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Sri Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple

The Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple is a Vishnu shrine dedicated to the Rama Avatar of Lord Vishnu. Here, the presiding deity is known as Vijaya Raghava, with "Raghava" being one of Rama's names. His consort, Maragathavalli Thayar, is worshipped alongside him. Located in Thiruputkuzhi village, just a few kilometres from the ancient town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, this temple is one of the Divya Desams sacred sites revered by the Azhwar saints in their Divyaprabhandham hymns. It is traditionally believed that Rama performed the last rites for the eagle Jatayu at this location, linking it closely with the Ramayana epic.

Timings

This temple remains open from 7.00 AM to 12.00 PM in the mornings and 4.00PM to 7.00 PM in the evenings.

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-


The Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple, situated in Thiruputkuzhi village near Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is a prominent Vishnu shrine renowned for its Dravidian architectural style. This temple holds a significant place in the tradition of the Divya Desams—108 sacred sites dedicated to Lord Vishnu, revered by the Azhwar saints through the Divya Prabandha, an early mediaeval Tamil canon composed between the 6th and 9th centuries AD.


Puranic Significance :-



In the epic Ramayana, Lord Rama, who was born to King Dasaratha as Sri Ramar, renounced his kingdom and went into exile in the forest as per his father's wishes. During their forest stay, Sita, Rama's wife, requested a golden deer that was actually a disguise of the demon Maricha, sent by Ravana. Subsequently, Ravana abducted Sita and took her to Lanka.

As Ravana was transporting Sita to Lanka, the eagle Jatayu intervened and fought valiantly to rescue her. However, Ravana severely injured Jatayu, cutting off his wings, and left him mortally wounded on the ground.

When Rama and Lakshmana came searching for Sita, they discovered the dying Jatayu. Jatayu informed them of Sita's abduction by Ravana before passing away. In a gesture of respect and love, Rama performed the last rites for Jatayu, treating him as if he were his own father.

The temple at Thiruputkuzhi, also known as "Thiruppukkuzhi," commemorates this event. The deity here, Vijayaraghava Perumal, is believed to embody the form in which Rama performed the final rites for Jatayu. Jatayu, belonging to a family of eagles known as Pul, was buried in a pit, symbolising the reverence Rama had for him.

The Ramayana teaches profound lessons about inclusivity, compassion, and the essence of dharma. Rama, who treated Guhan the hunter, Sugriva the monkey king, and Vibhishana the demon as his brothers, also honoured Sabari, an elderly woman who offered him food, and Agalika, who was transformed into a stone due to a curse, as maternal figures.

This story emphasises that divine grace is not bound by caste or community but is attained through purity of soul. By honouring Jatayu with a funeral worthy of a father, Rama’s actions reflect his deep respect and love not only for humans but also for animals, showcasing his boundless compassion and moral integrity.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Dress modestly and remove footwear before entering.
  2. Participate in rituals respectfully and donate in designated areas.
  3. Dispose of waste properly and support temple environmental efforts.
  4. Admire the architecture without touching or damaging it.
  5. Engage in spiritual activities and learn about the temple's history.


  1. Avoid inappropriate clothing, loud conversations, and bringing prohibited items.
  2. Don’t enter restricted areas or disrupt rituals.
  3. Avoid touching or damaging sculptures and walls.
  4. Don’t take photos in prohibited areas or use phones loudly.
  5. Refrain from unauthorised commercial activities and disturbing other devotees.


Dress Code

Dress Code for Men:

  1. Men are typically required to wear traditional attire such as a dhoti (veshti) without a shirt.
  2. In some temples, men may also wear a kurta-pyjama set.
  3. Western clothing like jeans, shorts, and T-shirts are usually not allowed.

Dress Code for Women:

  1. Women are generally expected to wear a saree, salwar kameez, or other traditional attire.
  2. Modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is required.
  3. Western outfits like skirts, shorts, or sleeveless tops are discouraged.

How to reach

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  1. By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, located about 75 km away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to reach the temple.
  2. By Train: The closest railway station is Kanchipuram Railway Station, approximately 10 km from the temple. From the station, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach Thiruputkuzhi.
  3. By Road: From Kanchipuram: Thiruputkuzhi is just 10 km away. You can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus from Kanchipuram to the temple.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers :-

  1. Palar River: The Palar River is the primary river near Kanchipuram and its surrounding regions, including Thiruputkuzhi. It flows through several districts in Tamil Nadu, providing water to the nearby agricultural lands.


Cities :-

  1. Kanchipuram: Just a few kilometres away from Thiruputkuzhi, Kanchipuram is one of the most ancient cities in India, renowned for its temples and silk sarees. It is a major cultural and religious centre.
  2. Chennai: Approximately 75 kilometres from Thiruputkuzhi, Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu and a major metropolis known for its rich history, culture, and economic significance.
  3. Vellore: About 50 kilometres away, Vellore is known for its historic Vellore Fort and the Christian Medical College, a prominent educational institution.