History of the place

When Mother Saraswathi was angry (as Lord Brahma did yagna without her), the Mother created several obstacles and cursed that there be no light for the yagna. This Perumal came to help Brahmma and gave darshan in the form of light. Hence this Lord is known as Vilakku Oli Perumal (meaning the light of a lamp in tamil language) and Deepa Prakasar in Sanskrit. Also this Lord helped in the re-union of Lord Brahmma and Mother Saraswathi.

Saints who worshiped

Mangalasaasanam (hymns) by Thirumangai Azhwar. This temple is the 46th temple among the 108 divya desams.

Temple History, Speciality, Miracle and Greatness

The lord is under Srikara Vimana. The Lord gave darshan to Mother Saraswathi here. As the place was a dense Dharba grass then, this place is known as Thoopul. Birth place of Sri Vedanta Maha Desika (who is the incarnation of Lord Venkatachalapathi's hand bell) Hence, after his birth, the bell is not used in the pujas in Thirupathi till now. It is said that Desikan's son Nayina Varadachari completed the construction of this temple.

Pariharam

Devotees pray for child boon and to achieve excellence in education.

Pariharam Procedure

Devotees perform Thirumanjanam (Abisheka) to the Lord and offer vastras on realizing their wishes.

Festival Period

Varadaraja Perumal's darshan on Garuda Vahana to Vedanta Maha Desikan in Vaikasi month. Aavani month festival of Lord Vilakkoli Perumal visiting Desikan's shrine and in Margazhi month, Varadaraja Perumal honouring Desikan are the festivals celebrated here. Avtar Utsav of Sri Desikan is celebrated in Chitirai month's Revathi star day.

Dharshan Timings

IST 07:30 AM to 10:00 AM, 05:00 PM to 07:00 PM

How to reach

This temple is just one kilometer from Kanchipuram bus stand.

Nearest Location

Railway Station: Kanchipuram Airport : Chennai