Kalva Perumal Temple Kanchipuram
Kalva Perumal Temple- Kanchipuram
Kalva Perumal Temple is at Kanchipuram in Tamilnadu.This Divyadesam is situated inside Sri Kamakshi Amman temple in
Kanchipuram. It is placed on the right side of the Garbagraha of Ambaal (Moolavar sannadhi). In this Sthalam the Moolavar is Sri Aadi Varaha Perumal.
‘Kalva’ in Tamil refers to a thief. Since Goddess Parvati is said to have once called Vishnu as ‘Kalva,’ the thief, this shrine is referred to as Thirukkalvanur.
There is an interesting story about how the Lord got the name ‘Kalvan.’ Once, Goddesses Kamakshi and Lakshmi were discussing something, while bathing in Kama Koshtam, the temple tank. Vishnu became curious about knowing what they were talking about, hid himself behind a pillar, and tried to eavesdrop. But Kamakshi, who was none other than Parvati, found that out and addressed the Lord playfully as ‘Kalva,’ that is, a thief. Hence Vishnu became ‘Kalvan’ here, and the place, Thiru Kalvanur.
It is also said that she gave him the ‘punishment’ in jest, to be present in all the 3 forms – sitting, standing, and lying down. Accordingly, the Lord appeared in the Nindra, Irundha, and Kidantha kolams, that is, standing, seated, and reclining postures. The Lord can be worshipped even today in all these 3 forms, on the northern side of the Kamakshi Amman temple tank.
It is also said elsewhere that once Parvati incurred the curse of Lord Shiva, prayed earnestly to Lord Vamana, an incarnation of Vishnu at this place standing on one foot, and got relieved of her curse.
As Goddess Kamakshi is supreme and dominant in this region, the nivedhanas and puja codes followed for her, is followed in all temples. Abishek to Kalva Perumal is performed only with an oil called Sambiranai Thailam. According to a story, Emperor Dasaratha worshipped Mother Kamakshi and Kalva Perumal before performing the yajna seeking Son boon. It is also said that Lord Kalva Perumal advised Dasaratha to do so.
Vaikunta Ekadashi is celebrated with devotion in Margazhi (December-January), and the float festival in Panguni (March-April).
