Divya Desams series -TIRUVEGKA

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TIRUVEGKA

 

This Divya shetram is located in the temple town of Kanchipuram, closer to Varadaraja perumal temple.

 

The presiding deity is Yatotkaara perumal, also known as Sonnavannam Seida perumal in a reclining posture. (It is an unique posture, of the head to the devotees’ right unlike in other shetrams). The Thayar is Komalavalli Thayar and Saraswathi is also seen in the sanctum. The Theertham is Poikai pushkarini and the Vimanam Veda saara Vimanam.

 

According to the sthala purana the Devas surrendered to the Lord when Vegavathi (Saraswathi river) was forced by Asuras to flood and destroy the yagna of Brahma. Responding to their prayers the Lord lay in the way forming a dam and helped Brahma to complete the yagna. Hence this place gained the name Vegavati anai, which in due course changed to Vegka.

 

Legend has it that Poikai Azhwar was discovered on a lotus flower in the Poikai pushkarini. It is also believed that Kanikannan, a disciple of Tirumaisaiazhwar was banished from the kingdom by the then ruler of the place. When Tirumaisaiazwar also accompanied his disciple the Lord joined them. Later when the king revoked the order, at the request of Tirumaisaiazhwar the Lord returned to His original shrine. Hence the Lord is called Sonnavannam seidha perumal as He acted as per the request of the Azhwar.

Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam:

Tirumangai Azhwar – 1854, 2059, 2064, 2065, 2673, 2775

Tirumaisaiazhwar – 814, 815, 2417

Poigaiazhwar – 2158

Peyaazhwar – 2307, 2343, 2345, 2357

Nammaazhwar – 2503 (pasuram number as found in Nallayira Divya prabhandam)

 

Reference to this shrine is found in the Tamil sangam works such as Tolkappiam and Silappadikaaram.

Vaikunta Ekadasi and Poikaiazhwars’ birthday is celebrated during Aippisi.

Om Namo Narayanaya

Padmashri Sampathkumar