This temple, a Divya Desam and arguably the oldest in Kanchipuram, is referenced in the ancient Sangam literary work Perumpanatruppadai, suggesting it is over 2000 years old. An intriguing legend associated with the temple recounts how its deity followed the instructions of Tirumazhisai Azhwar, earning the name ‘Sonna Vannam Seidha Perumal’ in Tamil and ‘Yathokthakari Perumal’ in Sanskrit. This temple is also the birthplace of Poigai Azhwar, the first of the Azhwars.
Location
Across Rangasamy Kulam in Chinna Kanchipuram.
Architecture
This temple faces west and features a Rajagopuram at its entrance. Upon entering, one encounters a Bali Peetam, with the Dvaja Sthampam located to its east and the Garudan Sannidhi further east, facing the Moola Sthanam or sanctum sanctorum. The sanctum is large, elevated, and rectangular, designed to accommodate the massive deities inside, and is topped with a substantial Shala Shikara (hollow spire). An inner circumambulatory path surrounds the sanctum. In addition to the Thayar, Vishvaksenar, and Ramar Sannidhis, the same Sannidhi houses idols of Ramanujar, Pillai Lokacharyar, and Manavala Mamunigal.
Sculpture
The deity in the sanctum is seen reclining on Adiseshan, with his head resting on his left hand. He is oriented from south to north, facing west.
Inscription
The temple houses 14 inscriptions. One of these notes a donation of 127 measures of gold to the temple. Three inscriptions date back to the reign of Chola King Kulothungan III, referring to the deity as ‘Kacchipedu Anantha Sayana Perumal Paramaswami’ and ‘Tiruvekka Anai Kidantha Paramaswami’. The inscriptions also mention that the Yathokthakari Perumal temple, Ashtabhujam Perumal temple, and Vilakkoli Perumal temple are all located in the same village called ‘Tiruthanka’. Additionally, they provide details about the gift of Varanavasi village to the temple.
Hymns
This temple has been sanctified by hymns from Poigai Azhwar (hymn 77 of Mudhal Tiruvandhadhi), Peyazhwar (hymns 26, 62, 64, and 76 of Mundram Tiruvandhadhi), Tirumazhisai Azhwar (hymn 26 of Tiruvirutham and hymn 36 of Naanmugan Tiruvandhadhi), Nammazhwar, and Tirumangai Azhwar.
Mythology
Once, Brahma performed a Yagna in honor of God Vishnu. When his wife, Saraswati, was not invited, she became angry and resolved to disrupt the ceremony. She transformed into the river Vegavati and rushed toward the Yagna. To protect the ritual, God Vishnu lay across the river’s path. As a result, the river Vegavati altered its course and flowed southwards.
Religion : Vaishnavism
Deity : Yathokthakari Perumal and Komalavalli Thayar
Period : 11th Century
Sanctified By : Poigai Azhwar
Category : Temple