Unveiling the Thondai Nadu Divya Desams List: A Devotional Trek
The 108 Divya Desams are the most sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu, as praised by the Azhvars (the 12 Tamil poet-saints) in their Nalayira Divya Prabandham. These temples are geographically divided into regions like Chola Nadu, Pandya Nadu, Malai Nadu, and Thondai Nadu.
Thondai Nadu, which roughly covers the modern-day districts of Chennai, Kanchipuram, and Tiruvallur, is home to 22 of these sacred Divya Desams. Kanchipuram alone serves as the spiritual heart of this region.
If you are planning a spiritual circuit, here is the complete list and guide to the Thondai Nadu Divya Desams.
The Heart of Thondai Nadu: Kanchipuram (14 Temples)
Kanchipuram is unique because 14 Divya Desams are located within this one temple city. Interestingly, four of these shrines are located inside the single complex of the Ulagalantha Perumal temple.
- Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple (Kanchi): Known as Athigiri, this is the most famous Vishnu temple in Kanchi. It is renowned for the 40-year immersion of the wooden deity Athi Varadar.
- Sri Yathothkari Perumal Temple (Tiruvekka): Famous for the posture of the Lord lying on his “opposite” side after hearing the command of his devotee.
- Sri Ashtabujakaram (Sri Adhikesava Perumal): Here, the Lord is seen with eight arms holding eight different weapons.
- Sri Azhagiya Singar Temple (Tiruvelukkai): Dedicated to Lord Narasimha in a yoga posture.
- Sri Deepa Prakasar Temple (Thiruthanaka): Where the Lord appeared as light to dispel darkness during Lord Brahma’s sacrifice.
- Sri Pavalavannar Temple (Tirupavalavannam): Where the Lord appears with a coral-hued complexion.
- Sri Pandava Thoothar Temple (Tiruppadagam): Features a massive 25-foot seated deity of Krishna as the messenger of the Pandavas.
- Sri Nilathingal Thundam Perumal Temple: Located inside the inner sanctum of the Ekambareswarar (Shiva) temple.
- Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple (Tiruooragam): A magnificent temple featuring the Vamana/Trivikrama avatar with one leg lifted.
- Sri Karagam Temple: (Located inside the Ulagalantha Perumal complex).
- Sri Karvanam Temple: (Located inside the Ulagalantha Perumal complex).
- Sri Neeragam Temple: (Located inside the Ulagalantha Perumal complex).
- Sri Kalva Perumal Temple (Tirukalvanoor): Located inside the Kamakshi Amman temple complex.
- Sri Vaikunta Perumal Temple (Parameswara Vinnagaram): Built by the Pallava King Nandivarman, famous for its unique architecture and sculptures.
The Chennai & Coastal Cluster (5 Temples)
These temples are located in and around the capital city of Chennai and the scenic East Coast Road.
- Sri Parthasarathy Temple (Thiruvallikeni/Triplicane): The only Divya Desam where the Lord appears with a mustache, depicting Krishna as the charioteer featuring scars from arrows.
- Sri Neervanna Perumal Temple (Thiruneermalai): A “dual” temple where you can see the Lord in four different postures (Standing, Sitting, Reclining, and Walking).
- Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple (Thirunindravur): Located on the outskirts of Chennai, where the Lord stayed to wait for Goddess Lakshmi.
- Sri Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple (Thiruvidanthai): A famous “Prarthana Sthalam” for those seeking marriage, located on the ECR.
- Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple (Mahabalipuram): Located by the sea, the Lord is seen reclining on the floor without his usual serpent (Adisesha).
The Tiruvallur & Arakkonam Cluster (3 Temples)
Located towards the western side of Thondai Nadu.
- Sri Veeraraghava Perumal Temple (Tiruvallur): Known for its healing powers; the Lord is seen in a reclining posture asking “Where is the place to stay?” (Evvul?).
- Sri Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple (Thiruputkuzhi): Located near Kanchi, this temple is associated with the Ramayana, where Lord Rama performed the last rites for Jatayu.
- Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple (Sholingur/Thirukkadigai): Situated on a hill, it is believed that worshipping the Lord here for just one “ghadika” (24 minutes) can grant salvation.
Why visit the Thondai Nadu Temples?
- Proximity: Unlike the Chola Nadu temples which are spread across many villages, 14 of these are packed inside Kanchipuram, making it possible to visit them in a single weekend.
- Architecture: These temples showcase the evolution of Pallava and Vijayanagara architecture.
- Spiritual Significance: Many of these temples were the favorite subjects of Thirumangai Azhvar and Peyazhvar.
Travel Tips for Pilgrims:
- Base City: Kanchipuram is the best place to stay to cover the majority of these temples.
- Timing: Most temples in this region open from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Transport: Auto-rickshaws are the easiest way to hop between the temples inside Kanchipuram city.
Conclusion: A pilgrimage through the Thondai Nadu Divya Desams is not just a religious journey but a walk through the history of the Tamil land. Whether you are a devout seeker or an art lover, the serene faces of the deities and the ancient stone walls of Thondai Nadu will leave you in awe.