Kundrathur Thiru Ooraga Perumal Temple Kancheepuram,Tamil Nadu
Thiru Ooraga Perumal Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Kundrathur, Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu. The temple is considered sacred by Vaishnavites and is known for its unique west-facing deity. It is believed that worshipping here grants relief from planetary afflictions and bestows prosperity upon devotees.
Architecture
The temple has a five-tiered Rajagopuram (entrance tower) decorated with intricate stucco figures. The main deity, Thiru Ooraga Perumal, is seen in a standing posture resembling Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupati. The presiding deity faces west, which is a rare feature in Vishnu temples. The temple is west-facing because *Kanchipuram*, a sacred Vishnu pilgrimage site, lies to the west. It is believed that the temple was designed in such a way that it could “see” Kanchipuram directly.
The temple also has a separate shrine for Thiruvirundavalli Thayar, the consort of Lord Vishnu, who is placed facing east. The temple complex includes a spacious mandapam (hall) and beautifully carved pillars.
Temple History
King Kulothunga Chola suffered from a mysterious illness. Despite visiting many temples, he could not find a cure. One night, Lord Vishnu appeared in his dream in the form of an old man and advised him to visit Kanchipuram, where He was worshipped as Thiru Ooraga Perumal.
The king traveled to the place but found Lord Vishnu reclining on the divine serpent Adisesha instead of the form he expected. Doubting whether he had come to the right place, he decided to stay there for the night. That night, Lord Vishnu appeared in his dream again and assured him that He was indeed present there as Ooraga Perumal on Adisesha. The king felt relieved, worshipped the Lord, and was finally cured of his illness.
As a token of gratitude, King Kulothunga Chola built this temple. During the construction, Lord Vishnu appeared before him in the form of Tirupati Venkatachalapathy. As a result, the main deity of this temple is a replica of Tirupati Perumal, standing in a majestic posture. Lord Vishnu was named Thiru Ooraga Perumal at this sacred site.
Festivals
Several festivals are celebrated grandly in this temple, attracting numerous devotees. The most important ones include Vaikunta Ekadasi (a major festival where devotees pass through the Paramapada Vasal, the heavenly gate, for blessings), Purattasi Saturdays (special prayers are conducted for Lord Vishnu, drawing large crowds), Brahmotsavam (the annual temple festival featuring grand processions and rituals), and
the celestial wedding of Lord Perumal and Mother Thiruvirundavalli is celebrated on the day of Rohini star in the month of Panguni.
These festivals enhance the temple’s spiritual significance and devotion.
Devotees facing difficulties due to planetary influences, especially Rahu and Ketu doshas, come here to offer prayers. Worshipping at this temple is believed to bring relief from hardships and grant peace.
