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Sri Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple

Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple, also known as Thirupadagam, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Vishnu. Located in Big Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, near the Ekambareswarar Temple, this ancient shrine is built in the Dravidian architectural style. The temple is mentioned in the Divya Prabandha, the early mediaeval Tamil canon composed by the Azhwar saints between the 6th and 9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divyadesams, the holy abodes dedicated to Vishnu. In this temple, Vishnu is worshipped as Pandava Thoothar Perumal, and his consort Lakshmi is revered as Rukmini.

Timings

7:00 AM till 11:00 am and 5:00 pm till 8:00 pm

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-


The Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple, one of Kanchipuram’s three oldest Vishnu temples (along with Ulagalantha Perumal Temple and Yathothkari Perumal Temple), is a significant ancient shrine. It is believed to have been originally constructed during the late eighth century CE by the Pallavas. The temple also received contributions from the Mediaeval Cholas and Vijayanagara kings.

Temple is surrounded by a granite wall that encloses all the shrines and two water tanks. It features a four-tiered raja gopuram, which serves as its gateway tower.

The temple walls are adorned with three key inscriptions: two from the reign of Kulothunga Chola I (1070-1120 CE) and one from the reign of Rajadhiraja Chola (1018-54 CE). Notable among these inscriptions is a record from the fifth year of Kulothunga Chola I, detailing a donation from a merchant for a flower garden and property acquisition in the town of Ovirukkai for the gardeners' benefit. This record also notes a tax-free grant of 2,000 kulis.

Another inscription from Kulothunga Chola I’s 39th year, located on the south wall, mentions a businessman’s donation of two kalanjus and two manjadi to the temple priest, who was required to provide two malis of curd daily. Additionally, inscriptions from Rajadhiraja Chola II’s reign (1166-78 CE), found at the base of the western wall of the central shrine, document offerings of 32 cows for lighting the temple lamps.


Puranic Significance :-



While Janamejayan was listening to the Mahabharata story narrated by Vaisampayana, he learned about an episode involving Lord Krishna's diplomatic mission. Krishna, acting as a messenger (Thoodhuvan) sent to negotiate peace and avoid war, visited Hastinapura to propose a settlement. However, Duryodhana, intending to kill Krishna, contrived a plan against Dharma. He dug a deep pit beneath Krishna's chair, filling it with his soldiers, who were poised to attack Krishna.

Despite Duryodhana's scheme, Krishna, being omniscient and aware of the plot, revealed his Vishwaroopa (Universal Form) to everyone present. This divine manifestation was a powerful display of his supreme form.

Impressed and inspired by this, Janamejayan wished to receive a similar Vishwaroopa Darshan from Lord Narayana. To achieve this, he performed the Ashwamedha Yajna. At the conclusion of the ritual, Lord Narayana appeared before Janamejayan in his Vishwaroopa form, honouring him as "Pandava Thoothan" (the messenger of the Pandavas).

Note: According to Dharma, a person sent as a Thoodhuvan should be treated with the utmost respect and should not be harmed.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Dress modestly in traditional attire.
  2. Respect and participate in rituals quietly.
  3. Keep the temple premises clean.
  4. Offer prayers with reverence.
  5. Follow queue systems and remove footwear before entering.


  1. Avoid inappropriate clothing.
  2. Don't take photos or videos inside the temple.
  3. No smoking, alcohol, or prohibited items.
  4. Don't disrupt rituals or engage in loud conversations.
  5. Avoid touching deities and don't litter.


Dress Code

  1. For men the dress code is Shirt & Trouser, Dhoti or Pyjamas with upper cloth.
  2. For women the preferred dress code is saree or half-saree with blouse or chudidhar with pyjama and upper cloth.


How to reach

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  1. By Air: Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport (approximately 75 km from Kanchipuram). From the Airport: You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kanchipuram.
  2. By Train: Nearest Railway Station: Kanchipuram Railway Station (about 3 km from the temple). From the Station: Auto-rickshaws, taxis, or local buses are available to reach the temple.
  3. By Road: From Chennai: Kanchipuram is about 75 km from Chennai. You can drive via NH48 or take a bus from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT). Local Transport: Autos and cycle-rickshaws are commonly used within Kanchipuram to reach the temple.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers Near Kanchipuram :

  1. Palar River: The Palar River is the primary river flowing near Kanchipuram. It originates in the Nandi Hills of Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Although the river's flow is often seasonal, it is a significant water source for the region.
  2. Cheyyar River: The Cheyyar River, also known as the Cheyyāru, is a tributary of the Palar River. It flows near Kanchipuram and provides water for agricultural and domestic use in the surrounding areas.


Cities Near Kanchipuram :

  1. Chennai - Distance: Approximately 72 km northeast of Kanchipuram. Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu and one of the largest metropolitan areas in India. It is known for its cultural, economic, and educational significance.
  2. Vellore - Distance: Approximately 72 km west of Kanchipuram. Vellore is known for its historic forts, temples, and the Christian Medical College. The city is also a prominent educational hub.
  3. Tiruvannamalai - Distance: Approximately 117 km southwest of Kanchipuram. Tiruvannamalai is a significant pilgrimage center, famous for the Arunachaleswarar Temple and the annual Karthigai Deepam festival.
  4. Tirupati - Distance: Approximately 108 km north of Kanchipuram. Tirupati is a major pilgrimage city in Andhra Pradesh, known for the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, one of the most visited religious sites in the world.
  5. Arakkonam - Distance: Approximately 30 km north of Kanchipuram. Arakkonam is a small town known for its railway junction and military airbase.