A Traveler’s Guide to kanchipuram divya desam temples
Kanchipuram brims with divine grace in its 15 Divya Desam temples. These Vishnu shrines draw pilgrims for their ancient carvings and holy vibes. This list covers each one’s location, history, and top highlights to plan your trip.
Kanchipuram, the “City of a Thousand Temples,” is not just a hub for world-famous silk sarees; it is one of the seven holiest places (Mokshapuri) in India. For devotees of Lord Vishnu, Kanchipuram holds a position of unparalleled importance. Out of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred shrines mentioned in the hymns of the Alvars), a staggering 15 are located in and around this ancient city.
If you are planning a spiritual pilgrimage or an architectural tour, here is everything you need to know about the Divya Desams of Kanchipuram.
What Makes These Temples Special?
The Divya Desams are temples praised by the Alvars, the 12 poet-saints of South India, in their collection of verses called the Nalayira Divya Prabandham. While Srirangam is considered the “First” Divya Desam, Kanchipuram is unique because it houses the highest concentration of these shrines in a single city.
The temples are broadly categorized based on the posture of Lord Vishnu: Nindra (Standing), Irundha (Sitting), and Kidantha (Reclining).
A Quick List of the 15 Divya Desams in the Kanchi Region:
- Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple
- Sri Ashtabujakaram Temple (Adorned with eight hands)
- Sri Yathothkari Perumal Temple (Thiruvehka)
- Sri Deepa Prakasar Perumal Temple (Thiruthanthka)
- Sri Azhagiya Singar Temple (Thiruvelukkai)
- Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple (Thiruooragam)
- Sri Neeragam Perumal Temple (Located inside Ulagalantha temple)
- Sri Karagam Perumal Temple (Located inside Ulagalantha temple)
- Sri Karvaanam Perumal Temple (Located inside Ulagalantha temple)
- Sri Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple
- Sri Pavalavannar Perumal Temple
- Sri Nilathingal Thundathan Perumal Temple (Located inside the Ekambareswarar Shiva temple)
- Sri Kalva Perumal Temple (Located inside the Kamakshi Amman temple)
- Sri Vaikunta Perumal Temple (Thiru Parameswara Vinnagaram – famous for Pallava architecture)
- Sri Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple (Located in Thiruputkuzhi, about 15km from the city)
Kanchipuram Divya Desam Temples Tour Plan in Chennai
Today Morning 5.30 AM Chennai Pickup to Kanchipuram, reach at kanchipuram Divya desam temples visit to
1. Thiru Ooragam: Sri Ulagalanda Perumal temple
2. Thiurkkaar Vaanam: Sri Thirukaar Vaanar temple
3. Thiru kaaragam: Sri Karunakara Perumal temple
4. Thiru Neeragam: Sri Jagadeeswara temple
5. Thiru Parameswara Vinnagaram: Sri Vaikunda Perumal temple
After Visit Check in to hotel and Relax and Evening 3.30 PM Start to drive Kanchipuram Divya desam Temples Visit to
6. Thiru Pavala Vannam: Pachai vanna (or) Sri Pavala Vanna Perumal temple
7. Thiruthanka (Thoppul): Vilakkoli Perumal temple
8. Thiru Velukkai: Sri Azhagiya Perumal temple
9. Thiruvekka: Sri Yathokthakari Perumal temple
10. Thiru Ashtabhujakaram: Aadhikesava perumal temple
After Visit Back to Hotel. – Night Stay at Kanchipuram
Today Early Morning Breakfast at Hotel after breakfast Check out from the hotel Start to drive Kanchipuram Divya desam temples visit to
11. Thirukachi: Varadharaja Perumal temple
12. Thirukkalvanoor: Sri Aadhi varaha Perumal temple
13. Thiru Padagam: Sri Pandava Thoothar Perumal temple
14. Thiru Nilathingal Thundam: Sri Nilathingal Thundathan Perumal temple
15. Thiruputkuli : Sri Vijayaraghava Perumal
After Visit Proceed to Chennai Drop
Kanchipuram Divya Desam Tour Price
| Number Of Person | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
|
2 Person ( Swift AC Car + 01 AC Double Room ) |
Rs.14000/- |
AC Car & AC Room |
|
3 Personm ( Swift AC Car + 01 AC Double Room & 01 Mattress ) |
Rs.14700/- |
AC Car & AC Room |
|
4 Person ( Swift AC Car + 02 AC Double Room ) |
Rs.17500/- |
AC Car & AC Room |
|
4 Person ( Innova AC Car + 02 AC Double Room ) |
Rs.20900/- |
AC Car & AC Room |
|
5 Person ( Innova AC Car + 02 AC Double Room & 01 Mattress ) |
Rs.21800/- |
AC Car & AC Room |
|
6 Person ( Innova AC Car + 02 AC Double Room & 02 Mattress ) |
Rs.22600/- |
AC Car & AC Room |
Hotel Used
- Kanchipuram: 01 Night Stay @ Hotel Classic
Package Includes:
- All the Transfers Mention in itinerary by AC Car.
- Car Includes: Fuel, Driver Bata, Tollgate and Parking.
- 01 Nights Stay at AC Accommodation on Double / Triple sharing basis Budget Hotel as per tour Itinerary
Package Excludes:
- Flight tickets/Train tickets.
- Lunch / Dinner / Unspecified Meals or drinks.
- Any kind of drinks (alcoholic, mineral, soft or hard and starters.)
- All the temple darshan tickets
- Personal Expenses such as Laundry, telephone calls.
Tips for Travelers & Pilgrims
- Timings: Most temples in Kanchipuram open early (6:00 AM) and close by 12:00 PM. They reopen around 4:00 PM and stay open until 8:00 PM. Plan your itinerary to cover the smaller shrines in clusters.
- Transportation: Auto-rickshaws are the most convenient way to hop between these temples. You can often hire one for a half-day “Divya Desam tour.”
- Dress Code: Traditional attire is recommended. Men should ideally wear dhotis/formal trousers, and women should wear sarees or Chudidhars.
- Best Time to Visit: The months from October to March are ideal as the weather is pleasant. If you visit during the Tamil month of Vaikasi, you can witness the grand Brahmotsavam festival at the Varadaraja Perumal temple.
Conclusion
Visiting the Divya Desams of Kanchipuram is more than just a religious circuit; it is a journey through time. From the intricate stone carvings of the Pallava dynasty to the soaring Gopurams of the Vijayanagara Empire, these temples stand as a testament to India’s spiritual and artistic heritage.
Whether you are looking for inner peace or a glimpse into ancient history, the Vishnu temples of Kanchi will leave you mesmerized.