Location
This temple is located in the Periya Kanchipuram area, south of the Ekambara Nathar temple and west of the Jurakareswarar temple.
Inscription
Inscriptions have been discovered at the lower section of the western wall of this temple. Chola King Kulothunga I visited the temple with his wives Tiribuvanamudayar and Cholakula Valli. During his visit, he granted lands for the maintenance of the temple.
Hymns
This temple is consecrated by the hymns of Saints Boothathazwar (94th verse of Irandam Tiruvandhadhi), Peyazhwar (30th verse of Mundram Tiruvandhadhi), Tirumazhizai Azhwar (63rd and 64th verses of Tiruchanda Virutham), and Tirumangai Azhwar (6-10-4 verse of Periya Tirumozhi and the 127th verse of Periya Tirumadal).
Mythology
When the Pandavas and Kauravas were on the brink of war, Lord Krishna went as an ambassador for the Pandavas to the Kaurava court in an attempt to prevent the conflict. Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kaurava brothers, opposed this peace effort and plotted to kill Krishna. He had a large pit dug and filled it with wrestlers and armed men, then covered it with bamboo and placed a seat for Krishna on top. His plan was for Krishna to sit on the seat, fall into the pit, and be killed. Aware of the trap, Krishna assumed his Viswaroopam (cosmic form), greatly enlarging himself, and crushed all those inside the pit. The royal court marveled at the divine sight. Krishna then restored sight to the blind Dhritarashtra, Duryodhana’s father, so he could witness Krishna’s divine form. Overwhelmed by Krishna’s grandeur, Dhritarashtra chose to remain blind again, preferring to see nothing else in life. The sanctum sanctorum of this temple is designed to resemble the pit created by Duryodhana. The idol of Krishna here is exceptionally large, nearly 30 feet tall, a sight unmatched elsewhere.
Events
Yagnamurthi, a renowned scholar of Advaita philosophy, was defeated by Saint Ramanujar in a philosophical debate held at this temple. Following his defeat, Yagnamurthi became a disciple of Ramanujar and took on the name Arulala Perumal (Emperumanar). He then resided near this temple with his followers, dedicating himself to spreading Vaishnavism.
Religion : Vaishnavism
Deity : Pandava Thoodhar
Period : 11th Century
Category : Temple