Azhagiya Singa Perumal Temple also known as Tiruvelukkai is a Hindu temple located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, devoted to the Hindu god Vishnu. The temple, built in the Dravidian style, is mentioned in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, an early mediaeval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th to the 9th centuries CE.

It is one of 108 Divya Desams devoted to Vishnu as Aagiya Singar (Narasimha) and his consort Lakshmi as Amruthavalli. Hiranyakashap, the oppressive asura king, is said to have been killed by Aagiya Singar.

Story/Legend of the Azhagiya Singa Perumal Temple

Velukkai is formed from the words Vel (desire) and irukkai (place of stay), referring to the location where Vishnu desired to dwell, which evolved into Velukkai from Velirukkai. The original picture of the temple is thought to have been an east-facing standing position of Vishnu when he appeared for Bhrigu Maharishi and afterwards as Aagiya Singar. According to the temple’s regional tradition, Saraswati, the consort of Brahma and Lakshmi, once debated superiority. They went to Indra, the celestial deity’s king. Indra considered Lakshmi to be superior. Saraswati went to her husband, Brahma, after being dissatisfied with his argument.

He also selected Lakshmi as the superior one. Saraswati was dissatisfied with the choice and resolved to avoid Brahma. Brahma performed an Ashvamedha yajna and extreme penance to Vishnu. Saraswati was still enraged because Brahma performed the yajna alone, rather than with his consorts. She attempted to disturb the penance in numerous ways, but Vishnu foiled all of her efforts. After Vishnu vanquished all the demons sent by Saraswati to demolish Brahma’s yajna (penance), she dispatched Kapalika, a demon. To destroy the demon, Vishnu assumed the shape of Narhari. This temple is considered one of the 108 Divya Desams.

What is Divya Desams– A Divya Desam or Vaishnava Divya Desam is one of the 108 Vishnu and Lakshmi temples recorded by the Alvars, the poet-saints of the Sri Vaishnava faith. 105 of the 108 temples are in India, one is in Nepal, and the final two are thought to be in space, in Tirupparkatal and Vaikuntham. They are distributed over the Indian states of Tamil Nadu (84), Kerala (11), Andhra Pradesh (2), Gujarat (1), Uttar Pradesh (4), and Uttarakhand (3). Muktinath, Saligramam is Nepal’s sole Divya Desam. The 12 Alvars respect the Divya Desams in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, a collection of 4,000 Tamil hymns.

History of Azhagiya Singa Perumal Temple

The Pallavas of the late eighth century CE are said to have built the temple, with additional contributions from Mediaeval Cholas and Vijayanagara kings. The temple’s walls bear three inscriptions, two from the reign of Kulothunga Chola I (1070-1120 CE) and one from the reign of Rajadhiraja Chola (1018-54 CE). The temple is surrounded by a granite wall, which encloses all of the shrines and two pools of water. The temple has a three-tiered raja gopuram, which serves as the temple’s gateway tower.

Architecture of Azhagiya Singa Perumal Temple

Narasimhar (also known as Mukunda Nayaka) is shown in a seated stance facing West. The temple is close to Vishnu Kanchipuram’s Tiruththanka temple. There are three shrines in the temple: one for the presiding deity Aagiya Singar, one for his spouse Amruthavalli, and one for Garuda.

Facts about Azhagiya Singa Perumal Temple

• Azhagiya Singa Perumal Temple or Tiruvelukkai is a Vishnu temple located in the ancient town of Kanchipuram, in the state of Tamil Nadu.
• Lord Narasimha is housed here as Azhagiya Singar or Azhagiya Singa Perumal, and his consort is Amruthavalli Thayar.
• The Azhagiya Singa Perumal Temple or Tiruvelukkai is classified as a Divya Desam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the book.
• The temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7th–9th century Vaishnava canon, by Peyalvar, Bhoothathalvar, Thirumalisai Alvar and Tirumangai Alvar.
• The Alvars have sung praise on the different forms of the deity. Many Acharyas have also written songs on the various forms of God in this temple.
• Because Narasimha is a powerful and aggressive God, those seeking justice and protection from foes flock to this temple. It is also thought that this Lord may provide believers with respite from all of their difficulties.

Famous Festivals In Azhagiya Singa Perumal Temple

• Brahmmotsavam is the major festival celebrated in the temple.
• Chitra Poornima is also a major occasion for celebration in the temple.
• Vaikuntha Ekadashi – Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrated during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January) is the major festival celebrated in the temple.

How to reach Azhagiya Singa Perumal Temple

Azhagiya Singa Perumal Temple – Tiruvelukkai is a Vishnu temple located in the ancient town of Kanchipuram, in the state of Tamil Nadu.

By Air: The nearest airport is in Chennai city, about 80 Km from this temple.

By Railway: Kanchipuram has a railway station not far from the temple

By Roadways: Kanchipuram town is well connected to many of the cities by road. Local transport is also available here, in plenty.

Also Read –  Ulagalantha Perumal Temple Kanchipuram