What is the architectural style of the Adikesava Perumal temple?
The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. It also exhibits features characteristic of Chola and Vijayanagara architectural periods, with inscriptions dating back to the Vijayanagara Empire.
Why is the Adikesava Perumal temple significant?
It is considered a significant site as the believed birthplace of Ramanuja, a prominent Hindu theologian and philosopher known for expounding Vishishtadvaita philosophy. It is also recognized as one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams in the Vaishnavate tradition.
What are the prominent festivals celebrated at the Adikesava Perumal temple?
The most prominent festivals include the Chitirai Brahmotsavam, Masi Pooram festival (February-March), and Panguni Uthiram festival (March-April). The Thiruavadara Utsavam of Ramanuja, celebrating his birthday, also follows the Chittirai Brahmotsavam.
What are the timings for visiting the Adikesava Perumal temple?
The temple is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the morning and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the evening.
What is the significance of the gold-plated vimana at the temple?
The vimana, or the roof of the sanctum, was gold-plated in 1912, making it the earliest South Indian temple to feature this. The plate is inscribed with the image of Sriramanuja.
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