A unknown 12th century temple in Chennai - Koyambedu Vaikunthavasa Perumal Temple

In my last post, I wrote about the Kurungaleeswarar temple in the Koyambedu area in Chennai. Adjacent to that Shiva temple, there is a temple for Vishnu, known as Vaikunthavasa Perumal Temple. Both Kurungaleeswarar temple and Vaikunthavasa Perumal temple are together called "Twin Temples of Koyambedu". 

Like Kurungaleeswarar temple, Vaikunthavasa Perumal temple is also believed to have been built by Kulotunga Chola III during the 12th century CE. 

As per the legend, Valmiki's Ashram was located in the present Koyambedu locality. During her exile, Sita lived here. She gave birth to Lava and Kusha here. It is believed that the sage Valmiki, Lava and Kusha worshiped the presiding deity of this temple.
This temple without a Raga Gopuram is small in size. The east-facing sanctum enshrines Vaikuntha Perumal with his consorts, Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. All three of them are found in the standing posture. 

Kanakavalli and Andal are found in two separate shrines in the prakara. Hanuman is enshrined in a sub-shrine. 

The pregnant Sita Devi and Rama and Sita dressed up as ordinary people are some of the temple's unique icons. The manuscript of Vaidya Ramayana written in Telugu script is a well-preserved asset.

The Utsava idol is called Azhagiasingar. There is an unconfirmed report that the icon of Thelliyasingar of Parthasarathy Temple at Triplicane was kept here during the foreign invasion or due to some riots in the area. 

The temple tank is common for both Vishnu and Shiva temples. 

Happy travelling.

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